Simple Garlic Confit with Herbs
Peer reviewed by UK recipe editorsAuthored by UK recipe editorsOriginally published 16 Jan 2026
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This simple garlic confit with herbs is a versatile staple for any kitchen, turning pungent raw cloves into mellow, buttery morsels of gold. By gently poaching the garlic in high-quality olive oil with woody sprigs of thyme or rosemary, you create a rich, aromatic preserve that enhances everything from crusty sourdough to roasted vegetables. It is a wonderful way to mellow the sharp bite of garlic while creating a fragrant oil that can be used for drizzling or dressings.
As a heart-healthy addition to your larder, this confit uses olive oil as a base, providing a source of monounsaturated fats. It is remarkably easy to prepare and keeps well in the fridge, making it an ideal make-ahead ingredient for busy weeknights. Try mashing the soft cloves into a mash or stirring them through a simple pasta dish for an instant depth of savoury flavour.
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Ingredients for Simple Garlic Confit with Herbs
9–10 heads of garlic (about 450g cloves)
9–10 sprigs of thyme or another woody herb like rosemary
725ml olive oil
How to make Simple Garlic Confit with Herbs
Peel garlic cloves and place in a medium heavy saucepan. Stir in thyme and oil. Cover and cook over very low heat (you want the garlic to gently poach, not deep fry!), about 30 minutes. Small bubbles will rise from the garlic, but don't let the oil simmer. The oil temperature should not go above 93°C. To test for doneness, spear a clove with a fork. If it's very soft, turn off heat; if not, poach 10–15 minutes more.
Remove pan from heat, keep covered, and let cool to room temperature. Using a clean spoon, divide garlic and herbs among resealable glass jars. Fill jars with cooking oil, seal, and chill.
Garlic confit can be chilled for up to 4 months.
Disclaimer
While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.
Article history
The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.
16 Jan 2026 | Originally published
Authored by:
UK recipe editors
Peer reviewed by
UK recipe editors
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