If you adore the rich, mellow sweetness of garlic combined with the creamy tang of cheese, then this Confit Garlic Cream Cheese Recipe is going to be your new obsession. It’s a heavenly blend where slow-cooked garlic transforms into a silky, buttery treasure that perfectly complements the smooth cream cheese. This little magic in a bowl turns any simple snack into an unforgettable treat, making it a must-have for gatherings or cozy nights in. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll wonder how you ever enjoyed cream cheese without it!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Confit Garlic Cream Cheese Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, whether it’s lending luscious texture, brightening the palate, or adding that subtle herbal fragrance that makes each bite sing.
- Garlic: The star of the show, slow-cooked to mellow out its sharpness and bring out natural sweetness.
- Olive oil: Gently cooks the garlic and infuses the cream cheese with its rich, fruity undertones.
- Cream cheese: Provides the creamy, tangy base that balances the garlic’s deep flavors perfectly.
- Fresh lemon juice: Adds a bright, zesty contrast that lifts the overall flavor (optional but highly recommended).
- Salt: Enhances all the natural flavors and ties everything together.
- Black pepper: Gives just a hint of spice to keep things interesting.
- Fresh herbs: Parsley, chives, or thyme add a lovely fresh note that complements the rich creaminess (optional).
How to Make Confit Garlic Cream Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Garlic
Start by peeling each garlic clove carefully. If you’re aiming for a milder garlic flavor, slice the cloves in half to make peeling easier and ensure even cooking. This prep work, though simple, is crucial to achieving that perfect silky texture later on.
Step 2: Cook the Garlic Slowly in Olive Oil
Place your peeled garlic cloves in a small saucepan and pour enough olive oil to submerge them completely. Keep the heat very low and let the garlic gently cook for 45 minutes to an hour. Slow heat is key here—it draws out the garlic’s natural sweetness and softens it to a luscious golden softness without any bitterness.
Step 3: Cool the Garlic and Save the Oil
Once the garlic cloves are tender and fragrant, remove them from the oil and let them cool to room temperature. Don’t toss that beautiful garlic-infused oil; it’s a delicious pantry treasure perfect for drizzling over salads, vegetables, or even spreading on crusty bread.
Step 4: Mash the Garlic
Use the back of a spoon or a fork to mash the softened garlic cloves into a smooth, fragrant paste. If you prefer something extra silky, blitz the cloves in a food processor. This mash is the luscious component that will make your cream cheese sing.
Step 5: Combine with Cream Cheese and Seasonings
In a bowl, take your softened cream cheese and add the mashed garlic, lemon juice (if using), salt, and black pepper. Blend thoroughly using a whisk or a hand mixer until the texture is creamy and smooth. This is where all those fantastic flavors start to marry beautifully.
Step 6: Stir in Fresh Herbs (Optional)
For an extra dimension of flavor, toss in finely chopped parsley, chives, or thyme. Fresh herbs add a burst of bright color and subtle complexity that elevates this easy spread into something truly special.
Step 7: Chill and Enjoy
Pop your Confit Garlic Cream Cheese in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. This step lets the flavors meld perfectly, ensuring every bite is luscious and well-rounded. Now you’re ready to enjoy it on your favorite crackers, bagels, or as a dip for crunchy vegetables.
How to Serve Confit Garlic Cream Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of fresh herbs like chopped chives or parsley adds a fresh, lively touch and makes your presentation pop. For a visual and textural contrast, a dash of smoked paprika or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil works wonders too.
Side Dishes
This creamy delight pairs beautifully with crispy crackers, warm toasted baguette slices, or crunchy vegetable sticks such as celery, carrots, or bell peppers. It’s also fabulous alongside a charcuterie board, bringing a luscious counterpoint to cured meats and cheeses.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Confit Garlic Cream Cheese Recipe inside halved cherry tomatoes, atop roasted mushrooms, or dolloped on warm baked potatoes. It also makes an incredible spread inside sandwiches or as a creamy swirl in soups for added richness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any extra Confit Garlic Cream Cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep fresh for up to one week, so you can enjoy those garlicky, creamy flavors anytime you want for several days.
Freezing
If you want to keep it longer, this spread freezes well. Transfer it to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to two months. When thawed, the texture may be slightly less smooth but still delicious and perfect for cooking or spreading.
Reheating
This spread is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, but if you want a warm version, gently warm it in a microwave or stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to maintain its creamy consistency without breaking.
FAQs
Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic for this recipe?
While garlic powder can add garlic flavor, it won’t replicate the sweet, mellow richness that slow-cooked fresh garlic offers. For the signature depth of this Confit Garlic Cream Cheese Recipe, fresh garlic is well worth the extra step.
Is it safe to store garlic in oil?
Yes, but it’s important to refrigerate garlic stored in oil and consume it within one week to prevent any risk of bacterial growth. Always keep it chilled and use clean utensils when scooping out the mixture.
Can I use other types of cheese?
Cream cheese creates the perfect creamy base, but you can experiment with mascarpone or ricotta for variations in texture and flavor. Just note that the final taste and creaminess will differ.
How long does confit garlic take to cook?
Confit garlic usually takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour at very low heat. The slow cooking process mellows out the sharp raw garlic taste and brings out a subtle golden softness.
Can I add spices to customize this recipe?
Absolutely! A pinch of smoked paprika, cayenne, or even a touch of cumin can add exciting layers to this dish. Just be sure to balance the flavors so the garlic remains the star.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about this Confit Garlic Cream Cheese Recipe—it takes simple ingredients and transforms them into a flavor-packed spread that feels both luxurious and comforting. Whether you’re a garlic lover or just looking to elevate your snack game, this recipe is an absolute winner. Give it a try, and I promise you’ll fall in love with every luscious bite.
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Confit Garlic Cream Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 cup (approximately 1 serving as a spread)
- Category: Spread
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Confit Garlic Cream Cheese recipe offers a luscious and creamy spread infused with sweet, mellow garlic slowly cooked in olive oil. Perfect as a flavorful addition to crackers, toast, or veggies, this recipe balances the richness of cream cheese with the aromatic depth of confit garlic and optional fresh herbs for a truly versatile and delicious accompaniment.
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
- Prepare the garlic: Peel the garlic cloves. For a milder flavor and easier peeling, you can slice the garlic in half before removing the skins.
- Cook the garlic: Place peeled garlic cloves in a small saucepan and cover completely with olive oil. Heat over very low heat, maintaining a gentle simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring occasionally. The garlic should become soft, tender, and golden without browning, allowing its flavor to mellow and sweeten.
- Cool the garlic: Remove the garlic cloves from the oil once soft and let them cool to room temperature. Reserve the garlic-infused oil for dressings or drizzling over vegetables to enhance flavor.
- Mash the garlic: Use a fork, the back of a spoon, or a food processor to mash the cooled garlic cloves into a smooth paste, depending on your preferred texture.
- 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 with a hand mixer or whisk until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add fresh herbs (optional): Stir in finely chopped fresh herbs such as parsley, chives, or thyme to introduce additional fresh flavors.
- Chill and serve: Refrigerate the cream cheese mixture for at least 30 minutes to meld the flavors. Serve chilled on crackers, toast, bagels, or as a dip with fresh vegetables.
Notes
- Use the reserved garlic-infused olive oil as a flavorful addition to salads, vegetables, or for cooking.
- Adjust the amount of lemon juice to taste for desired brightness.
- Add herbs according to your preference or omit if desired.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- If you prefer a thinner spread, mix in a small amount of reserved garlic oil to loosen the cream cheese.
