Is there anything more irresistible than the combination of roasted garlic and rich, creamy cheese? Well, trust me when I say this confit garlic cream cheese will blow your taste buds away! The garlic becomes sweet, mellow, and wonderfully aromatic as it’s slow-cooked in oil, creating a soft, spreadable texture that pairs perfectly with smooth cream cheese. You’ll want to spread this dreamy concoction on everything—bagels, crackers, bread, or even veggies. It’s an appetizer, snack, or savory spread that will quickly become your go-to for all your gatherings or just for cozying up on a quiet evening at home.
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Why You’ll Love Confit Garlic Cream Cheese
There’s so much to love about this simple yet decadent spread. Here’s why it’s about to become your new favorite snack or appetizer:
- Mellow, Sweet Garlic: The slow cooking process transforms garlic into something utterly irresistible. It becomes soft, sweet, and buttery—totally a game-changer for this cream cheese spread.
- Rich and Creamy: Cream cheese is already deliciously rich on its own, but when paired with the sweet garlic, it’s like a match made in heaven. This spread is perfect for spreading, dipping, or even adding to sandwiches.
- Perfect for Entertaining: Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just enjoying a night in with friends, this confit garlic cream cheese is sure to impress. It’s elegant yet easy, and it always disappears fast.
- Versatile: You can use it on so many things—bagels, toast, crackers, veggies, or even as a topping for grilled meats or roasted potatoes. The possibilities are endless.
- Easy to Make: Despite how fancy it sounds, this spread is super simple to make. With minimal ingredients and a little patience, you’ll have a flavor-packed spread that looks and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients
Here’s what you need to make this indulgent confit garlic cream cheese:
Garlic Cloves: The star of the show. When roasted, garlic becomes sweet and mellow, adding depth to the flavor of the cream cheese.
Olive Oil: Used to slowly cook the garlic, creating a rich, infused oil that will bring a touch of luxury to the spread.
Cream Cheese: Smooth, creamy, and perfectly tangy, this is the base of your spread. Be sure to use full-fat cream cheese for the best texture.
Fresh Thyme: A bit of fresh thyme adds a lovely herby note to the spread and complements the garlic beautifully.
Salt & Pepper: To taste, of course. You want to balance out the richness of the cream cheese and the sweetness of the garlic with a little seasoning.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Ready to make this decadent confit garlic cream cheese? Let’s get started!
Slow-Cook the Garlic: In a small saucepan, add the garlic cloves and enough olive oil to cover them. Cook over low heat for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll know it’s ready when the garlic is soft, golden, and has a lovely aroma. Be careful not to let it burn!
Prepare the Cream Cheese: While the garlic is cooking, place the cream cheese in a medium bowl and allow it to soften to room temperature. This will help it blend more easily with the garlic.
Mash the Garlic: Once the garlic is done, remove it from the oil and set aside to cool for a few minutes. Use a fork to mash the garlic until it’s a smooth paste.
Combine the Garlic and Cream Cheese: Add the mashed garlic to the softened cream cheese. Stir well to combine, making sure the garlic is evenly distributed.
Season and Serve: Add salt, pepper, and fresh thyme to taste, then mix everything together. Transfer the confit garlic cream cheese to a serving dish, and you’re ready to serve! You can drizzle a little bit of the garlic-infused olive oil on top for an extra touch of flavor.
How to Serve Confit Garlic Cream Cheese
This confit garlic cream cheese is perfect for a variety of occasions, whether you’re hosting guests or just treating yourself to something special. Here are a few ideas to enjoy it:
- With Crackers or Bread: Spread it on crackers, toasted baguette slices, or any bread of your choice. It’s a simple yet luxurious appetizer.
- As a Bagel Spread: Smear it on your morning bagel for a savory start to your day.
- Veggie Dip: Use it as a dip for fresh vegetables like carrots, cucumbers, or bell peppers.
- On Grilled Meat: This would also be great as a topping for grilled chicken, steak, or roasted vegetables.
