The Ultimate Cheesy Garlic Snails – A Nostalgic South African Favourite
If you grew up going to Spur, you’ll remember that dish — bubbling hot snails swimming in garlicky butter, topped with melted cheese and served with bread to soak up every last drop.
This cheesy garlic escargot recipe is a nostalgic, comfort-food version inspired by the classic Spur favourite. It’s rich, simple, and incredibly satisfying — no fancy techniques, just bold garlic flavour, buttery goodness, and golden melted cheese.
Perfect as a starter, date-night dish, or indulgent snack, this recipe brings restaurant-style escargot straight into your home kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Easy to make with simple ingredients
Rich, buttery, and packed with garlic flavour
Nostalgic Spur-style taste
Perfect for entertaining or food content creation
Ready in under 20 minutes
Ingredients
2 cans escargots (snails), drained and rinsed
100g butter
3–4 garlic cloves, finely minced
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
½ tsp black pepper
1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional)
1 tsp lemon juice
2–3 tbsp fresh cream (optional, but recommended)
1 cup grated cheddar cheese
¼ cup grated mozzarella cheese
Instructions
1. Prepare the Garlic Butter
In a pan over low heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and cook gently for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Stir in the garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the Escargot
Add the drained escargots to the pan and toss gently in the garlic butter. Let them warm through for 3–5 minutes.
3. Add Cream
Pour in a small amount of cream and stir. This creates a slightly saucy, rich base similar to the Spur version.
4. Assemble
Transfer the escargot and all the garlic butter sauce into a small baking dish or individual ramekins.
5. Add Cheese
Top generously with cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
6. Bake
Bake in a preheated oven at 200°C for 10–12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
7. Optional Finish
Grill for 1–2 minutes for a golden, slightly crispy top.
Serving Suggestions
Serve immediately while hot and bubbling with:
Toasted baguette slices
Warm brown bread
A simple side salad for balance
Don’t forget — the garlic butter is everything, so make sure there’s plenty of bread for dipping.
Tips for the Best Cheesy Garlic Escargot
Use both fresh garlic and garlic powder for that signature flavour
Don’t brown the garlic — keep it soft and aromatic
Cheddar gives a more authentic, nostalgic taste
Add cream for a richer, more indulgent sauce
Serve immediately for the best texture and flavour
The Tocka Blog 