If you love creamy spreads with a luxurious twist, you’re going to fall head over heels in love with Confit Garlic Cream Cheese. Imagine the dreamiest pairing of mellow roasted garlic (slow-cooked to buttery sweetness in olive oil) and silky, tangy cream cheese – all coming together in a spread that instantly elevates bagels, sandwiches, veggies, and much more. This Confit Garlic Cream Cheese is that perfect blend of comfort and flavor, and once you try it, you’ll want to keep a jar in your fridge at all times!

Confit Garlic Cream Cheese Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Confit Garlic Cream Cheese is in how a handful of simple, quality ingredients come together to create something truly special. Each component pulls its weight, whether adding aroma, smoothness, or a hint of freshness. Here’s what you’ll need (and why you’ll love them):

Garlic cloves (from 2 heads): These soften and sweeten as they cook, losing their sharpness and turning positively jammy – absolutely essential!
Olive oil (about 1 cup): Not only the medium for confiting the garlic, but also the source of a rich, savory drizzle at the end.
Softened cream cheese (8 ounces): The creamy canvas that soaks up all that garlicky flavor and whips up perfectly smooth.
Salt (¼ teaspoon): Enhances and balances all the other flavors.
Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): A quick twist or pinch gives the spread a touch of subtle heat.
Fresh lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Adds just the right amount of brightness and prevents the spread from feeling heavy.
Fresh chives (1 tablespoon, optional): Sprinkle these in for a pop of color and a gentle oniony zing.
Grated Parmesan cheese (1 tablespoon, optional): For that hit of umami depth and extra richness, if you like a “wow” moment.

How to Make Confit Garlic Cream Cheese

Step 1: Confit the Garlic

Begin by peeling all the cloves from two heads of garlic – it may seem like a lot, but trust me, confiting transforms garlic into something mellow and irresistible. Place the peeled cloves into a small saucepan and cover them completely with olive oil. Bring the temperature up very gently over low heat and let the garlic slowly bubble away for 30–40 minutes. You’re looking for soft, golden cloves that are fragrant but not browned. This slow cooking lets the garlic get unbelievably tender and sweet.

Step 2: Cool and Prep

Once the garlic cloves have finished their oil bath, set the pan aside and let everything cool to room temperature. This is key, because you don’t want the hot oil wilting your cream cheese later. While it cools, set out your cream cheese so it’s soft and ready for blending – this will make your Confit Garlic Cream Cheese ultra smooth.

Step 3: Blend the Spread

In a medium mixing bowl, drop in your softened cream cheese. Add 6–8 confit garlic cloves (or more if you’re a garlic devotee!), then sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, and bright fresh lemon juice. Use a hand mixer or small food processor to whip everything together until it’s luxuriously smooth and creamy. At this point, taste and adjust for seasoning or add more garlic if you want a punchier flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, gently stir in chopped chives or grated Parmesan for extra flair.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

Spoon your gorgeous Confit Garlic Cream Cheese into a ramekin or shallow serving bowl. For a final gourmet touch, drizzle a little of the reserved garlic-infused oil right on top. This not only locks in moisture but gives a subtle, glossy finish that’ll entice anyone within reach.

How to Serve Confit Garlic Cream Cheese

Garnishes

A simple bit of garnish can take your Confit Garlic Cream Cheese from everyday to extraordinary. Try a sprinkle of chopped chives, a touch of flaky sea salt, or even a pinch of extra Parmesan. That swirl of golden garlic oil over the top makes it look positively decadent – don’t skip it!

Side Dishes

This spread is a delight with classic bagels or artisanal breads, but don’t stop there. Serve it as a dip with crisp raw veggies, warm pita, or crunchy breadsticks. It also pairs fabulously as a creamy base for avocado toast or a surprise layer on a savory breakfast sandwich.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re feeling playful, pipe Confit Garlic Cream Cheese onto crostini or cucumber rounds for an elegant appetizer tray. Stuff it into cherry tomatoes or mini bell peppers for charming party bites, or add a dollop to a grain bowl to bring rich, tangy depth.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover Confit Garlic Cream Cheese should be transferred to an airtight container and stored in the refrigerator. Thanks to the olive oil and cream cheese combo, it will keep fresh for up to a week and is ready for snacking any time.

Freezing

While the texture may change a bit after thawing, you can freeze this spread for longer storage. Place it in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to two months. Let it thaw slowly in the fridge before giving it a good stir to revive its creaminess.

Reheating

If you want your Confit Garlic Cream Cheese a little softer after refrigeration, let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as this can separate the creamy texture. A gentle stir gets it back to spreadable perfection.

FAQs

Can I make the garlic confit ahead of time?

Absolutely! Feel free to make the confit garlic several days in advance. Store the cloves fully submerged in olive oil in the fridge, and you’ll have rich, sweet garlic ready for this recipe and other dishes all week long.

Is it safe to store garlic in oil?

Yes, but always keep your confit garlic in the refrigerator and use it within a week to prevent any risk of spoilage. Never leave garlic in oil at room temperature for extended periods.

Can I use low-fat cream cheese?

You sure can! The spread will be a bit less rich, but it will still be delicious, especially with all those other big flavors. Just make sure it’s fully softened for easy mixing.

What if I want a stronger garlic flavor?

The wonderful thing about Confit Garlic Cream Cheese is that you can completely customize the garlic punch. Just add a few extra cloves of confit garlic to the mix for something really bold, and taste as you go!

Is there a vegan version?

Absolutely – swap in your favorite plant-based cream cheese and skip the Parmesan, or use a vegan-friendly alternative. The confit garlic technique stays exactly the same and is just as fabulous.

Final Thoughts

Ready to make your snack game unforgettable? Give this Confit Garlic Cream Cheese a try! It’s rich, creamy, and irresistibly garlicky – a true kitchen staple you’ll want to whip up again and again. Grab some garlic and cream cheese, and treat yourself to an easy homemade luxury!

Confit Garlic Cream Cheese Recipe

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4.7 from 29 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 1 cup 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the creamy richness of this Confit Garlic Cream Cheese spread, a perfect blend of savory confit garlic, smooth cream cheese, and zesty lemon. Ideal for bagels, toast, sandwiches, or as a veggie dip, this flavorful spread will elevate any snack or meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Confit Garlic:

2 heads of garlic, cloves peeled
1 cup olive oil (or enough to cover garlic)

Cream Cheese Mixture:

8 ounces cream cheese, softened
6–8 cloves of confit garlic
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives (optional)
1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

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Instructions

Cook the Confit Garlic: Place peeled garlic cloves in a saucepan, cover with olive oil, and cook over low heat for 30–40 minutes until golden and fragrant. Cool to room temperature.
Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, blend softened cream cheese, confit garlic, salt, pepper, and lemon juice until smooth. Add chives or Parmesan if desired.
Serve: Spoon the mixture into a bowl, drizzle with garlic-infused oil, and enjoy!

Notes

Store leftover garlic confit in the refrigerator, submerged in oil, and use within 1 week.
This spread is versatile and pairs well with various snacks and dishes.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Spread
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American