- Topped on Potatoes: For a savory twist, spread it over baked potatoes or roasted fingerling potatoes.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to get the most out of this confit garlic cream cheese:
- Make It Ahead: This spread can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the fridge. The flavors will deepen as it sits.
- Add More Herbs: Feel free to experiment with other herbs like rosemary, oregano, or parsley for a fresh touch.
- Garlic Infused Oil: Don’t throw away that garlic-infused olive oil! Use it to drizzle over salads, pasta, or roasted vegetables.
- Smoked Garlic: For an extra smoky flavor, try adding a little smoked garlic to the mix for an intriguing twist.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
A1: While fresh garlic is best for this recipe, you can use garlic powder in a pinch. However, it won’t give you the same soft, mellow flavor that slow-cooked garlic provides.
Q2: Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
A2: Yes, you can substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative, like cashew cream cheese or coconut-based cream cheese.
Q3: Can I store leftovers?
A3: Yes! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. Make sure to let it come to room temperature before serving again for the best texture.
Q4: How can I make this spicier?
A4: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce to the mixture for a spicy kick!
Q5: Can I use garlic from a jar instead of fresh?
A5: Fresh garlic will give the best flavor, but if you’re in a pinch, jarred garlic works as well. Just make sure to adjust the quantities, as jarred garlic is usually milder.
Q6: How do I reheat this spread?
A6: Simply let the cream cheese come to room temperature or gently heat it in the microwave in 10-second intervals until it softens.
Q7: Can I double the recipe?
A7: Absolutely! Just make sure you have a large enough saucepan for the garlic and olive oil, and adjust the amount of cream cheese accordingly.
Q8: Can I freeze this spread?
A8: While cream cheese doesn’t freeze well, you can freeze the garlic-infused olive oil separately for later use. Just thaw it when you’re ready to make the spread.
Q9: Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
A9: Yes! Fresh thyme works wonderfully in this recipe, or you can use any other fresh herbs you like. Just be sure to finely chop them before adding.
Q10: How long does it take to cook the garlic?
A10: The garlic should cook for about 30-40 minutes on low heat. Keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t burn—low and slow is the key!
Conclusion
This confit garlic cream cheese is a rich, flavorful spread that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re entertaining guests or enjoying a quiet night at home, it’s guaranteed to impress. The combination of creamy cheese and sweet, mellow garlic is absolutely irresistible, and it’s so easy to make! So go ahead, whip up a batch, and enjoy this indulgent treat. You won’t regret it!
Confit Garlic Cream Cheese
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 1.5 cups
- Category: Spread
- Method: Roasting
Description
A creamy and garlicky spread made with slow-roasted garlic in olive oil, blended into smooth cream cheese. Perfect for spreading on bagels, sandwiches, or enjoying as a dip
Ingredients
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3 heads garlic, peeled
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1 cup extra-virgin olive oil (add more if needed)
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2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, at room temperature
Instructions
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Roast the garlic:
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Preheat the oven to 250ºF (120ºC).
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Place the peeled garlic cloves into a baking dish or cocotte with a cover. Pour olive oil over the garlic, ensuring the cloves are covered. Add more oil if necessary.
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Cover the dish with a lid or oven-safe cover and bake for about 2 hours, until the garlic is tender and golden.
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Cool and prepare:
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Let the garlic and oil cool to room temperature.
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Set aside ⅓ cup of the roasted garlic cloves for the cream cheese, reserving the remaining garlic and oil for another use. Store the garlic and oil in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
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Blend the cream cheese:
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Add the ⅓ cup of confit garlic cloves and cream cheese to a food processor or stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment.
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Blend or mix on low speed until smooth, about 1 minute.
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Serve and store:
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Spread the garlic cream cheese on bagels, sandwiches, or use as a dip.
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Store any leftover confit garlic cream cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
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Notes
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The garlic oil from roasting can be used for other dishes like pasta, vegetables, or bread dipping.
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For an extra touch, mix in fresh herbs like chives or thyme for added flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg