Roasted Garlic Recipe
Introduction
Roasted garlic transforms ordinary garlic into a sweet, mellow, and aromatic ingredient perfect for enhancing a variety of dishes. This simple method softens the cloves and brings out a rich, buttery flavor that’s irresistible.
Ingredients
- 8 heads garlic
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (204 degrees C).
- Step 2: Peel and discard the outer layers of the whole garlic bulbs. Cut about 1/4 to 1/2 inch (0.6 to 1.3 cm) off the top of each head, exposing the cloves inside.
- Step 3: Line a baking dish with a large piece of foil. Place the garlic heads cut side up on the foil.
- Step 4: Sprinkle each head of garlic with salt and pepper. Drizzle 1 to 2 teaspoons of olive oil over each head, ensuring it runs between the cloves.
- Step 5: Wrap the garlic heads tightly in the foil and seal. Roast in the oven for 30 to 40 minutes until cloves are soft and golden.
- Step 6: Let the garlic cool until warm to the touch. To remove, squeeze the roasted garlic cloves from the root end into a bowl.
Tips & Variations
- Use roasted garlic as a spread on bread, mix into mashed potatoes, or add to sauces for a sweeter, milder garlic flavor.
- For extra flavor, sprinkle fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary over the garlic before roasting.
- If you prefer, roast garlic heads individually in muffin tins wrapped in foil to avoid mess and encourage even roasting.
Storage
Store leftover roasted garlic cloves in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. You can also freeze the cloves in small portions for up to three months. To reheat, gently warm the cloves or use them directly in cooked dishes.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I roast garlic without olive oil?
While olive oil helps the garlic cloves soften and adds flavor, you can roast garlic without it. The cloves will be drier but still sweet and tender.
How do I know when roasted garlic is done?
The garlic is done when the cloves are soft, golden, and easily mashed with a fork. The roasting time may vary slightly depending on the size of the garlic heads.
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Roasted Garlic Recipe
- Total Time: 40-50 minutes
- Yield: 8 heads roasted garlic, yields approximately 3/4 cup roasted garlic paste 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This roasted garlic recipe transforms whole garlic heads into a soft, caramelized, and flavorful ingredient perfect for spreading on bread, mixing into dishes, or adding a sweet, mellow garlic flavor to any recipe. Roasting garlic mellows its pungency, producing a nutty, rich taste that enhances numerous meals.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 8 heads garlic
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (204 degrees C) to prepare for roasting the garlic.
- Prepare the garlic heads: Peel away and discard the outer layers of the whole garlic bulbs, leaving the heads intact. Slice off about 1/4 to 1/2 inch (0.6 to 1.3 cm) from the top of each head to expose the individual cloves inside.
- Arrange the garlic for roasting: Line a baking dish with a large piece of aluminum foil. Place each garlic head cut side up on the foil, ensuring they are evenly spaced.
- Season and oil the garlic: Sprinkle sea salt and black pepper evenly over each head. Drizzle 1 to 2 teaspoons of olive oil onto each, allowing the oil to flow between the cloves for thorough flavor infusion.
- Seal and roast: Fold the foil over the garlic, sealing it tightly to create a packet. Place the baking dish into the oven and roast the garlic for 30 to 40 minutes, until the cloves are golden brown and tender.
- Cool and extract: Remove the garlic from the oven and allow it to cool from hot to warm. To remove the roasted garlic cloves, gently squeeze from the root end into a bowl, where they can be mashed or spread as desired.
Notes
- Adjust roasting time based on the size of the garlic heads; larger heads may require additional minutes.
- Roasted garlic can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
- Use roasted garlic as a spread, in mashed potatoes, sauces, or salad dressings for enhanced flavor.
- Be careful when squeezing garlic after roasting as it will be hot; allow it to cool appropriately.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-40 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Universal
Keywords: roasted garlic, garlic roast, garlic paste, baked garlic, garlic condiment, garlic spread
