Roasted garlic is a culinary delight! It transforms the sharp flavor of raw garlic into a soft, sweet, and savory treat. It’s incredibly easy to make and it can be used as a versatile ingredient in so many different ways. You can spread it on toasted bread or incorporate it into sauces, dressings, or mashed potatoes.
Why you’ll love this recipe
- Health benefits. Garlic is known for its potential health benefits, including its antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, which support a healthy immune system and cardiovascular health!
- Irresistible flavor. I love roasting. Roasting vegetables develops their sweet, mellow flavor into something deeply savory and complex, adding a delicious depth to dishes. Check out this simple roasted cauliflower recipe for more inspiration.
- Versatile ingredient. Roasted garlic can be used in a variety of recipes, from spreads and sauces to soups, roasted vegetables, and even salad dressings, enhancing the overall taste and aroma.
- Creamy and spreadable texture. Once roasted, garlic cloves become soft and creamy allowing you to spread them effortlessly on bread or crackers or incorporate them into dips and creamy sauces.
Ingredients needed
- Whole garlic bulbs. Whole garlic bulbs are the main ingredient, providing the raw garlic cloves that will be roasted until soft and flavorful.
- Olive oil. Olive oil is used to coat the garlic bulbs before roasting. It helps to keep the garlic moist and infuses it with a subtle richness during the roasting process.
- Salt. Salt enhances the natural flavors of the garlic, bringing out its delicious taste and balancing the sweetness that develops during roasting.
How to make roasted garlic
Step 1 – Preparation. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Take each garlic bulb and remove any loose outer layers of skin, keeping the bulb intact. Using a sharp knife, slice off the top portion of each garlic bulb to expose the cloves.
Step 2 – Roast the garlic. Place the garlic bulbs in a baking dish or on a sheet of aluminum foil and drizzle olive oil generously over each bulb. Make sure the cloves are well coated and then sprinkle a pinch of salt over each bulb to season them. Cover the dish with aluminum foil or a lid and roast the garlic for about 40-45 minutes, or until the cloves are soft and golden brown. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the size of the bulbs.
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Step 3 – Extract the garlic. Once roasted, remove the garlic from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes until it’s safe to handle. To extract the roasted garlic cloves, gently squeeze the bottom of each bulb or use a small knife to loosen the cloves and remove them from their papery skin.
The roasted garlic cloves are now ready! I use them in just about every savory dish I make! Spreads, sauces, mashed potatoes, or as a flavorful addition to your next masterpiece!
Tips to make the best recipe
- Choose fresh and plump garlic bulbs. Select garlic bulbs that are fresh and plump, as they tend to yield the best flavor and texture when roasted.
- Drizzle ample olive oil. Be generous with the amount of olive oil used to coat the garlic bulbs. Sufficient oil helps to keep the cloves moist during roasting, resulting in soft and tender garlic.
- Adjust roasting time as needed. Keep a close eye on the garlic bulbs while they roast. The cooking time may vary depending on the size and freshness of the bulbs.
Storage instructions
To store: Allow the roasted garlic to cool completely at room temperature and then separate the individual cloves from the bulb, if desired. Place the roasted garlic cloves in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Recommended tools
- Basting brush. This will help ensure that your oil and seasoning are evenly coating the garlic.
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Frequently asked questions
The roasted garlic is done when the cloves are soft, golden brown, and easily mashable. You can check the doneness by gently squeezing a clove; it should feel soft and tender.
While it’s possible to use pre-peeled garlic cloves, it’s generally recommended to use whole garlic bulbs for roasting. The whole bulbs retain moisture better during the roasting process and yield a more desirable texture and flavor.
Yes, roasted garlic can be prepared in advance and stored for later use. Once cooled, store the roasted garlic cloves in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Roasted garlic can be used in various recipes, such as spreads, sauces, mashed potatoes, soups, or as a flavor boost for roasted vegetables. It adds a sweet and savory flavor to dishes and can be spread directly on bread or crackers as a tasty condiment.
Roasted Garlic
Ingredients
- 2 bulbs garlic large
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Take each garlic bulb and remove any loose outer layers of skin, keeping the bulb intact. Using a sharp knife, slice off the top portion of each garlic bulb, exposing the cloves.
- Place the garlic bulbs in a baking dish or on a sheet of aluminum foil. Drizzle olive oil generously over each bulb, making sure the cloves are well coated. Sprinkle a pinch of salt over each bulb to season them. Cover the dish with aluminum foil or a lid. Roast the garlic for about 40-45 minutes, or until the cloves are soft and golden brown. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the size of the bulbs.
- Once roasted, remove the garlic from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes until it's safe to handle. To extract the roasted garlic cloves, gently squeeze the bottom of each bulb or use a small knife to loosen the cloves and remove them from their papery skin.
- The roasted garlic cloves are now ready to be used in various recipes, such as spreads, sauces, mashed potatoes, or as a flavorful addition to your favorite dishes!
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