A Simple Garlic Confit with Thyme & Lemon

This came about after a discussion with all our kids during the snowstorm on Christmas! I asked for simple appetizer ideas using what we had on hand. And this is the kind of recipe that doesn’t ask much of anyone. Nothing too complicated. Just simple ingredients that feel comforting and a little special. The type of appetizer you can set out while chatting with family and friends. Perfect with a glass of wine or sparkling water.

This garlic confit is one of those recipes. I usually have a few heads of garlic in the pantry—a lemon in the fridge, olive oil, and a sliced baguette in the freezer. And that’s all you need!

It’s made in a small Staub cocotte (or any small ovenproof dish you have), with just a few ingredients: whole garlic cloves, good olive oil, a few sprigs of thyme, and a few strips of lemon peel. That’s it. The oven does the rest.

As the garlic slowly cooks, it softens, becoming sweet and mellow, losing its sharpness and turning into something you can easily spread on toasted bread. The thyme and lemon gently perfume the oil, and suddenly you have something that feels thoughtful and generous, even though it took very little effort.

I like to serve it warm, straight from the cocotte, with slices of toasted baguette or sourdough. You can spoon the oil over the bread first, then mash a clove or two on top, finishing with flaky salt. It’s also lovely alongside a simple cheeseboard. I like to have something warm and cozy even when doing a cheeseboard, and this is an easy addition.

As I look back on the year, that’s what I’m most drawn to—small, lovely things that slow us down a bit. This garlic confit feels like a nice way to end the year: warm, useful, and meant to be shared on a snowy weekend in Connecticut, when the kids are all still home. What could be better?

Ingredients

• peeled garlic cloves
• Olive oil
• Fresh thyme
• Lemon peel
• Flaky sea salt, for serving
• Baguette
• Butter

Special tools needed:

• Mini cocotte or small covered casserole dish
• Vegetable peeler
• Paring knife

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