Confit Garlic Cream Cheese

If you’re looking for a smooth, creamy spread with a touch of savory, mellow garlic goodness, then Confit Garlic Cream Cheese is about to become your new best friend. Imagine the rich, indulgent texture of cream cheese paired with the incredible, sweet flavor of slow-cooked garlic. The garlic transforms into this caramelized, buttery dream that melts perfectly into the cream cheese, creating an irresistible spread. You’ll want to slather it on everything from warm toast to crackers or even fresh veggies. Trust me, it’s a game-changer, and once you’ve tried it, you’ll be hooked!

Why You’ll Love Confit Garlic Cream Cheese

Incredibly Flavorful

The garlic gets soft and sweet after being slow-cooked in oil, losing its sharpness and developing a deep, rich flavor that adds something truly special to the cream cheese. It’s savory, slightly sweet, and oh-so-comforting.

Super Easy to Make

Don’t let the fancy name fool you—this recipe is simple and requires minimal ingredients. It’s perfect for anyone who loves the taste of garlic but wants something a little less intense. And because it’s so easy, it’s great for when you want to impress guests with minimal effort.

Versatile

This confit garlic cream cheese isn’t just for spreading on bread. You can use it as a dip, a sandwich filling, a topping for roasted vegetables, or even a pasta sauce! It’s perfect for appetizers, snacks, or even as a fun twist on your usual cheese spreads at parties.

Make-Ahead Friendly

If you’re someone who loves prepping in advance, this one’s for you. The garlic confit and cream cheese can be made a day ahead, allowing the flavors to meld together even more. Plus, the garlic confit stores well, so you can use it for other dishes, too.

Ingredients

Here’s what you need for this deliciously creamy and garlicky spread:

For the Garlic Confit:

• Garlic Cloves: The star of the show! We’ll be slow-cooking these to create that sweet, mellow flavor.
• Olive Oil: To cook the garlic low and slow, which gives it that perfect caramelized texture.
• Fresh Herbs (Optional): Rosemary or thyme are great additions, adding a touch of earthy aroma to the garlic confit.

For the Cream Cheese:

• Cream Cheese: Softened, so it blends smoothly with the garlic.
• Salt: To balance out the flavors and elevate the overall taste.
• Black Pepper: Just a dash to season the cream cheese and bring out the garlic flavor.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card above.)

Instructions

1. Make the Garlic Confit

In a small saucepan, place the peeled garlic cloves and cover them with olive oil. Add any fresh herbs you like (rosemary and thyme work wonderfully!). Heat the saucepan over low heat. Let the garlic cook gently for about 40-45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the garlic is soft, golden, and fragrant. Be careful not to let the oil bubble or the garlic burn—this is all about slow and low heat. Once done, remove from the heat and let it cool.

2. Combine the Garlic and Cream Cheese

Once the garlic has cooled, take a fork and mash it up, leaving some pieces whole for texture. In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with the mashed garlic, adding salt and pepper to taste. Use a hand mixer or a spatula to blend the garlic into the cream cheese until it’s smooth and well combined. If you prefer a chunkier texture, you can leave some larger pieces of garlic in the spread for extra flavor.

3. Chill and Serve

Transfer the garlic cream cheese to a small serving dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together. The longer it sits, the more flavorful it will be. But if you’re in a rush, it’s still delicious right away!

4. Serve and Enjoy

Once chilled, serve this creamy, garlicky goodness on crackers, toasted baguette slices, or as a dip for veggies. It’s also amazing when paired with meats like roast chicken or even spread on sandwiches or wraps.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
Calories per serving: 85
Total Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 25mg
Sodium: 105mg
Total Carbohydrates: 2g
Dietary Fiber: 0g
Sugars: 1g
Protein: 2g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes

How to Serve Confit Garlic Cream Cheese

As a Spread

This garlic cream cheese is absolutely perfect as a spread. Try it on toasted bagels, warm sourdough bread, or crackers. It’s the ultimate upgrade to your typical cheese spreads!

As a Dip

Pair this with your favorite veggie sticks like carrots, cucumber, or bell peppers. It’s creamy, garlicky, and fresh—perfect for snacking!

On Sandwiches or Wraps

Use this as a creamy, flavorful base for sandwiches or wraps. It adds a rich layer of flavor and makes any sandwich feel a little more gourmet.

With Roasted Vegetables

Top roasted vegetables like potatoes, carrots, or broccoli with a dollop of this confit garlic cream cheese. It adds a luxurious finish to any vegetable dish.

Additional Tips

• Make Extra Garlic Confit: The garlic confit can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. It’s perfect for adding to other dishes like pastas, pizzas, or even scrambled eggs.
• Adjust the Garlic: If you like a more intense garlic flavor, feel free to add more garlic to the cream cheese. You can also roast the garlic for a bit longer if you prefer a richer taste.
• Herb Variations: Feel free to experiment with different herbs in the garlic confit—oregano, basil, or even bay leaves could all add different flavors!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use pre-minced garlic instead of whole cloves?
A1: While you can use pre-minced garlic, the texture and flavor will be different. Fresh garlic cloves give a much richer, sweeter flavor once they’ve been slow-cooked.

Q2: How long can I store garlic confit in the fridge?
A2: The garlic confit can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Q3: Can I use a different type of oil?
A3: Yes, you can use other oils like avocado oil or vegetable oil, but olive oil gives the garlic confit a wonderful flavor and richness.

Q4: Can I make this recipe without the herbs?
A4: Absolutely! The garlic itself is flavorful enough, but fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme add an extra layer of complexity if you want to give it that herbaceous twist.

Q5: Can I freeze the garlic confit?
A5: Yes, you can freeze the garlic confit in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Just let it thaw in the fridge before using.

Q6: How do I reheat the garlic confit?
A6: If you’ve stored the garlic confit, just warm it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Make sure to heat it on low to preserve its flavor.

Q7: Can I use this cream cheese as a filling for pastries?
A7: Yes! This confit garlic cream cheese would make a fantastic filling for savory pastries or hand pies. It’s rich and flavorful, adding a delicious twist.

Q8: Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
A8: Yes, this recipe is completely vegetarian, as it doesn’t contain any meat or animal-derived ingredients other than the cream cheese.

Q9: Can I use a dairy-free cream cheese?
A9: Yes, you can substitute dairy-free cream cheese for a vegan version of this spread. The flavor will still be fantastic with the garlic confit.

Q10: How do I make this recipe spicier?
A10: If you like a bit of heat, try adding some red pepper flakes to the garlic confit while it’s cooking, or mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cream cheese for an extra kick.

Conclusion

Confit Garlic Cream Cheese is a simple yet luxurious spread that takes your typical cream cheese to a whole new level. With the rich, mellow flavor of slow-cooked garlic combined with creamy cheese, it’s the perfect addition to any snack or meal. Whether you’re spreading it on bread, pairing it with veggies, or using it as a dip, this is one recipe that’s bound to be a hit! Enjoy the creamy, garlicky goodness!

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