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If you’re anything like me, then you know that garlic is one of the best ingredients in the kitchen. And when you infuse it into some good quality olive oil, well, get ready for some serious magic! Garlic infused olive oil can be used in countless dishes, adding a rich and savory kick to everything from pasta to roasted veggies to a slice of good crusty bread. Prepare to be addicted!

You’re going to love the extra flavor that garlic olive oil gives your favorite dishes. Try it in some olive oil bread dip or drizzled over pasta salad!

A glass jar filled with olive oil, herbs, and garlic.

Garlic Olive Oil Recipe

If you haven’t been cooking with olive oil, you really need to come to the dark side. I don’t think I could live without it! It adds a delicious, earthy, and slightly fruity flavor to any recipe. Plus, it’s full of healthy fats and is a much healthier option than vegetable or canola oil. And if you’re already an olive oil fiend like me, then it’s time to be mind-blown: olive oil infused with garlic!

I mean, can you ever really get enough garlic? Why not infuse it into your cooking oil! The flavor is so incredible, I don’t think I want to go back to regular olive oil. I also added fresh herbs to my mixture for a little extra flavor, but this is totally optional! Making your own blend is part of the fun.

Ingredients Needed

You could technically just use olive oil and fresh garlic, but I added fresh herbs to my garlic olive oil as well. Exact measurements can be found below in the recipe card.

  • Olive Oil: Don’t skimp! Using a high-quality olive oil makes all the difference in its flavor. Pure or extra-virgin olive oil is the way to go.
  • Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic cloves work best.
  • Fresh Herbs: I added a sprig of rosemary, but you can also add things like basil, parsley, or dill! It’s so fun to experiment with different flavors and see what you end up with.

How to Make Garlic-Infused Olive Oil

It takes less than 10 minutes, so why not make yourself a bottle? I know you’ll love how it turns out and want to use it for everything!

  1. Prepare Garlic: Start by preparing your garlic. Peel and smash your garlic.
  2. Cook and Infuse: In a small saucepan add the olive oil and garlic cloves. Turn the heat to low heat and let it cook until it starts to turn brown for about 5 minutes.
  3. Strain: Discard the cloves and let the oil completely cool. Then strain the oil to remove any bits of garlic into your container.
  4. Add Herbs if Desired: Add sprigs of fresh herbs of choice. I used rosemary and thyme.

Adding Herbs

I like to keep the garlic cloves in the container and add in some sprigs of rosemary and thyme for a pretty presentation. This is completely optional.

3-photo collage of olive oil in a pot being infused with garlic and herbs.

Ways to Use Garlic Olive Oil

Basically, you can substitute this garlic-infused olive oil for any recipe that calls for regular olive oil. It will just add a delicious pop of garlicky flavor! Some of my favorite ways to use it are in bread dips, homemade salad dressings, hummus, or mashed potatoes

How Long Will Garlic Infused Olive Oil Last?

In an airtight bottle or jar, your homemade garlic olive oil will last for up to 1 month in the fridge.

Pouring garlic infused olive oil into a small dish.

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Garlic Infused Olive Oil

5 from 1 vote
By: Alyssa Rivers
If you're anything like me, then you know that garlic is one of the best ingredients in the kitchen. And when you infuse it into some good quality olive oil, well, get ready for some serious magic! 
Prep Time: 3 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 8 minutes
Servings: 16

Ingredients 

Instructions 

  • Start by preparing your garlic. Peel and smash your garlic.
  • In a small saucepan add the olive oil and garlic cloves. Turn the heat to low heat and let it cook until it starts to turn brown for about 5 minutes.
  • Discard the cloves and let the oil completely cool. Strain the oil to remove any bits of garlic into your container.
  • Add sprigs of fresh herbs of choice. I used rosemary and thyme.

Notes

*I like to keep the garlic cloves in the container and add in some sprigs of rosemary and thyme for a pretty presentation. This is completely optional.

Nutrition

Serving: 1tablespoonCalories: 122kcalCarbohydrates: 0.5gProtein: 0.1gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gSodium: 1mgPotassium: 6mgFiber: 0.03gSugar: 0.01gVitamin A: 0.1IUVitamin C: 0.5mgCalcium: 3mgIron: 0.1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Tried this recipe?Mention @alyssa_therecipecritic or tag #therecipecritic!

About Alyssa Rivers

Alyssa Rivers is the author of 'The Tried and True Cookbook', a professional food photographer and experienced recipe-developer. Having a passion for cooking, her tried and true recipes have been featured on Good Morning America, Today Food, Buzzfeed and more.

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2 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    Happy Cooking
    Ian just making the garlic Olive OIL and some fresh thyme, after it cools, smells wonderful and did not know if I should leave the thyme in the bottle for a long time?
    Thank you for the recipe
    Laine