Description
This Confit Garlic Cream Cheese is a deliciously creamy spread infused with the rich, mellow flavors of slow-cooked garlic. The garlic is gently roasted to bring out its sweet, nutty flavor, and combined with velvety cream cheese for a smooth, savory spread. Perfect for bagels, crackers, toast, or as a dip for veggies, this confit garlic cream cheese is a versatile and luxurious addition to any snack or appetizer platter.
Ingredients
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1 head of garlic (about 10–12 cloves)
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1/4 cup olive oil (enough to submerge garlic)
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8 oz cream cheese, softened
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1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
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1/4 tsp salt (or to taste)
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1/4 tsp black pepper
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Fresh herbs (optional, such as parsley, chives, or thyme)
Instructions
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For the Confit Garlic:
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Prepare the garlic:
Peel the garlic cloves. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can also slice the garlic in half to make it easier to remove the skins later. -
Cook the garlic:
In a small saucepan, add the garlic cloves and olive oil. Heat over very low heat, ensuring that the oil covers the garlic completely. Allow the garlic to cook slowly for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring occasionally. The garlic should be soft, tender, and golden, but not browned. This slow-cooking process allows the garlic to mellow and become sweet and aromatic. -
Cool the garlic:
Once the garlic is soft and confited, remove it from the oil and allow it to cool to room temperature. Save the garlic-infused oil for future use in dressings or drizzling over vegetables.
For the Cream Cheese Spread:
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Mash the garlic:
Once the garlic has cooled, use the back of a spoon or a fork to mash the cloves into a paste. You can also use a food processor if you prefer a smoother texture. -
Mix the cream cheese:
In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mashed confit garlic, lemon juice (if using), salt, and pepper. Use a hand mixer or whisk to blend the ingredients until smooth and creamy. -
Add fresh herbs (optional):
If you’d like, mix in some finely chopped fresh herbs such as parsley, chives, or thyme to add an extra layer of flavor. -
Chill and serve:
For the best flavor, refrigerate the confit garlic cream cheese for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together. Serve it on crackers, toast, bagels, or as a dip for fresh vegetables.
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Notes
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Storage: Store the confit garlic cream cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days. You can also freeze the garlic cream cheese for up to 3 months.
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Use the oil: Don’t throw away the garlic-infused oil! It can be used to dress salads, drizzle over roasted vegetables, or as a flavorful addition to pasta dishes.
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Add-ins: Feel free to add other seasonings, such as smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, or a dash of vinegar, to customize the flavor.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour (for garlic confit)
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tbsp
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 115mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg