If you’re searching for a show-stopping appetizer or a crave-worthy snack, you’re going to fall in love with Garlic Confit with Herb Goat Cheese Toast. Imagine silky, sweet garlic melting over crusty bread, crowned with bright, tangy goat cheese splashed with fresh herbs. It’s indulgent, creamy, and surprisingly easy—perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to a little everyday luxury.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich, Buttery Garlic: Slow-cooked garlic confit becomes caramelized and soft, infusing every bite with sweet, mellow depth you just can’t get from raw garlic.
- Herbaceous Creaminess: The whipped goat cheese is vibrant with thyme, rosemary, and zesty lemon, adding a luxurious tang that perfectly balances the garlic.
- Simple, Impressive Prep: With just a handful of ingredients and a stress-free technique, this recipe looks (and tastes!) elegant enough for any occasion—and comes together with hardly any fuss.
- Versatile to Serve: Make Garlic Confit with Herb Goat Cheese Toast as a starter, light lunch, or centerpiece for a cozy wine night with friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
There’s beauty in simplicity, and Garlic Confit with Herb Goat Cheese Toast proves it. Each element brings something special—velvety garlic, scents of fresh herbs, a citrus spark, and that creamy tang—all playing perfectly together in every bite.
- Garlic (3 bulbs, approx. 30 cloves): The star of the show! Using whole cloves gives you that mellow, spreadable sweetness after roasting.
- Olive Oil (1 cup): Acts as a gentle poaching liquid for the garlic, creating an aromatic garlic-infused oil you’ll want to drizzle over everything.
- Kosher Salt (1/2 tsp): Helps coax all the flavor from the garlic and enhances each component.
- Fresh Thyme (for confit & cheese): Adds a bright, earthy note to both the garlic and the whipped goat cheese.
- Goat Cheese (17 oz, at room temp): Choose a creamy chèvre for the smoothest, easiest spread—room temperature truly matters here!
- Rosemary (1 tbsp): Brings warmth and complexity to the cheese spread—use fresh if possible for the best flavor pop.
- Lemon Zest (from 1 lemon): Gives the cheese mixture a hint of sunshine and noticeable freshness.
- Black Pepper (1/4 tsp): Just a touch, for gentle heat and balance.
- Crusty Bread (like sourdough): The ideal toast base, sturdy enough to hold all that glorious topping!
Variations
The beauty of Garlic Confit with Herb Goat Cheese Toast is how easily it flexes to fit your mood, pantry, or occasion. Feel free to make it uniquely yours with a few creative twists or simple substitutions.
- Swap the Herbs: Try basil, chives, or parsley in place of rosemary and thyme, or use a medley for a more complex flavor.
- Make it Vegan: Use a plant-based cream cheese in place of goat cheese for a dairy-free version that’s still luscious and spreadable.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic oil or goat cheese for subtle heat.
- Upgrade the Bread: Use baguette slices, hearty multigrain, or even gluten-free bread—whatever you (or your guests) love most.
How to Make Garlic Confit with Herb Goat Cheese Toast
Step 1: Prepare the Garlic Confit
Start by separating and peeling all your garlic cloves—don’t rush this part, as any leftover skins can make your confit less luscious. Place the peeled garlic in a small baking dish, sprinkle over the kosher salt and fresh thyme, and pour in enough olive oil to generously cover the cloves. Your kitchen will already be smelling amazing!
Step 2: Gently Roast the Garlic
Slide the baking dish into a preheated 250°F oven and let the garlic slowly poach in the oil for about one hour. You’re looking for golden, meltingly tender cloves—no rushing here. The low and slow method ensures the garlic turns sweet and spreadable without any bitterness.
Step 3: Mix the Herb Goat Cheese
While the garlic basks in its oil bath, combine your room-temp goat cheese, chopped thyme, rosemary, lemon zest, and pepper in a medium bowl. Blending by hand or with a spatula works perfectly—just aim for a fluffy, well-mixed spread that shouts “eat me!” in both fragrance and color.
Step 4: Toast and Assemble
Get your favorite bread toasted to golden-brown perfection (think crunchy outside, soft inside). Smear a luxurious layer of the whipped herby goat cheese over each slice, then lovingly nestle a few luscious cloves of garlic confit on top. Finish with a drizzle of that heavenly garlic oil—and get ready to swoon.
Pro Tips for Making Garlic Confit with Herb Goat Cheese Toast
- Peeling Made Easy: To make peeling the garlic a breeze, gently smash each clove with the side of a knife; the skins will loosen right up.
