Roasted garlic is a culinary gem that turns humble cloves into a rich, buttery delight with minimal effort. In just five minutes of prep and an hour in the oven, you’ll unlock a depth of flavor that’s sweet, mellow, and irresistibly aromatic. Perfect for spreading on crusty bread, stirring into soups, or enhancing sauces, it’s a versatile kitchen staple that elevates any dish.
The slow roasting process transforms the sharp bite of raw garlic into a soft, caramelized spread with a velvety texture. Its golden hue and nutty undertones add warmth and complexity to your meals. Once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever cooked without this golden treasure.
What You’ll Need?
- 1 whole garlic bulb
- Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling (use a high-quality oil for best flavor)
- Sea salt (or substitute with kosher salt)
How to Make Roasted Garlic?
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Trim the garlic bulb: Cut off the top ¼ inch of the garlic bulb to expose the cloves.
- Prepare for roasting: Place the garlic cut-side up on a piece of foil. Drizzle generously with olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt. Tip: Use a small baking dish or ramekin to keep the garlic upright.
- Wrap and roast: Wrap the garlic tightly in the foil and roast in the oven for 40 to 60 minutes, or until the cloves are deeply golden brown and tender.
- Use or store: Use the roasted garlic in recipes like mashed potatoes or freeze it for later use.
How to Use Roasted Garlic in Your Cooking?
Roasted garlic is a versatile ingredient that adds a rich, mellow flavor to many dishes. Try mixing it into mashed potatoes, spreading it on toasted bread, or stirring it into soups and sauces. It’s also fantastic in salad dressings or as a topping for pizza. Get creative—its sweet, nutty taste elevates almost anything!
Storage and Freezing Tips
Once roasted, let the garlic cool completely, then squeeze the cloves out of the bulb. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the cloves in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months—perfect for adding flavor to meals on busy nights!
Time-Saving Hacks for Roasted Garlic
Short on time? Roast multiple garlic bulbs at once and freeze the extras for future use. You can also use a toaster oven for smaller batches, which heats up faster than a conventional oven. If you’re in a rush, roast the garlic at 400°F for 30-35 minutes—just keep an eye on it to avoid burning!
Equipment Tips for Perfect Roasting
Using a small baking dish or ramekin helps keep the garlic bulb upright while roasting, ensuring even cooking. If you don’t have foil, a silicone baking pouch works just as well. For squeezing out the roasted cloves, a garlic press or even the back of a spoon does the trick!
Roasted Garlic
Ingredients
- 1 whole garlic bulb
- Extra virgin olive oil for drizzling
- Sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Trim the top ¼ inch off the top of the garlic bulb.
- Place the garlic cut-side up on a piece of foil, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt. Tip: I like to use a small baking dish or ramekin to help the garlic sit cut-side up.
- Wrap the garlic in the foil and roast for 40 to 60 minutes or until the cloves are deeply golden brown and tender.
- Use in any recipe (like mashed potatoes or cauliflower mashed potatoes) that calls for roasted garlic. It also freezes well.