Garlic confit oven cooking is the ultimate way to achieve soft, buttery, and deeply flavorful garlic that melts effortlessly onto warm bread or blends seamlessly into your favorite dishes. This slow-cooked method in olive oil with fragrant herbs transforms garlic’s sharp bite into something irresistibly smooth and mellow.
Whether you’re spreading it on toast, stirring it into pasta, or elevating roasted meats, garlic confit oven is the secret ingredient you never knew you needed. Plus, the infused oil is pure liquid gold—perfect for drizzling over vegetables, soups, and even salads.
If you love bold, comforting flavors but want something that’s both versatile and easy to make, you’re in for a treat. Let’s dive into this effortless method that will take your dishes to the next level!
Why you’ll love this recipe:
- Easy to make with minimal ingredients.
- Long shelf life when stored properly.
- Enhances everything from bread to meats and pasta.
Table of Contents
Garlic Confit Oven: What Is It?
Confit is a French cooking technique that involves slow-cooking ingredients in fat at a low temperature. Garlic confit oven is made by gently roasting garlic in oil, which results in mild, caramelized, and creamy cloves.
Key Benefits of Garlic Confit:
- Less harsh than raw garlic – No more overpowering sharpness.
- Silky, spreadable texture – Perfect for toast, sauces, and marinades.
- Infused oil bonus – The oil absorbs garlic’s rich aroma and depth.
Why I Love To Make Garlic Confit Oven (And Why You Should Too!)
Once you make garlic confit oven, you’ll never go back to using raw garlic the same way again!
Why It’s a Must-Try:
- Flavor Upgrade: Enhances dishes with a sweet, mellow taste.
- Super Versatile: Use it in soups, meats, pasta, and dips.
- Meal Prep-Friendly: Store in the fridge or freezer for easy use.
HOW TO Make Garlic Confit in the Oven
Making garlic confit is incredibly simple. Just follow these easy steps!
Ingredients:
- 2-3 heads of fresh garlic, peeled
- 1 to 1½ cups extra virgin olive oil
- Fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary, bay leaves)
- ½ tsp salt (optional for flavor)
Equipment Needed:
- Oven-safe dish
- Airtight glass jar (for storage)
- Fine mesh strainer
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 250°F (120°C).
- Peel the garlic cloves and place them in an oven-safe dish.
- Submerge in oil until fully covered.
- Add herbs & seasoning for extra aroma.
- Slow-roast for 1½ to 2 hours until golden and soft.
- Cool completely, then store in a sterilized jar.
Tip: Use garlic-infused oil to drizzle over roasted meats from Leftover Rotisserie Chicken Recipes for an effortless flavor boost!
Storing Garlic Confit Oven
Since garlic confit is stored in oil, proper storage is essential to maintain freshness and food safety.
Best Storage Methods:
Refrigeration:
- Store in a sealed glass jar.
- Shelf Life: Up to 2 weeks in the fridge.
Freezing:
- Mash into a paste and freeze in ice cube trays.
- Shelf Life: Up to 3 months.
Never store garlic confit in the oven at room temperature due to botulism risk. Always keep it cold for safety.
Try This! Add frozen garlic confit cubes to Vegan Lunch Ideas for a quick, delicious flavor boost.
Peeling Garlic: The Easy Way
Peeling garlic can be time-consuming, but these hacks make it effortless!
Quick Peeling Tricks:
The Shake Method:
- Place garlic cloves in a sealed jar.
- Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds.
- The skins will fall right off!
The Blanching Trick:
- Soak cloves in warm water for 1 minute.
- The skins will slide off when squeezed.
How to Serve and Elevate Your Dishes
Garlic confit is a flavor powerhouse that can be used in countless ways!
Spread on Bread & Toast
- Enjoy with Sunflower Pumpkin Seed Bread for a nutty, garlicky combo.
Mix into Pasta & Sauces
- Blend into homemade tomato sauce or aioli.
- Stir into pasta dishes for extra depth.
Use in Vegan & Meat Dishes
- Mix into salads, dips, and roasted vegetables.
What You Need and Tips to Perfect Your Garlic Confit Oven Recipe
- Use high-quality olive oil for the best results.
- Roast at a low temperature to prevent bitterness.
- Experiment with different herbs like thyme, rosemary, or chili flakes.
- Always refrigerate after cooling to ensure freshness.
Conclusion
Making garlic confit oven in the oven is an easy yet transformative way to elevate your meals. With minimal effort, you get soft, buttery garlic that’s perfect for spreading, mixing, and cooking.
Try it today and experience next-level flavor in your dishes!
FAQs
What temperature do you confit?
Garlic confit is best cooked at a low temperature between 200°F and 250°F (93°C–120°C). This slow-cooking process allows the garlic to soften gently and develop a rich, buttery texture without browning too quickly.
How to avoid botulism in garlic confit?
Botulism is a rare but serious risk when storing garlic in oil. To prevent bacterial growth:
Always refrigerate garlic confit in an airtight container.
Use clean utensils when scooping out garlic to prevent contamination.
Do not store at room temperature—even infused oil should be refrigerated.
Use within two weeks or freeze for longer storage.
What is the difference between roasted garlic and garlic confit?
While both methods enhance garlic’s sweetness, they differ in texture and cooking process:
Roasted garlic is cooked at higher temperatures (around 375°F/190°C), resulting in caramelized, slightly crispy cloves with a deep, nutty flavor.
Garlic confit is slow-cooked in oil at a low temperature (200°F–250°F), producing soft, spreadable cloves with a mellow, buttery taste.
What temperature does garlic burn in the oven?
Garlic starts to burn at around 325°F (163°C), depending on its moisture content and cooking method. For confit, it’s essential to keep the temperature low (below 250°F) to avoid bitterness and preserve the delicate flavor.
Now that you know how to make, store, and use garlic confit, it’s time to bring this secret ingredient into your kitchen!
Garlic Confit Oven
Ingredients
- 2 –3 heads of garlic cloves peeled
- 1 to 1½ cups extra virgin olive oil
- 2 –3 sprigs fresh thyme or rosemary optional
- ½ teaspoon salt optional
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper optional
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Set your oven to 250°F (120°C) to ensure slow, gentle cooking.
Step 2: Prepare the Garlic
- Peel all garlic cloves and place them in an oven-safe dish.
- If desired, add fresh thyme or rosemary for extra flavor.
Step 3: Add Oil & Seasoning
- Pour enough olive oil to fully submerge the garlic cloves.
- Sprinkle with salt and black pepper, if using.
Step 4: Slow Roast
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 1½ to 2 hours.
- The garlic should turn soft, golden, and tender without browning too much.
Step 5: Cool & Store
- Let the garlic confit cool completely before transferring it to a sterilized glass jar.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months.
Notes
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Protein: 1g
- Fiber: 0.2g
- Sodium: 2mg
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