If you’re ready to experience magic on toast, you need to try Garlic Confit with Herb Goat Cheese Toast. Imagine slow-roasted garlic cloves nestled in silky olive oil, paired with creamy, herby goat cheese, all slathered on a crunchy slice of sourdough. This is the kind of snack or appetizer that turns a casual bite into a showstopper—and it’s so simple to make!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unbelievable Flavor: Roasting garlic low and slow makes it mellow, sweet, and totally irresistible—perfect for pairing with tangy goat cheese.
- Easy Yet Elegant: Garlic Confit with Herb Goat Cheese Toast feels gourmet but comes together with just a few basic kitchen staples.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: The confit can be prepped in advance, making it an effortless option for entertaining or a luxurious snack anytime.
- Stunning Presentation: Creamy herbed cheese, golden garlic, and rustic bread look as spectacular as they taste—perfect for impressing guests or just treating yourself!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Garlic Confit with Herb Goat Cheese Toast is how a handful of simple ingredients come together to create something extraordinary. Every element has a purpose, whether it’s creamy, tangy, or simply bursting with herbal freshness—and even the olive oil plays a starring role!
- Garlic (3 bulbs, about 30 cloves): The star of the show—roasting garlic mellows its bite and brings out a caramelized sweetness you won’t believe.
- Olive Oil (1 cup or more): A gentle bath for the garlic, infusing it with luscious richness; don’t skimp—any leftovers are liquid gold for cooking!
- Kosher Salt (1/2 tsp): Draws out the natural flavors of the garlic and balances everything just right.
- Thyme (plus extra for goat cheese): Earthy and lemony, thyme melds into both the confit and cheese for cohesion and lovely flecks of green.
- Rosemary (1 tbsp, finely chopped): Brings a bold, aromatic punch to the herbed cheese for maximum flavor.
- Goat Cheese (17 oz, room temp): Tangy, creamy, and perfectly spreadable once softened—nothing else delivers the same zing!
- Lemon Zest (from 1 whole lemon): Brightens and balances the richness of the cheese and oil—don’t skip it.
- Freshly Ground Black Pepper (1/4 tsp): Adds a gentle heat and a little extra pop to the herby cheese.
- Sourdough or rustic bread, for toasting: The hearty, chewy base that soaks up every flavorful bit.
Variations
The beauty of Garlic Confit with Herb Goat Cheese Toast is its adaptability! Swap out herbs, change up the bread, or tweak the cheese to fit dietary needs or cravings. Don’t be afraid to make it your own—the combinations are endless.
- Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute a plant-based cream cheese for the goat cheese and mix with the same herbs and lemon zest for a vegan-friendly treat.
- Try Different Herbs: Experiment with chives, basil, or even tarragon in the cheese or confit to create new flavor profiles.
- Crusty Baguette or Pita: Use your favorite bread—ciabatta, baguette, or even warm pita make delicious bases for this toast.
- Add a Sweet Touch: Drizzle a tiny bit of honey over the herbed goat cheese and garlic for a sweet-and-savory contrast that’s irresistible.
How to Make Garlic Confit with Herb Goat Cheese Toast
Step 1: Prepare the Garlic Confit
Peel the garlic cloves and add them to a small, oven-safe baking dish. Sprinkle with kosher salt and nestle in a few sprigs of thyme. Pour olive oil over the top until the garlic is fully submerged (add a bit more if needed—it’s essential for gentle cooking and flavor). Set your oven to 250°F and pop the dish in for about 1 hour, until the cloves are golden, ultra-soft, and practically melting.
Step 2: Make the Herbed Goat Cheese
While the garlic confit works its magic, prep the herbed goat cheese. In a bowl, combine the softened goat cheese with chopped thyme, rosemary, lemon zest, and black pepper. Mix until smooth and luscious, tasting along the way so you can adjust the herbs to suit your mood.
Step 3: Toast the Bread
Slice your sourdough or other favorite bread and toast it until crispy on the edges but still tender inside. You want it sturdy enough to hold that creamy cheese and those silky garlic cloves, so don’t go shy with the toast!