- Oil Coverage Counts: Make sure your garlic cloves are fully submerged in olive oil as they roast — this keeps them tender (not crispy!) and absorbs all that aromatic essence right into the oil.
- Room Temperature Goat Cheese: Let your goat cheese warm up before mixing in the herbs and zest; it will incorporate easily, resulting in a cloud-like spread that’s never chalky.
- Save That Garlic Oil: Don’t toss the leftover oil! It’s liquid gold—perfect for drizzling on toast, tossing with veggies, or using as a base for salad dressing.
How to Serve Garlic Confit with Herb Goat Cheese Toast
Garnishes
For an elegant finish, try a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or extra chopped fresh herbs—thyme, rosemary, or even a mint leaf. A wisp of lemon zest over the top highlights the citrus notes in the cheese and makes Garlic Confit with Herb Goat Cheese Toast a true feast for the eyes as well as the tastebuds.
Side Dishes
Balance your toasts with bright, acidic salads—think arugula with shaved fennel, a citrusy beet salad, or even a platter of marinated olives. Garlic Confit with Herb Goat Cheese Toast also makes a stellar addition to any cheese board or antipasto spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, slice your toast into bite-sized rounds or triangles for easy sharing. Go dramatic by plating on a wooden board with tiny bowls of extra confit oil and herby cheese for DIY assembly. For brunch, top with a soft poached egg—absolutely irresistible!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any remaining garlic confit (with its oil) in an airtight glass container in the fridge, where it will keep for up to two weeks. The herb goat cheese spread also refrigerates beautifully for several days—just let it soften a bit before serving again for best texture.
Freezing
The garlic confit can be frozen in small containers (oil and all) for up to three months. The goat cheese spread, however, is best enjoyed fresh—freezing can change its lovely creamy consistency.
Reheating
Gently bring the garlic confit to room temperature or warm it briefly in a saucepan over low heat before serving. Toast bread fresh each time for the crunch factor—there’s really nothing like it.
FAQs
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Can I use pre-peeled garlic for the confit?
Absolutely! Pre-peeled garlic can be a total timesaver for Garlic Confit with Herb Goat Cheese Toast. Just check for freshness—steer clear of any cloves with green sprouts or signs of drying out for the best results.
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Is there a substitute for goat cheese in this recipe?
You bet! If goat cheese isn’t your thing, try whipped ricotta or even softened cream cheese. Both substitutions will create a creamy spread, though goat cheese gives that signature tangy flavor that makes this toast really shine.
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How do I keep the garlic from burning or turning bitter?
Low temperature is key! Make sure your oven is set no higher than 250°F and keep the garlic fully immersed in oil. Roasting low and slow ensures sweetness and avoids any bitter flavors in your Garlic Confit with Herb Goat Cheese Toast.
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Can I make this recipe in advance for a party?
Yes, both the garlic confit and the herb goat cheese can be prepared up to several days ahead. Assemble Garlic Confit with Herb Goat Cheese Toast just before serving for the best texture and maximum flavor impact.
Final Thoughts
There’s a certain magic in transforming humble kitchen staples into something positively swoon-worthy, and Garlic Confit with Herb Goat Cheese Toast never fails to impress. Whether you’re sharing it with friends or sneaking a quiet moment for yourself, let each creamy, garlicky bite remind you: deliciousness really can be this effortless. Give it a try—your tastebuds will thank you!
Print
Garlic Confit with Herb Goat Cheese Toast Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Garlic Confit with Herb Goat Cheese Toast recipe combines the rich, mellow flavor of garlic confit with the creamy tang of herbed goat cheese, all served on crispy toast for a delicious appetizer or snack.
Ingredients
Garlic Confit
- 3 bulbs Garlic (approximately 30 cloves)
- 1 cup Olive Oil
- 1/2 tsp Kosher Salt
- Thyme
Herbed Goat Cheese
- 17 oz Goat Cheese, room temperature
- 1 1/2 tbsp Thyme
- 1 tbsp Rosemary
- 1 Lemon Zest (from 1 whole lemon)
- 1/4 tsp Pepper
Instructions
- Prepare Garlic Confit: Combine garlic, salt, and herbs in a baking container. Cover with olive oil. Bake at 250°F for 1 hour.
- Prepare Herbed Goat Cheese: Mix goat cheese, thyme, rosemary, lemon zest, and pepper. Ensure goat cheese is at room temperature.
- Assemble: Spread herbed goat cheese on toasted sourdough or bread of choice. Top with a few cloves of garlic confit. Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
