Roasted Garlic Recipe

This incredibly flavorful roasted garlic transforms ordinary cloves into melt-in-your-mouth, sweet and nutty morsels that will elevate any dish. With just three ingredients and minimal hands-on time, this kitchen staple is surprisingly simple to make and will fill your home with an irresistible aroma that signals something wonderful is happening in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Garlic Heads: The star of the show. Look for firm heads with tight cloves that feel heavy for their size. Larger heads will yield more roasted garlic paste.
• Olive Oil: Helps conduct heat evenly while preventing the garlic from drying out. The oil also becomes infused with garlic flavor during roasting – don’t waste a drop!
• Salt: Enhances the natural sweetness that develops during roasting. Kosher or sea salt works beautifully here.

Variations

Flavor Infusions

Try adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary sprigs tucked into the foil packet before roasting for subtly infused flavor.

Spice It Up

For a kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or black pepper to the garlic before wrapping in foil.

Butter Substitute

Use melted butter instead of olive oil for an even richer result that’s perfect for spreading on bread.

Different Wrapping Methods

No foil? Use parchment paper or a small covered baking dish instead. You can even roast several heads at once in a muffin tin.

How to Make Roasted Garlic

Step 1: Prepare the Garlic

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Take each head of garlic and slice approximately ½” off the top to expose all the individual cloves. Make sure every clove is visible – this allows the oil to penetrate while roasting.

Step 2: Season and Wrap

Place each garlic head on its own sheet of foil. Drizzle each with half the olive oil, making sure it seeps down between the cloves. Sprinkle with salt, then wrap the foil around each head, sealing completely to create a packet.

Step 3: Roast to Perfection

Place the foil packets on a baking sheet and roast for 35-40 minutes. The garlic is done when the cloves have turned golden brown and feel completely soft when pressed with a fork. The longer you roast, the deeper and sweeter the flavor becomes.

Step 4: Cool and Extract

Allow the garlic to cool enough to handle. Gently squeeze the bottom of each head to push out the softened cloves. They should slide out easily, with a smooth, buttery consistency.

How to Serve

As a Spread

Smear directly onto warm crusty bread or toast for an instant garlic bread experience. Mix with a little butter and herbs for an upgraded version.

Flavor Booster

Stir into mashed potatoes, pasta sauces, soups, or risotto for incredible depth of flavor without the sharpness of raw garlic.

Compound Butter

Mix with softened butter, herbs, and a pinch of salt for a spectacular topping for steaks, vegetables, or bread.

Dressings and Marinades

Whisk into vinaigrettes or marinades for a mellow garlic flavor that won’t overpower other ingredients.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store roasted garlic in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. You can keep the cloves whole or mash them into a paste depending on your future needs.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze roasted garlic for up to 10-12 months. Portion it into a lightly oiled ice cube tray and freeze until solid. Transfer the frozen cubes to a freezer bag for easy use anytime.

Oil Preservation

For another storage method, place roasted garlic cloves in a clean jar and cover completely with olive oil. Store in the refrigerator and use within 2 weeks.

FAQs

Can I roast just a portion of a garlic head?
Yes, though roasting whole heads is more efficient. If you only want to roast part of a head, cut it horizontally, season the exposed cloves, wrap tightly in foil, and reduce the cooking time by about 10 minutes.

My garlic turned blue-green after roasting. Is it safe to eat?
This is completely safe! The color change happens due to a chemical reaction between sulfur compounds in garlic and certain amino acids. It’s more common when garlic is exposed to acidic ingredients or metal, but doesn’t affect taste or safety.

Can I use pre-peeled garlic cloves instead of whole heads?
While possible, the results won’t be quite the same. If using pre-peeled cloves, place them in a small baking dish, cover with oil, add salt, cover tightly with foil, and reduce roasting time to about 20-25 minutes.

How can I tell when roasted garlic is perfectly done?
Perfectly roasted garlic cloves should be completely soft and easily pierced with a fork. They should have a golden caramel color and squeeze out of their skins with minimal pressure. If they’re still firm, continue roasting for 5-10 minute intervals.

The magic of roasted garlic lies in its incredible transformation – from sharp and pungent to mellow, sweet, and utterly irresistible. This simple recipe might seem basic, but the depth of flavor it creates is anything but. Keep a batch in your refrigerator or freezer, and you’ll find countless ways to elevate your everyday cooking with minimal effort. Your future dishes (and dinner guests) will thank you!

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