If you love creamy, garlicky spreads that elevate any snack or appetizer, you’re going to adore this Confit Garlic Cream Cheese Recipe. It’s velvety, rich, and infused with the mellow sweetness of slow-cooked garlic that takes ordinary cream cheese to a whole new level. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or craving something comforting, this spread delivers warmth, tang, and a touch of elegance with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the short list fool you—each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the irresistible flavor and texture of this dish. From silky cream cheese to fragrant confit garlic, every element adds to the magic.
- Garlic cloves (1 cup, peeled): Slow cooking these transforms sharp garlic into soft, buttery morsels packed with mellow sweetness.
- Olive oil (1 cup): Essential for gently confiting the garlic, it also adds richness and a luscious mouthfeel.
- Cream cheese (8 ounces, softened): The creamy base that makes this spread smooth and luscious without being too heavy.
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt (2 tablespoons): Adds a subtle tang and lightens up the texture without overpowering the garlic.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Brings just the right amount of brightness to balance the richness.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and keeps the mix perfectly seasoned.
- Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): A gentle hint of warmth that complements the garlic beautifully.
- Fresh chives or parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped, optional): Adds a pop of color and a fresh herbal note to finish the spread.
How to Make Confit Garlic Cream Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Confit the Garlic
Start by gently cooking the peeled garlic cloves in olive oil over low heat. This slow simmering over 30 to 40 minutes transforms the garlic from pungent and sharp to soft, golden, and delectably fragrant without browning. Patience during this step is the secret to mellow, buttery garlic that melts right into the cream cheese.
Step 2: Prepare the Cream Cheese Base
While the garlic cools slightly, whip together the softened cream cheese with sour cream or Greek yogurt, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. This mixture forms the smooth, tangy foundation that balances the sweet garlic notes beautifully.
Step 3: Incorporate the Confit Garlic
Add 6 to 8 cloves of the confit garlic to the cream cheese mixture. Don’t be shy—using a fork or the back of a spoon, mash the garlic cloves to blend them thoroughly. Then use a hand mixer or food processor to beat everything until ultra-smooth and creamy, ensuring the garlic is perfectly dispersed for every luscious bite.
Step 4: Finish with Fresh Herbs and Serving Oil
If you’re using fresh chives or parsley, stir them in now for a fresh burst of flavor and pretty flecks of green. Transfer the spread to a serving bowl, then drizzle some of the golden confit garlic oil on top for a beautiful sheen and a hint of extra garlic richness.
How to Serve Confit Garlic Cream Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra chopped herbs, a pinch of cracked black pepper, or a few whole confit garlic cloves on top make this cream cheese spread look as good as it tastes. Each small garnish adds dimension and invites everyone to dig in eagerly.
Side Dishes
This spread is a superstar next to simple staples like crusty bread, crunchy crackers, or fresh veggie sticks such as cucumbers, carrots, and bell peppers. It’s also wonderful dolloped onto warm baked potatoes or dolloped on toasted bagels for a special brunch treat.
Creative Ways to Present
For an impressive party platter, place the Confit Garlic Cream Cheese in a pretty bowl surrounded by an assortment of colorful vegetables and artisan breads. Alternatively, use it as a flavorful sandwich spread or as an accompaniment to grilled meats for a touch of creamy, garlicky decadence.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your fresh batch, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Properly kept, the Confit Garlic Cream Cheese will stay fresh and delicious for up to a week, allowing you to enjoy its rich flavors anytime you crave a quick, savory uplift.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well, making it great for meal prepping. Portion the spread into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to one month. When you’re ready to use it, thaw in the refrigerator overnight for the best texture and flavor retention.
Reheating
For the perfect serving consistency, allow refrigerated Confit Garlic Cream Cheese to sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes before serving. This gentle warming brings back its creamy smoothness and enhances the garlic aroma without cooking it further.
FAQs
Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt or sour cream?
Yes, you can, but choose a thicker yogurt to maintain the creamy texture. Regular yogurt may add extra moisture, so use it sparingly and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
Is olive oil mandatory for confiting the garlic?
Olive oil is best because it not only cooks the garlic gently but also adds a rich flavor that complements the cheese. Other oils might change the taste and texture.
How long can I keep the confit garlic in the fridge?
Stored in a clean jar covered with olive oil, confit garlic lasts up to two weeks in the fridge. Just be sure it’s always submerged in oil to maintain its quality and safety.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To make a vegan version, substitute cream cheese and sour cream with plant-based alternatives. Keep in mind the flavor and texture will vary slightly but still yield a delicious spread.
What’s the best way to use the leftover confit garlic oil?
The garlic-infused oil is liquid gold! Use it in salad dressings, drizzled over roasted vegetables, or as a flavorful base for sautéeing to extend the lovely garlic aroma beyond the cream cheese.
Final Thoughts
This Confit Garlic Cream Cheese Recipe is one of those treasures you’ll want to make over and over again. It’s simple enough for a quick snack yet special enough to impress guests without any fuss. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover how a bit of time and care transforms humble garlic and cream cheese into something utterly indulgent and unforgettable.
Print
Confit Garlic Cream Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 1 ½ cups
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This creamy and flavorful Confit Garlic Cream Cheese spread is a perfect appetizer or snack, combining slow-cooked garlic cloves with smooth cream cheese and a hint of fresh herbs. The garlic is gently cooked in olive oil until soft and fragrant, then blended into a silky mixture with sour cream, lemon juice, and seasonings. Serve with crusty bread, crackers, or fresh vegetables for a delicious garlic dip that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress.
Ingredients
Garlic Confit
- 1 cup garlic cloves (peeled)
- 1 cup olive oil
Cream Cheese Spread
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 2 tablespoons sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives or parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Garlic: Combine peeled garlic cloves and olive oil in a small saucepan. Simmer over low heat for 30 to 40 minutes until the garlic is soft, golden, and fragrant, making sure not to let it brown. Once done, remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, blend the softened cream cheese, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), lemon juice, salt, and black pepper until smooth and fully combined.
- Add the Confit Garlic: Mash 6 to 8 cloves of the cooled confit garlic into the cream cheese mixture using a fork or potato masher. For more pronounced garlic flavor, add additional cloves as desired.
- Blend Until Creamy: Use a hand mixer or food processor to thoroughly blend the mixture until smooth and creamy. This ensures a luscious texture and even distribution of flavors.
- Mix in Fresh Herbs: Stir in the chopped fresh chives or parsley if using, adding a fresh, vibrant touch to the dip.
- Serve and Garnish: Transfer the cream cheese spread to a serving bowl and drizzle a small amount of the reserved garlic-infused olive oil on top for flavor and sheen. Serve immediately with crusty bread, crackers, or fresh vegetables.
Notes
- Store any leftover garlic confit in a clean jar, fully covered with the oil, and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.
- Allow the cream cheese spread to sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes before serving to soften and enhance the texture.
- You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a tangier flavor and lighter texture.
- Be careful not to brown the garlic while cooking, as it will develop a bitter taste.
