If you love rich, velvety spreads packed with deliciously mellow garlic flavor, you are going to fall head over heels for this Confit Garlic Cream Cheese Recipe. This dreamy concoction combines the sweet, buttery softness of slowly cooked confit garlic with the creamy tang of fresh cream cheese, creating a spread that will elevate anything it touches—from your morning bagel to an elegant appetizer platter. It’s simple to make but delivers a gourmet taste that feels like a secret indulgence you can enjoy anytime.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Everything in this recipe is straightforward and easy to find, yet each ingredient plays a vital role in crafting the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. The olive oil not only gently cooks the garlic but also adds silkiness, while the lemon juice brightens the cream cheese with a fresh zing. Simple ingredients, amazing results.
- 1 head of garlic (about 10-12 cloves): The star of the show, confit slowly to unlock a sweet and mellow garlic flavor.
- 1/4 cup olive oil: Used to gently cook the garlic and infuse it with richness, plus bonus oil for dressings.
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened: Creamy base that blends perfectly with the tender garlic.
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (optional): Adds brightness and balances the richness of the cream cheese.
- 1/4 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors and ties the spread together.
- 1/4 tsp black pepper: Gives a subtle hint of spice for depth.
- Fresh herbs (optional, such as parsley, chives, or thyme): Freshness and color that bring the recipe to life.
How to Make Confit Garlic Cream Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Garlic
Start by peeling your garlic cloves. If you want an even milder garlic flavor, slicing the cloves in half will help loosen the skins and make peeling easier. This step is simple but crucial for getting the confit just right.
Step 2: Cook the Garlic Slowly
Place the garlic cloves in a small saucepan and pour in the olive oil, ensuring the garlic is fully submerged. Keep the heat very low so the cloves cook gently for 45 minutes to an hour. The goal is soft, tender, golden garlic that has mellowed beautifully without any browning or bitterness. This slow, patient cooking transforms harsh raw garlic into sweet, aromatic magic.
Step 3: Cool the Garlic
Once the garlic is perfectly soft, remove the cloves from the oil and let them cool to room temperature. Don’t toss that precious garlic-infused oil! Save it for dressings, drizzling on veggies, or even dipping bread for an extra flavor boost.
Step 4: Mash the Garlic
After cooling, mash the garlic cloves into a paste. You can use the back of a spoon or a fork for a rustic feel, or blitz them in a food processor if you prefer a silky smooth texture. This mash is the heart of your spread.
Step 5: Blend with Cream Cheese
In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with your mashed garlic. Add lemon juice if using, along with salt and pepper. Whisk or hand-mix everything together until it’s luxuriously creamy and completely blended.
Step 6: Add Fresh Herbs (Optional)
If you want to elevate this spread with a fresh herbal note, fold in finely chopped parsley, chives, or thyme. The herbs add a lively splash of color and a fragrant hint that complements the garlic and cream cheese beautifully.
Step 7: Chill and Serve
For the best flavor, pop your confit garlic cream cheese in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This resting time lets all the flavors marry nicely. Serve on toasted bread, bagels, crackers, or even as a dip for fresh veggie sticks. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
How to Serve Confit Garlic Cream Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a little extra chopped fresh herbs on top for a bright, inviting look. A drizzle of the reserved garlic oil over the spread just before serving adds a tempting sheen and extra flavor pop that guests will adore.
Side Dishes
This spread pairs beautifully with crunchy vegetables like cucumber, bell peppers, or carrot sticks for a fresh textural contrast. It also complements warm, crusty bread or toasted pita chips, turning simple snacks into something special.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the Confit Garlic Cream Cheese Recipe inside hollowed-out mini bell peppers or atop roasted potatoes for an elegant appetizer. You can also use it as a flavorful base for savory stuffed mushrooms or as a spread inside wraps and sandwiches for a gourmet touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate. This spread stays fresh for up to 5 days, making it a great option for prepping ahead for parties or having handy for quick snacks.
Freezing
You can freeze the Confit Garlic Cream Cheese Recipe, but expect a slight texture change upon thawing. Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months, and thaw in the fridge overnight before using.
Reheating
This spread is best served chilled or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t necessary. If you want to use it warm, let it come to room temperature naturally or gently warm it with a double boiler to avoid separating the cream cheese.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought roasted garlic instead of making my own confit garlic?
While store-bought roasted garlic can work in a pinch, homemade confit garlic offers a sweeter, more delicate flavor that really elevates the cream cheese. It’s worth the extra slow-cooked hour for the best taste.
Is there a vegan alternative for this recipe?
You can substitute cream cheese with a plant-based cream cheese to make a vegan version. The confit garlic remains the same and continues to add beautiful flavor.
How long does the confit garlic take to cook?
The garlic takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour over very low heat. Cooking it slowly is essential for achieving that silky texture and mellow sweetness.
What can I do with the leftover garlic oil?
The garlic-infused oil is incredible for drizzling over salads, roasted vegetables, or dipping fresh bread. It’s a flavorful bonus that shouldn’t be wasted!
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! The Confit Garlic Cream Cheese Recipe itself is naturally gluten-free; just be mindful to serve with gluten-free crackers, bread, or vegetable sticks to keep the entire dish friendly for gluten-sensitive friends.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Confit Garlic Cream Cheese Recipe, it will quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen. It’s that perfect blend of comforting creaminess and sweet, aromatic garlic that makes every bite a little celebration. So go ahead and make a batch—you’ll be amazed at how a few simple ingredients can create such a deliciously versatile and irresistible spread. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Confit Garlic Cream Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 1.1 cup (about 8 servings)
- Category: Spread
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Confit Garlic Cream Cheese is a rich and creamy spread made by slowly cooking garlic in olive oil until mellow and sweet, then blending it with softened cream cheese, fresh lemon juice, and optional fresh herbs. Perfect as a flavorful spread for crackers, toast, bagels, or as a vegetable dip, it offers a luxurious garlic taste that’s smooth and balanced.
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. To achieve a milder flavor and make peeling easier, you can slice the garlic cloves in half.
- Cook the garlic: Place the garlic cloves in a small saucepan and cover them with olive oil. Heat the mixture over very low heat, ensuring the garlic is fully submerged. Allow it to cook slowly for 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until the garlic becomes soft, tender, and golden but not browned. This slow cooking mellows the garlic and enhances its sweetness and aroma.
- Cool the garlic: Remove the garlic from the oil and let it cool to room temperature. Reserve the garlic-infused olive oil for dressings or drizzling over vegetables.
- Mash the garlic: Once cooled, mash the garlic cloves into a smooth paste using the back of a spoon, a fork, or a food processor for a finer texture.
- Mix the cream cheese: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with the mashed confit garlic, lemon juice (if using), salt, and black pepper. Blend thoroughly with a hand mixer or whisk until smooth and creamy.
- Add fresh herbs (optional): Stir in finely chopped fresh parsley, chives, or thyme to enhance the flavor if desired.
- Chill and serve: Refrigerate the mixture for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Serve on crackers, toast, bagels, or as a dip for fresh vegetables.
Notes
- Ensure the garlic cooks on very low heat to avoid burning and achieve a mellow flavor.
- Reserve the flavored olive oil for other culinary uses like salad dressings or roasting vegetables.
- For a smoother texture, use a food processor to mash the garlic and blend the cream cheese mixture.
- Adjust salt and lemon juice to taste based on your preference.
- This spread can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
