Garlic Confit Butter Toast Recipe

I don’t know about you, but the smell of garlic sizzling away in olive oil has always been one of my love languages.

There’s just something so comforting and irresistible about that buttery, mellow garlic aroma filling the kitchen.

That’s exactly why this viral garlic confit butter toast recipe has become one of my new obsessions, it’s everything I adore in one golden, crunchy bite.

This toast is indulgent in the best way: it’s got the richness of butter, the sweetness of slow-cooked garlic confit, and that satisfying crisp from a perfectly toasted slice of bread.

What is a Garlic Confit Butter Toast Recipe?

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So what exactly is this much-talked-about toast? Let’s break it down. At its core, this recipe is simply bread slathered with a luscious butter infused with garlic confit.

But if you’ve ever had garlic confit before, you know it’s not “just garlic.”

Garlic confit is garlic that’s slowly, gently cooked in olive oil until the cloves turn silky, golden, and unbelievably sweet.

It takes away that harsh bite raw garlic can have and transforms it into something soft, spreadable, and almost candy-like in flavor.

Once you mash that garlic into softened butter, you’ve got the ultimate spread, rich, savory, and addictive.

Spread it thick onto a slice of good bread, toast it up until the edges are crisp and golden, and what you’re left with is a little piece of heaven.

The recipe first went viral because of its gorgeous look and undeniable flavor.

Social media foodies everywhere started sharing their spins on garlic confit butter toast, some topped with herbs, some sprinkled with flaky sea salt, and others finished with chili flakes for a spicy kick.

It became one of those universally loved recipes because it’s easy, budget-friendly, and just plain fun to make.

Think of it as the grown-up cousin of regular garlic bread. Instead of overpowering raw garlic or the artificial taste of garlic powder, this version celebrates garlic in its softest, sweetest form.

It’s buttery, garlicky, and downright luxurious, all while being ridiculously simple.

Key Ingredients

The beauty of this recipe is how a handful of humble ingredients can turn into something that feels gourmet. Let’s talk about what you’ll need:

Garlic Cloves: The star of the show. Fresh garlic is non-negotiable here, you’ll want plump cloves, preferably from a head that feels firm and not dried out.

Once they’re slow-cooked in oil, they become melt-in-your-mouth soft.

Olive Oil: Used to make the garlic confit. You don’t need the most expensive bottle in your pantry, but you do want something with a smooth, fruity flavor since it doubles as part of the spread.

Unsalted Butter: Butter is where the magic happens. Use good-quality butter if you can, it makes a huge difference when blended with the garlic confit.

The butter softens the garlic’s richness and helps it spread beautifully on toast.

Bread: Honestly, you can use whatever bread you love. I personally adore a rustic sourdough or a crusty baguette because they hold up so well under the buttery spread.

But even a slice of sandwich bread will shine once toasted.

Seasoning: Flaky sea salt is essential, it makes the flavor pop. I also love adding a little black pepper or even red pepper flakes for heat.

Fresh parsley, chives, or thyme sprinkled on top are lovely optional finishes.

The key here is quality. With so few ingredients, every element has a chance to shine, so don’t skimp if you can help it.

Fresh bread, good butter, and plump garlic will make all the difference in the world.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s where the fun begins. Making garlic confit butter toast is a process that feels luxurious but is secretly so simple, which is why I love it for both lazy evenings and impressing guests.

First, start by making the garlic confit. Take about 2–3 heads of garlic and peel the cloves.

I know peeling garlic can sometimes be a bit of a chore, but I like to smash each clove lightly with the flat side of my knife, it makes the skins slide right off.

Place the peeled cloves into a small oven-safe dish, then pour in enough olive oil to cover them fully.

Slide it into the oven at a low temperature (around 250°F / 120°C) and let the magic happen for about an hour. The garlic will turn soft, golden, and oh-so fragrant.

Once the garlic is done, take a few cloves and mash them with a fork until smooth. Then, stir them into softened unsalted butter.

This is where you can play with ratios: more garlic for a punchier spread, less if you prefer it mild.

Mix in a pinch of flaky salt and pepper, and you’ve got yourself garlic confit butter ready to go.

Now for the toast! Grab your bread of choice (I’m partial to sourdough slices with plenty of nooks and crannies), spread a generous layer of garlic confit butter over each piece, and pop them onto a baking sheet.

