Is Smashable Garlic Confit As Mind-Blowing As They Say?
Is Smashable Garlic Confit As Mind-Blowing As They Say? is a easy Mediterranean recipe that serves 6. 660 calories per serving. Recipe by emmymade on YouTube.
Prep: 30 min | Cook: 2 hrs 45 min | Total: 3 hrs 30 min
Cost: $4.85 total, $0.81 per serving
Ingredients
- 3 heads Garlic (peeled cloves, about 1.5 cups)
- 2 cups Olive Oil (extra‑virgin, enough to fully submerge the garlic)
- to taste pinch Sea Salt (added when serving, optional)
- 1 sprig Fresh Rosemary (optional) (adds herbaceous flavor if desired, can be omitted for neutral oil)
Instructions
Peel the garlic
Separate the cloves by pressing the head upside down. Place the cloves in a bowl, pour boiling water over them for 30‑60 seconds, then transfer to a bowl of ice water. The skins will slip off; use a paring knife to help if needed.
Time: PT15M
Combine garlic and oil
Place the peeled cloves in a small oven‑safe pot or ceramic dish. Pour olive oil over them until the cloves are completely submerged, leaving a little headspace.
Time: PT5M
Preheat the oven
Set the oven to 200°F (93°C) and let it come to temperature.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: 200°F
Cook the garlic confit
Cover the pot with a lid or foil and place it in the oven. Bake for 2 hours 45 minutes, checking halfway that the oil stays around 200°F. The cloves should become soft, buttery, and a light golden color.
Time: PT2H45M
Temperature: 200°F
Cool slightly
Remove the pot from the oven and let it sit for about 10 minutes until the oil is warm but not hot.
Time: PT10M
Store the confit
Transfer the garlic and oil to a clean, sterilized jar. Seal and refrigerate. The confit will keep for 2 weeks in the fridge or up to 3 months in the freezer.
Time: PT5M
Serve (optional)
Spread the soft garlic onto toasted bread, add a pinch of salt, or stir a spoonful into pasta, rice bowls, or cheese boards.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 660
- Protein
- 1 g
- Carbohydrates
- 2 g
- Fat
- 73 g
- Fiber
- 0.5 g
Dietary info: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Paleo-friendly
Allergens: Garlic
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Olive Oil: Grapeseed oil, Duck fat, Goose fat
- Instead of Sea Salt: Kosher salt
- Instead of Fresh Rosemary (optional): Thyme, Sage
Equipment Needed
- Cutting Board
- Chef's Knife
- Mixing Bowl
- Small Oven‑Safe Pot or Ceramic Dish
- Oven
- Food‑Safe Thermometer
- Spatula or Spoon
- Clean Jar with Lid
- Measuring Cup
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Peeling the garlic using the hot‑cold water method
- Ensuring the garlic is completely submerged in oil
- Maintaining a steady 200°F temperature for the entire cooking period
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use a high‑quality extra‑virgin olive oil for the best flavor; neutral oils work if you plan to add strong herbs later.
- Add a sprig of rosemary or a few thyme leaves at the start for an herb‑infused oil, but remove them before storing if you want a neutral base.
- For a smoother spread, blend the softened garlic with a bit of the infused oil in a food processor.
Troubleshooting
Garlic cloves are still firm after the cooking time.
Return the pot to the oven and continue cooking at 200°F for another 15‑30 minutes until the cloves are buttery and easily mashable.
Oil has a burnt smell or the garlic looks dark.
The temperature was too high; lower the oven to 190°F and monitor with a thermometer. Discard burnt pieces and start a new batch if the flavor is off.
Garlic is exposed above the oil surface.
Add more olive oil until all cloves are completely submerged before returning to the oven.
Storage
Refrigerator: Up to 2 weeks in a sealed jar, kept fully covered with oil
Freezer: Up to 3 months; thaw in the refrigerator before use
Room temperature: Not recommended; oil can spoil quickly at room temperature
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare a larger batch and freeze portions in ice‑cube trays for easy use later.
- Label the jar with the date you made it to track freshness.
- If the oil solidifies in the fridge, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before using.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of garlic confit in Mediterranean cuisine?
Garlic confit originates from the French technique of confit, a method of slow‑cooking foods in fat for preservation. In Mediterranean kitchens, it became a way to mellow the sharpness of garlic while creating a fragrant oil that can be used year‑round, especially before refrigeration was common.
How does garlic confit differ from roasted garlic in flavor and texture?
Garlic confit is cooked gently in oil at a low temperature, resulting in a buttery, melt‑in‑your‑mouth texture and a sweet, mellow flavor. Roasted garlic is baked at higher heat, giving it a caramelized, slightly smoky taste and a firmer, drier texture.
What traditional Mediterranean dishes pair well with garlic confit from the YouTube channel emmymade?
Garlic confit pairs beautifully with toasted rustic bread, tossed into pasta with olive oil and chili flakes, drizzled over grilled vegetables, added to a cheese board, or mixed into rice bowls with a fried egg and kimchi for a fusion twist.
What occasions or celebrations is garlic confit traditionally associated with in Mediterranean culture?
While not tied to a specific holiday, garlic confit is often prepared in the fall when garlic harvests are abundant, and it serves as a pantry staple for everyday meals, family gatherings, and holiday feasts where extra flavor is welcome.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for garlic confit versus acceptable substitutes?
Traditionally, garlic confit uses garlic cloves and a neutral fat such as duck, goose, or olive oil. Acceptable substitutes include grapeseed oil, sunflower oil, or animal fats like pork lard if a richer flavor is desired.
How does the YouTube channel emmymade specialize in home‑cooking tutorials?
The YouTube channel emmymade focuses on simple, approachable home‑cooking recipes that require minimal equipment, often highlighting technique tips, ingredient basics, and ways to repurpose leftovers for everyday meals.
What does the YouTube channel emmymade’s approach to Mediterranean cooking differ from other cooking channels?
emmymade emphasizes low‑stress, low‑temperature methods like confit, using everyday pantry staples and clear step‑by‑step visuals, whereas many other channels may focus on high‑heat or elaborate plating techniques.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making garlic confit at home?
Common mistakes include cooking the oil too hot, which burns the garlic and creates bitterness, not fully submerging the cloves, which leads to uneven cooking, and skipping the cooling step before refrigerating, which can cause condensation and spoilage.
Why does this garlic confit recipe use a low oven temperature of 200°F instead of a higher temperature?
A low temperature gently renders the garlic’s sugars and keeps the oil from smoking, producing a soft, buttery texture and a sweet, mellow flavor without the bitterness that develops at higher heat.
Can I make garlic confit ahead of time and how should I store it for maximum freshness?
Yes, garlic confit can be prepared ahead. Transfer the cooled garlic and oil to a sterilized jar, seal tightly, and refrigerate for up to two weeks. For longer storage, freeze the jar for up to three months, thawing in the refrigerator before use.
Last updated: September 2, 2026
