If you’ve never tried baked olive confit, then you are in for a treat! Imagine juicy olives infused with the richness of olive oil, slow-cooked with aromatic herbs and spices until they’re tender and bursting with flavor. This Baked Olive Confit is the perfect blend of savory goodness with a touch of sophistication, and it’s seriously addictive. Whether you’re serving it as a snack, an appetizer, or adding it to a charcuterie board, it’s guaranteed to impress.
This recipe is so simple yet so flavorful. Trust me, you’ll be making it every time you have guests over, or even just for yourself when you need a little snack that feels like a special treat.
Why You’ll Love Baked Olive Confit
There’s something magical about the combination of olives, garlic, and herbs slow-cooked together. Here’s why you’ll love this dish:
Full of Flavor: The olives absorb the wonderful flavors of the olive oil, garlic, and herbs, making each bite a savory delight. The slow cooking process lets the ingredients marry beautifully.
Easy to Make: This is one of those “set it and forget it” recipes that doesn’t require much effort at all, yet the result is so impressive.
Versatile: Serve it on its own as a tasty snack, with bread, or alongside other appetizers for a Mediterranean-inspired spread.
Perfect for Entertaining: It’s a fantastic dish to serve when you have company. It’s elegant yet simple, and everyone loves snacking on olives.
Customizable: Add a little chili for a spicy kick, throw in some orange zest for a citrusy twist, or experiment with different herbs.
Ingredients in Baked Olive Confit
This dish is all about the simplicity and quality of the ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to bring these delicious olives to life:
Olives: Choose a mix of your favorite olives—green, black, Kalamata, or any other variety you enjoy. The variety adds texture and complexity to the confit.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil works best, giving the confit richness and a smooth, luxurious texture.
Garlic: Garlic cloves, either smashed or whole, will infuse the oil with amazing flavor as it cooks.
Herbs: A mix of rosemary, thyme, and bay leaves adds an earthy, fragrant touch.
Lemon Peel: A few strips of lemon peel add brightness and a citrusy kick to balance out the richness.
Chili Flakes (Optional): A little heat never hurts, and chili flakes add a subtle spicy warmth.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this gorgeous olive confit:
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 300°F (150°C). A low and slow bake is the secret to perfect olive confit.
Prepare the Olives: In a baking dish or small roasting pan, add your olives. Make sure they’re spread out evenly, so they cook uniformly.
Add the Flavors: Toss the olives with the garlic, herbs, and lemon peel. Drizzle with olive oil until the olives are fully covered. If you’re using chili flakes, sprinkle those on top too.
Bake Slowly: Place the dish in the oven and bake for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the olives are tender and aromatic. Keep an eye on them to make sure they don’t burn, but you want them to soak up all the flavors.
Finishing Touches: Once they’re done, remove the olives from the oven and let them cool slightly. The olive oil will be infused with all the flavors and will make a wonderful dipping sauce.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Baked Olive Confit warm or at room temperature. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or crackers, and it’s perfect for a Mediterranean-inspired spread.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 250
(Note: approximate values)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
How to Serve Baked Olive Confit
This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
- With Crusty Bread: Slice up some warm, crusty baguette or ciabatta to dip into the infused olive oil and enjoy with the olives.
- As Part of a Charcuterie Board: Add some cheeses, cured meats, and pickled vegetables for a full Mediterranean spread.
- With Roasted Vegetables: Serve alongside roasted veggies like zucchini, eggplant, or tomatoes for a more substantial meal.
- On Salads: Toss some olives and their flavorful oil into a fresh salad for a burst of Mediterranean flavor.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
- Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices—oregano, thyme, or even a cinnamon stick can add a unique twist.
- If you want extra richness, try adding a spoonful of honey to balance the savory flavors with a touch of sweetness.
- The confit makes a great topping for pizza, pasta, or roasted meats.
- Don’t throw away the olive oil once the olives are gone—use it as a marinade for vegetables, a base for salad dressings, or a drizzle over grilled meats.
FAQs
1. Can I use jarred olives for this recipe?
Yes, jarred olives work perfectly, just be sure to drain and rinse them before use to remove excess brine.
2. Can I store Baked Olive Confit?
Yes, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Just reheat gently before serving.
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Definitely! The confit actually gets better with time as the flavors continue to meld together. Just warm it up before serving.
4. Can I add other ingredients to the confit?
Absolutely! Feel free to add sun-dried tomatoes, capers, or even nuts for extra texture.
5. Can I use flavored olive oil?
Yes! Flavored olive oils like lemon or chili will enhance the flavors of the confit even more.
6. How do I serve the confit at a party?
Serve it with a variety of breads, crackers, and even some cheeses to make a perfect party snack or appetizer.
7. Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes, just set the slow cooker on low and let the olives cook for 3-4 hours. It’s a great hands-off approach.
8. Can I make this recipe with green olives?
Yes, green olives work just as well as black olives. You can mix and match for a more colorful dish.
9. Can I freeze the confit?
We don’t recommend freezing olives as they may lose their texture, but the olive oil infusion can be frozen for later use.
10. What’s the best way to serve this with drinks?
Pair it with a glass of crisp white wine or a Mediterranean cocktail like a gin and tonic for a refreshing combination.
Conclusion
This Baked Olive Confit is one of those simple, feel-good dishes that will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. With its rich olive oil base, savory garlic, and fragrant herbs, every bite is packed with flavor. It’s perfect for entertaining, or just for enjoying during a cozy night in. Try it out, and get ready to indulge in a little taste of the Mediterranean.
Print
Baked Olive Confit
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 2 cups 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Baked Olive Confit is a savory and aromatic dish made by slow-roasting olives with garlic, citrus, and herbs in olive oil. It’s perfect as an appetizer, condiment, or flavorful addition to salads and pastas.
Ingredients
- 2 cups mixed olives (green and black, pitted or whole)
- 6 garlic cloves, smashed
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Zest of 1 orange
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 tsp chili flakes (optional)
- 1 tsp black peppercorns
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C).
- In a small baking dish, combine the olives, garlic, citrus zests, rosemary, thyme, chili flakes, and black peppercorns.
- Pour olive oil over the mixture until the olives are mostly submerged.
- Bake uncovered for 30–40 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the garlic is tender and the flavors have melded.
- Remove from oven and let cool to room temperature. Store in an airtight container with oil, refrigerated, for up to 2 weeks.
Notes
- Let the confit sit overnight for even deeper flavor.
- Use the leftover infused oil in salad dressings, marinades, or drizzled over grilled vegetables.
- Serve warm or at room temperature as a mezze or tapas dish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tbsp
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg