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
Scale
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.
