Garlic Confit is one of those simple kitchen staples that quietly elevates everything it touches. Whole garlic cloves are gently baked in olive oil with rosemary and thyme until soft, mellow, and fragrant. Once you have a jar in the refrigerator, you will find endless ways to use it throughout the week.
Garlic Confit At A Glance
- 🕒 Total Time: 50-65 minutes (5-10 minutes prep, 45-60 minutes bake)
- 🍽 Yield: About 1½-2 cups garlic confit
- 🌍 Cuisine Type: Mediterranean-inspired
- 🌿 Flavor Profile: Soft, mellow garlic gently infused with olive oil, rosemary, thyme, and bay leaves. Savory, aromatic, and lightly sweet.
- 🥗 Dietary Info: Naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan.
- 📦 Storage Notes: Store fully submerged in oil in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 months. Always keep refrigerated.
- ⭐ Why You'll Love It: A simple, low-effort staple that adds depth and richness to everything from vegetables and pasta to spreads and sauces.
This is one of those recipes I make when I want something useful in the refrigerator, not just something to check off a list. Garlic confit quietly works its way into meals all week, adding depth without a lot of preparation. I like knowing it is there, ready to make simple food taste a little more special.
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Garlic confit pairs beautifully with other simple, flavor-forward staples. If you enjoy keeping ingredients like Cherry Tomato Confit or Basil Pesto on hand, this fits right into that same type of cooking.
I also like using it to add depth to vegetable-based dishes like the Cauliflower and Mushroom Skillet or the Roasted Mini Peppers where a spoonful of softened garlic or a drizzle of the infused oil brings everything together. The garlic is also delicious spread on crackers or used in a bruschetta as an appetizer.
Ingredients
You will need the following ingredients in mastering how to make garlic confit:
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Ingredient Notes
- Garlic - Use whole heads of fresh garlic and leave the cloves intact once peeled. Smaller cloves will soften a bit faster, while larger cloves will take the full cooking time. Fresh garlic works best here since older garlic can taste bitter once cooked. Do not use frozen garlic.
- Olive Oil - Choose a good-quality olive oil that you enjoy the taste of, since it flavors both the garlic and the finished oil. The garlic should be fully submerged at all times to cook evenly and store safely. My favorite brand of olive oil is Laconiko.
See the recipe card for quantities.
How To Make Garlic Confit: Step-By-Step
Here are some quick visual instructions. Remember that full instructions with the exact ingredients are in the printable recipe card:
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Separate and peel the garlic cloves. Add the cloves to a small baking dish.
Step 2: Add the bay leaf, rosemary, and thyme to the baking dish.
Step 3: Fill the dish with olive oil until the cloves are completely covered.
Step 4: Bake for 45-60 minutes until the cloves are soft and fragrant.
Pro Tip
Keep the garlic fully submerged at all times. This ensures even cooking and is essential for safe storage. If any cloves peek out, add a bit more oil.
Variations:
- Lemon - Add a few wide strips of lemon peel to the oil along with the herbs. The citrus brightens the garlic and pairs especially well with vegetables, chicken, and seafood.
- Chili - Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a small dried chili to the baking dish. This creates gentle heat without overpowering the garlic and works well for pasta and grain dishes.
- Herbs - Swap or add herbs depending on what you have. Oregano, sage, or a small sprig of marjoram all work beautifully. Keep the total amount of herbs modest so the garlic remains the focus.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, when it is prepared correctly and stored properly. Garlic confit should always be fully submerged in oil and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should never be stored at room temperature.
When stored completely covered in oil in the refrigerator, garlic confit will keep for up to 2 months. Always use a clean utensil when removing cloves or oil.
Other Condiments
Let me know your thoughts on this Garlic Confit by leaving a star rating below or by sharing it on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest!
Thank you!
Gwen
Garlic Confit With Thyme and Rosemary
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Equipment
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350℉.
- Separate and peel the garlic. Add the cloves to a small baking dish.2 to 3 heads garlic
- Add the bay leaf, thyme, and rosemary to the baking dish.1 whole bay leaf, 3 whole thyme sprigs, 2 whole rosemary sprigs
- Fill the baking dish with enough olive oil to cover and submerge the garlic.1.5 cups olive oil
- Bake for 45-60 minutes until the cloves become soft and fragrant. They will become lightly browned.
- Remove from the oven and let cool to room temperature.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Keep the garlic fully submerged in oil.
Gwen says
You will love this recipe!