Step 4: Assemble and Serve
Spread a generous layer of herbed goat cheese onto your warm toast, then top with a few confit garlic cloves and a drizzle of the subtly scented olive oil. Finish with an extra sprinkle of fresh herbs or flaky salt if you like. Enjoy the magic of Garlic Confit with Herb Goat Cheese Toast—one heavenly bite at a time!
Pro Tips for Making Garlic Confit with Herb Goat Cheese Toast
- Ultra Creamy Cheese: Make sure your goat cheese is truly at room temperature before mixing in the herbs, for the dreamiest, spoonable texture.
- Roast Low and Slow: Keep the oven temperature low and steady—rushing will brown the garlic, but gentle heat creates that signature, spreadable confit.
- Don’t Discard That Oil: The leftover oil from the confit is loaded with garlic flavor; drizzle it on toast, roasted veggies, or use it to make salad dressings.
- Flavor Layering: For extra dimension, try sprinkling a pinch of flaky sea salt or a few fresh herbs right before serving for a burst of flavor and color.
How to Serve Garlic Confit with Herb Goat Cheese Toast
Garnishes
Finish your Garlic Confit with Herb Goat Cheese Toast with extra thyme leaves, a bit of lemon zest, or a dusting of freshly ground black pepper for color and freshness. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt right before serving makes every bite pop!
Side Dishes
This dish is a lovely appetizer all on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, a bright tomato soup, or a platter of olives and roasted veggies for a full spread. It’s the ultimate addition to any brunch, lunch, or cozy evening gathering.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, slice your toast into bite-sized pieces to make Garlic Confit with Herb Goat Cheese Toast the hero of your appetizer board. Layer a dollop on crostini, offer a build-your-own toast station, or sprinkle with edible flowers and vibrant herbs for dramatic flair. Let your imagination run wild!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover garlic confit will keep in an airtight jar, fully submerged in its oil, in the fridge for up to two weeks. Store herbed goat cheese separately in a container and enjoy whenever the craving strikes—perfect for at-work lunches or late-night snacks!
Freezing
You can freeze the garlic confit (in its oil) for up to three months—just thaw fully in the refrigerator before using. The herbed goat cheese is best enjoyed fresh, though you can freeze it for a month if it’s well wrapped—expect a creamier, softer texture once thawed.
Reheating
To enjoy leftover or refrigerated garlic confit, just let the cloves come to room temperature or briefly warm the oil and cloves gently on the stove—never microwave, as it can ruin that creamy-textured garlic. Toasted bread can always be reheated in the oven or toaster for a few minutes until crisp again.
FAQs
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Can I use pre-peeled garlic instead of whole bulbs?
Yes, pre-peeled garlic works perfectly for garlic confit and will save you prep time. Just make sure the cloves are fresh and not dried out for the best, creamiest results.
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Is it safe to store garlic confit in the fridge?
Absolutely, as long as the cloves are fully covered with oil and refrigerated promptly, it’s safe and will keep for up to two weeks. Always use a clean utensil to scoop it out to prevent contamination.
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What if I don’t have goat cheese—can I substitute another cheese?
Cream cheese or whipped ricotta are great alternatives for a similar creamy texture, though goat cheese adds that signature tang. Feel free to experiment with your favorites!
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Can I make Garlic Confit with Herb Goat Cheese Toast ahead of time for a party?
Definitely! Prepare the garlic confit and herbed goat cheese a day or two ahead, and just assemble on toasted bread right before serving for the freshest flavor and best crunch.
Final Thoughts
If you adore bold flavors served simply, Garlic Confit with Herb Goat Cheese Toast is your new must-try obsession. With its creamy, garlicky goodness and that pop of citrusy herb, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to share—though no one will blame you for secretly sneaking an extra slice for yourself!
Print
Garlic Confit with Herb Goat Cheese Toast Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich flavors of this Garlic Confit with Herb Goat Cheese Toast recipe. Creamy herb-infused goat cheese paired with savory garlic confit makes for a delectable topping on crunchy toast, perfect for any meal.
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 small baking container. Cover with olive oil ensuring garlic is submerged. Bake at 250°F for 1 hour.
- Make Herbed Goat Cheese: Mix goat cheese, thyme, rosemary, lemon zest, and pepper until well combined.
- 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 slice
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
