If you have a soft spot for creamy textures and rich, mellow garlic flavors, this Confit Garlic Cream Cheese Recipe is going to win your heart and your taste buds. Imagine luscious cream cheese whipped together with deeply sweet and tender garlic cloves that have been slow-cooked in olive oil until melt-in-your-mouth perfect. It’s a simple yet luxurious spread that transforms your everyday bagel or sandwich into something truly special. Whether you’re serving it at brunch or sneaking it as a treat on your afternoon snack, this recipe brings warmth and comfort with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple but essential for achieving that silky texture and sublime garlic flavor that defines this Confit Garlic Cream Cheese Recipe. Each component adds depth and balance, making every spoonful a delight.
- 3 heads garlic (peeled): The star of the recipe, slowly confited to develop a mellow, caramelized sweetness that’s pure magic.
- 1 cup extra-virgin olive oil: Used to gently cook the garlic cloves, infusing them with richness while keeping them tender and golden.
- 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, at room temperature: The creamy base that blends perfectly with the confit garlic for a luscious, spreadable finish.
How to Make Confit Garlic Cream Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Slow-Roast the Garlic
Begin by preheating your oven to a low 250ºF (120ºC). Place your peeled garlic cloves into a baking dish or a cocotte with a cover. Pour enough extra-virgin olive oil over the cloves so they are completely submerged. This slow and gentle roasting in olive oil is key — it softens the garlic and draws out the sweet, mellow flavor that makes this recipe unforgettable. Cover with a lid and bake for about 2 hours until the cloves become tender and golden, a sign they’re perfectly confited.
Step 2: Cool and Reserve
Once roasted, allow the garlic and oil mixture to cool to room temperature. Set aside about one-third cup of the roasted garlic cloves; these will become the flavor burst in your cream cheese. The remaining garlic and oil are a treasure to save for other culinary adventures—just store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Step 3: Blend Garlic and Cream Cheese
Transfer the reserved confit garlic cloves and the softened cream cheese into a food processor fitted with the blade attachment, or use the bowl of a stand mixer with the paddle attachment. Blend on low speed for about one minute until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. This step marries the buttery cream cheese with the sweet garlic beautifully, creating that irresistible texture and balanced flavor.
Step 4: Ready to Enjoy
Your Confit Garlic Cream Cheese is now ready to be spread generously on your favorite bagel or tucked inside a delicious sandwich. If not serving immediately, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Every spoonful will bring joy and a hint of gourmet flair to your meal.
How to Serve Confit Garlic Cream Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the presentation and flavor, try topping your Confit Garlic Cream Cheese with fresh chopped herbs like chives, parsley, or thyme. A sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper or a dash of smoked paprika can also add a delightful contrast, making each bite visually appealing and layered with taste.
Side Dishes
This creamy spread pairs wonderfully with crunchy vegetable sticks, warm toasted bread, or crisp crackers. It’s also a lovely companion to charcuterie boards, offering a creamy element that balances cured meats and pickled vegetables beautifully. The unexpected soft garlic sweetness complements many savory sides perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond just spreading — use this Confit Garlic Cream Cheese Recipe as a flavorful base for stuffed mushrooms or dolloped onto roasted potatoes. It also works brilliantly as a flavorful whipped topping on baked potatoes or mixed into mashed potatoes for an indulgent twist. The possibilities are endless, and each creative application highlights the luxurious garlic creaminess in unique ways.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, no worries at all—just store your Confit Garlic Cream Cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh and delicious for up to one week, so you can enjoy its savory goodness throughout the week without any fuss.
Freezing
While freezing isn’t the best option for maintaining the cream cheese’s silky texture, you can freeze this spread if necessary. Store it in a freezer-safe container for up to one month. Thaw slowly in the refrigerator and give it a good stir before serving to bring back some of the original creaminess.
Reheating
This spread is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t usually necessary. However, if you want to warm it slightly, do so gently on low heat to avoid breaking the texture. Using it as a warm dip can be lovely, just keep an eye to preserve its smooth consistency.
FAQs
Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic for this recipe?
For this recipe, fresh garlic is essential because confiting it slowly develops a rich, sweet flavor and soft texture that garlic powder cannot replicate. Using powder won’t yield the same creamy, mellow garlic taste that defines this dish.
How long does confited garlic last in the fridge?
Confited garlic stored in olive oil will keep well refrigerated in an airtight container for about two weeks. Beyond that, the quality might diminish, so it’s best to use it within that timeframe for safety and flavor.
Can I make the Confit Garlic Cream Cheese Recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Substitute the cream cheese with your favorite plant-based cream cheese alternative. The confit garlic flavor will still shine through beautifully, making it a vegan-friendly delight.
Is this recipe suitable for a keto diet?
Yes, this recipe is quite keto-friendly since it’s primarily fat and protein from cream cheese and olive oil. Just be mindful of the servings and what you pair it with to stay within your keto guidelines.
What can I do with the leftover confit garlic oil?
Don’t toss that golden oil—it’s infused with delicious garlic flavor! Use it for sautéing vegetables, drizzling over roasted potatoes, or mixing into salad dressings for an extra layer of richness.
Final Thoughts
There’s something genuinely special about this Confit Garlic Cream Cheese Recipe that feels both comforting and sophisticated at once. The slow-cooked garlic brings a sweet depth that transforms humble cream cheese into a spread worthy of your favorite bagel, sandwich, or appetizer plate. I encourage you to give it a try and watch how it becomes a fast favorite in your kitchen and on your table. Once you make this, you’ll wonder how you ever enjoyed garlic cream cheese any other way!
Print
Confit Garlic Cream Cheese Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving (approximately 16 ounces of spread) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Confit Garlic Cream Cheese recipe combines the sweet, mellow flavors of slow-roasted garlic with smooth cream cheese to create a versatile spread perfect for bagels, sandwiches, or dips. The garlic is gently cooked in olive oil until tender and golden, then blended into cream cheese for a rich, creamy, and flavorful treat.
Ingredients
Garlic Confit
- 3 heads garlic, peeled
- 1 cup extra-virgin olive oil (plus more if needed to cover garlic)
Cream Cheese Mixture
- 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, at room temperature
- ⅓ cup roasted garlic cloves (from the confit)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Heat your oven to 250ºF (120ºC) to prepare for slow roasting the garlic.
- Roast Garlic: Place peeled garlic cloves in a baking dish or cocotte with a cover. Pour olive oil over the garlic until fully submerged, adding more oil if necessary. Cover the dish securely and bake for about 2 hours, until the garlic cloves are tender and golden in color.
- Cool and Reserve: Allow the garlic and oil mixture to cool to room temperature. Set aside ⅓ cup of the roasted garlic cloves for the cream cheese mixture. Reserve the remaining garlic and oil in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks for other uses.
- Blend Cream Cheese and Garlic: In a food processor fitted with the blade attachment or a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, combine the reserved ⅓ cup confit garlic cloves and cream cheese. Blend or mix on low speed for about 1 minute until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Serve or Store: Spread the garlic cream cheese on your favorite bagel or sandwich. Alternatively, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Notes
- If you prefer a thinner consistency, you can add small amounts of the reserved garlic oil while blending; add gradually to avoid making the spread too runny.
- The reserved confit garlic and oil make a flavorful addition to sautés, dressings, or as a dip on their own.
- Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature for easier blending and a smoother texture.
- Store the spread in a sealed container to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other refrigerator odors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Spread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
