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How to Make Garlic Confit Recipe (Garlic-Infused Oil)

How to make garlic confit for dips, dressings, and so many dishes! An easy recipe that makes the most delicious garlic-infused oil that complements a variety of cuisines. Turn it into butter or use it on its own– you can’t go wrong with this recipe! 
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time45 minutes
Servings: 32 tablespoons

Ingredients

Garlic Confit

  • 2 cups peeled garlic I buy pre-peeled at Sam’s in a large bag
  • 2 cups extra-virgin olive oil
  • 3 sprigs of fresh thyme
  • 3-4 Rosemary twigs
  • 1 tsp coarse salt

Garlic Herb Butter

  • 1/2 cup butter softened
  • 2-3 tbsp garlic confit no oil just bulbs garlic
  • 1 tablespoons chopped parsley
  • 1 tablespoon chopped rosemary
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

Garlic Confit

  • Preheat your oven to 275°F. In a baking dish, combine the peeled garlic cloves, olive oil, salt, rosemary sprigs, and thyme. Mix well to coat the garlic evenly.
  • Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 1 to 1.5 hours. The garlic should become soft and golden but not browned. Stir the mixture occasionally to ensure even cooking.
  • Once the garlic is soft and infused with the flavors, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool to room temperature. Remove the fresh herbs. Transfer the garlic and oil to an airtight jar. Make sure the garlic is fully submerged in the oil.
  • Seal the jar and store it in the refrigerator. The garlic confit can be kept for several weeks. The oil will solidify in the refrigerator, so let it come to room temperature before using.
  • If you want to freeze, place it in a freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion, and freeze. This will last a few months in the freezer

Garlic Butter

  • In a bowl, combine the softened butter, chopped herbs, garlic confit, and salt. Use a spoon or spatula to mix everything thoroughly.
  • Transfer the herb butter onto a sheet of parchment paper and shape it into a log or form it into a bowl shape. If you choose the log shape, roll the butter in the parchment paper and twist the ends to secure it. Alternatively, place the butter in a small bowl.
  • Refrigerate the herb butter for at least an hour, or until it becomes firm. This allows the flavors to meld.
  • Once the herb butter is chilled and firm, it's ready to use. Slice it if you made a log or serve it as a scoop if you used a bowl. You can also store the herb butter in the refrigerator for later use.

Notes

Expert Tips

    • Follow the storage instructions below to make sure you are storing your garlic confit properly. There is a risk of botulism which is a food-borne illness, so proper storage in the fridge is essential. 
    • Use red pepper flakes to add some spice when serving, if desired. 

How to Use 

    • Spread on Crusty Bread: Mash the softened garlic cloves and spread them on a crusty slice of bread and toast for a delicious garlic bread.
    • Pasta Dishes: Toss into pasta dishes, such as aglio e olio or creamy garlic pasta, for added depth of flavor.
    • Mashed Potatoes: Mix into mashed potatoes for a flavorful twist.
    • Salad Dressings: Blend into salad dressings for a subtle garlic infusion.
    • Sauces and Gravies: Stir into tomato sauces, gravy, or pan sauces to enhance the overall taste. 
    • Vegetable Roasts: Roast vegetables with it to impart a savory, roasted garlic flavor.
    • Pizza Topping: Spread over pizza crusts before adding other toppings.
    • Marinades: Incorporate into marinades for meats, poultry, or seafood.
    • Soups and Stews: Stir into soups and stews for a subtle garlic note.
    • Egg Dishes: Add a spoonful to scrambled eggs, omelets, or frittatas.
    • Dipping Sauces: Create a flavorful dipping sauce by combining with herbs, spices, and a touch of vinegar or lemon juice. You can also use this garlic-infused oil to jazz up plain hummus or other ready-made dips. 
    • Sandwiches and Wraps: Spread on sandwiches or wraps for an extra burst of flavor.

Storage Tips

Using clean utensils, store in an airtight container or glass mason jar in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 weeks. Ensure that all the garlic cloves are fully submerged in enough olive oil, which helps to prevent spoilage and bacteria growth.
To freeze, place garlic oil in an airtight freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top for expansion. Frozen garlic confit can last for a few months. Just thaw it in the refrigerator before use. Some people like to freeze individual portions in ice cube trays and then transfer them to a freezer bag. This is a great idea to pre-portion and use in recipes. 

Nutrition

Serving: 2tablespoons | Calories: 132kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Sodium: 74mg | Potassium: 35mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 0.1g | Vitamin A: 5IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 16mg | Iron: 0.2mg