Toast under the broiler or in a hot skillet until golden and crispy at the edges.

When you pull them out, sprinkle with a touch more salt, maybe some chopped parsley, and enjoy immediately while still warm.

That’s it. The whole process feels like kitchen therapy, the slow cooking of garlic, the satisfying mash into butter, and the final reward of that crunch when you bite in.

Variations and Substitutions

The beauty of a viral recipe like this is that everyone can add their own little twist, and honestly, half the fun is experimenting.

While the classic garlic confit butter toast is already perfect on its own, here are some ideas to switch things up:

If you love spice, stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or even a swirl of chili crisp into your garlic butter. It adds this smoky heat that balances beautifully with the sweetness of the garlic.

Want to make it extra luxurious? Swap regular butter for a European-style butter with a higher fat content, it gives the spread an even richer mouthfeel.

You can also drizzle a touch of truffle oil over the finished toast for a restaurant-worthy touch.

Herbs are another great way to play. Fresh parsley is classic, but I’ve also tried thyme, rosemary, and even dill. Each herb brings its own personality to the toast.

If you’re a cheese lover, grating a little Parmesan or Pecorino over the hot toast makes it feel like a decadent appetizer.

Bread choices also open up options. Sourdough is my go-to, but a soft brioche slice makes for a sweet-and-savory spin, while a baguette gives you bite-sized crostini perfect for parties.

As for substitutions, if you’re avoiding dairy, you can absolutely make this with a vegan butter alternative, it still spreads beautifully.

If you don’t want to make a whole batch of garlic confit, you can sauté garlic slowly in olive oil until soft.

It won’t have quite the same caramelized depth, but it’ll still be delicious.

Basically, think of this recipe as your canvas. The garlic butter is the base, and you get to paint on flavors that fit your cravings.

Meal Ideas to Try

While I could easily eat garlic confit butter toast on its own (and, let’s be honest, I often do), it’s also a recipe that pairs beautifully with so many meals.

I think of it as the ultimate sidekick, never the star of the table, but always the one everyone talks about.

For brunch, this toast is a dream alongside soft scrambled eggs, an herby omelet, or even smashed avocado for a double-layer spread situation.

A drizzle of hot honey on top of the garlic butter toast adds this sweet-spicy combo that makes mornings feel extra special.

At lunchtime, pair it with a crisp salad—something with fresh greens, maybe a tangy vinaigrette, to balance out the richness.

I love making a simple tomato soup and serving garlic confit butter toast on the side for dipping. It’s comforting, classic, and never fails to hit the spot.

For dinner, think bigger. Garlic confit butter toast makes the perfect partner for a pasta dish, especially something creamy like fettuccine Alfredo or a tomato-based spaghetti.

It’s also a wonderful side to roast chicken or grilled steak.

I’ve even used smaller slices as a base for bruschetta toppings, fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, or even smoked salmon layered over the garlic butter is next-level delicious.

If you’re entertaining, serve garlic confit butter toast as an appetizer board.

Arrange slices with little bowls of toppings, like marinated olives, whipped ricotta, or a chili oil drizzle, so guests can customize their own bites.

It’s simple but feels incredibly thoughtful.

The point is, this recipe isn’t limited to just being “toast.” It’s an anytime, anywhere kind of dish that slips seamlessly into almost any meal of the day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make Garlic Confit Ahead of Time?

Yes! Garlic confit stores beautifully. Once cooled, keep the cloves submerged in their oil in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to two weeks.

That way, you can whip up garlic confit butter anytime.

Do I Need to Use Unsalted Butter?

I recommend unsalted so you can control the seasoning yourself. If salted butter is all you have, just reduce the added salt a bit.

What’s the Best Bread for Garlic Confit Butter Toast?

Rustic sourdough or baguette is ideal because of the sturdy texture, but honestly, even soft sandwich bread gets an instant glow-up when toasted with this butter.

Can I Freeze Garlic Confit Butter?

Definitely! Make a batch, roll it into a log with parchment paper, and freeze. Then just slice off a round whenever you want garlic butter toast.

Is Garlic Confit Safe to Store at Room Temperature?

No. Always keep garlic confited in the fridge to avoid bacteria growth. Treat it like any perishable food.

Can I add cheese on top?
Yes, and you should! Parmesan, mozzarella, or even goat cheese are all fantastic toppings.