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Confit Garlic Cream Cheese Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4 from 36 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 1.1 cups (about 8 servings)
  • Category: Spread
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Confit Garlic Cream Cheese recipe combines slow-cooked sweet and mellow garlic with creamy, tangy cream cheese, enhanced by a touch of lemon juice and fresh herbs. Perfect as a flavorful spread or dip, it’s easy to prepare and brings a gourmet touch to your appetizers or snacks.

Ingredients

Confit Garlic

  • 1 head of garlic (about 10-12 cloves)
  • 1/4 cup olive oil (enough to submerge garlic)

Cream Cheese Mixture

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
  • 1/4 tsp salt (or to taste)
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • Fresh herbs (optional, such as parsley, chives, or thyme)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Garlic: Peel the garlic cloves. If you prefer a milder flavor, slice the garlic cloves in half to facilitate skin removal later.
  2. Cook the Garlic: In a small saucepan, add the garlic cloves and enough olive oil to cover them completely. Heat over very low heat, allowing the garlic to cook slowly for about 45 minutes to 1 hour. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking or browning. The garlic should become soft, tender, and golden without browning, resulting in a sweet and aromatic flavor.
  3. Cool the Garlic: Once cooked, remove the garlic cloves from the oil and let them cool to room temperature. Reserve the garlic-infused olive oil for use in dressings or drizzling over vegetables.
  4. Mash the Garlic: Use the back of a spoon, a fork, or a food processor to mash the cooled garlic cloves into a smooth paste according to your preferred texture.
  5. Mix the Cream Cheese: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mashed confit garlic, lemon juice if using, salt, and black pepper. Blend together with a hand mixer or whisk until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
  6. Add Fresh Herbs (Optional): Stir in finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or thyme to add extra flavor and freshness.
  7. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the confit garlic cream cheese for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve as a spread on crackers, toast, bagels, or as a dip for fresh vegetables.

Notes

  • Use low heat to avoid browning the garlic during confit cooking.
  • The garlic-infused olive oil is flavorful and can be reused in dressings or cooking.
  • Adjust salt and pepper to taste after mixing for a balanced flavor.
  • Herbs are optional but add a fresh dimension to the cream cheese.
  • Refrigeration time helps to develop a richer flavor.

Find it online: https://slsrecipes.com/confit-garlic-cream-cheese-recipe/