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Close-up of roasted garlic cloves and sprigs of thyme sitting in oil inside a dark metal pot. The garlic appears golden brown and caramelized.

Garlic Confit

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Slow-baked garlic cloves infused with herbs in olive oil, creating sweet, tender garlic and flavorful oil great for cooking and finishing dishes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 1 cup
Course: Dressing/Condiment, Garnish
Cuisine: Universal
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2-3 heads garlic depending on size, peeled whole cloves
  • 1 to 1½ cups olive oil enough to fully submerge cloves
  • 1 bay leaf or ¼ teaspoon dried ground bay
  • 3 sprigs thyme or 1 teaspoon dried thyme

Equipment

  • Oven-safe baking dish (small/medium)
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Airtight storage container

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  2. Peel garlic cloves, leaving them whole.
  3. Place garlic, bay leaf, and thyme in a small to medium oven-safe baking dish.
  4. Pour olive oil over garlic and herbs until cloves are completely submerged, leaving about 3 inches of space above the oil to prevent overflow.
  5. Bake in oven for 45–60 minutes until garlic cloves are soft, fragrant, and lightly browned.
  6. Remove from oven and let cool to room temperature.
  7. Transfer garlic and oil to an airtight container, ensuring cloves remain submerged in oil. Refrigerate and use within 4 days. For longer storage, freeze it in portions, where it holds for several months.

Notes

Storage: Keep the cloves fully submerged in their oil in an airtight jar in the fridge, use within 4 days. For longer storage, freeze it in portions, where it holds for several months. Scoop out cloves and oil as needed with a clean spoon to keep it from spoiling early, and use the infused oil itself for cooking or finishing.

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