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Cheesy Garlic Confit Bread
Daniel Hayes

Easy Cheesy Garlic Confit Bread | The BEST Side Dish

This easy cheesy garlic confit bread | the BEST side dish features silky sweet garlic confit spread on crusty bread and topped with bubbling cheese. Hands-off confit and quick bake deliver restaurant-quality flavor in under 2 hours.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Garlic Confit Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 2 minutes
Servings: 10 slices
Course: Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
Calories: 280
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 heads garlic (about 20-24 cloves, peeled)
  • 250 grams olive oil
  • 1 large loaf crusty bread (French, Italian or sourdough)
  • 60 grams unsalted butter (softened, optional)
  • 200 grams shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
  • flaky sea salt (to taste)
  • fresh rosemary or thyme (optional)

Equipment

  • Small oven-safe baking dish
  • Serrated Knife
  • Baking Sheet Lined with parchment
  • Mixing Bowl

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 250°F (120°C). Place peeled garlic cloves in a small baking dish. Cover completely with olive oil, add pinch of salt and optional herbs. Cover tightly with foil and bake 90 minutes until soft and golden.
  2. Remove from oven and cool slightly. Mash 10-12 cloves with softened butter or 2 tablespoons reserved garlic oil until smooth and spreadable.
  3. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Slice the loaf horizontally or into 1-inch pull-apart slices without cutting all the way through.
  4. Spread mashed garlic confit generously over cut surfaces. Drizzle with extra garlic oil. Top evenly with shredded cheese and a pinch of flaky sea salt.
  5. Bake on parchment-lined sheet 12-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden. Broil 1-2 minutes for extra browning if desired.
  6. Rest 2 minutes, then slice or pull apart and serve immediately.

Notes

Garlic confit can be made ahead and stored in the fridge (covered in oil) up to 2 weeks. Use day-old bread for best texture. Watch closely during final broil to prevent burning. Serve immediately for maximum cheese stretch.