Roasted garlic has a rich, mellow flavor that’s far different from raw garlic’s pungency. When garlic is roasted, its natural sugars caramelize, creating a warm sweetness with a hint of nuttiness. The texture becomes soft and buttery, making it easy to spread or mix into dishes - or, ahem!, perfect for squeezing out right into your mouth! It brings a gentle depth and savory richness to foods, with an almost umami-like quality that enhances other flavors without overpowering them.
This mild, almost sweet profile makes roasted garlic versatile—it can be the star of a dish or a subtle background note that adds complexity without sharpness. It’s especially comforting in creamy dishes, soups, and sauces, lending a warmth that feels earthy and satisfying.
Here’s how to do it:
Ingredients:
1 whole head of garlic (or more, if desired)
Olive oil (1-2 teaspoons per garlic head)
Optional: A pinch of salt
Instructions:
Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Prepare the Garlic: Slice off the top of each garlic head, exposing the tops of the cloves. This helps them roast evenly and makes it easy to squeeze out the cloves later.
As you can see below, I'm using a serrated bread knife. That's best to slice through the tough stem in the center of the garlic head.
Season: Drizzle each head with olive oil, making sure the oil seeps into the exposed cloves. Sprinkle a pinch of salt if you like (this is optional).
Wrap in Foil: Place each garlic head cut-side up on a piece of foil. Wrap the foil around it, sealing it tightly. Or, if you're making a lot (and why wouldn't you?) fill a half sheet baking tray with the trimmed, well oiled garlic heads and cover the tray with foil ... crimping it tightly around the edges.
Roast: Place the foil-wrapped garlic directly on the oven rack or in a baking dish. Roast for 40-45 minutes, or until the cloves are golden and tender when pierced with a fork.
Cool and Serve: Once done, let the garlic cool slightly, then squeeze each clove out of its skin. Roasted garlic is excellent on bread, in sauces, or mixed into soups for added depth of flavor.
You can store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just mash it up and add it to dressings, spreads, or any dish that could use a boost of savory-sweet garlic.
Yes, roasted garlic freezes beautifully and retains its flavor well! Here’s how to freeze it for easy use later:
Cool the Garlic: Allow the roasted garlic to cool completely.
Choose a Storage Method:
Whole Cloves: Pop out each clove and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.
Mashed Garlic Paste: Mash the roasted garlic into a paste and portion it into small amounts (like teaspoon-sized dollops) on the baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a container or freezer bag.
Store in the Freezer: The garlic should last up to 3 months. You can grab a few cloves or a spoonful of paste whenever you need it.
Using Frozen Garlic: No need to thaw! You can add frozen roasted garlic straight to dishes as they cook, or let it sit for a few minutes if you’re using it for spreading.
This method makes it easy to enjoy roasted garlic’s mellow, rich flavor without needing to roast fresh batches each time.
Here’s a list of 12 delicious dishes where roasted garlic can really shine:
Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes get a flavor boost with mashed roasted garlic mixed in.
Roasted Garlic Hummus: Blend roasted garlic with chickpeas, tahini, and lemon juice for a smooth, mellow garlic hummus.
Roasted Garlic and Tomato Pasta Sauce: Stir roasted garlic into a simple tomato sauce to add depth and sweetness, perfect over pasta.
Garlic-Roasted Cauliflower: Toss roasted garlic with cauliflower before baking for a nutty, savory vegetable side.
Roasted Garlic Soup: Purée roasted garlic with broth, onions, and potatoes for a creamy, comforting soup. Roasted garlic is also wonderful in tomato soup, cauliflower soup and white bean soup, just for starters.
Garlic and Herb Focaccia: Press roasted garlic cloves into focaccia dough with fresh herbs and olive oil for an aromatic bread.
Roasted Garlic Aioli: Blend roasted garlic with vegan mayonnaise and lemon juice for a smooth, garlicky spread for sandwiches or dipping.
Sautéed Greens with Roasted Garlic: Toss roasted garlic with sautéed kale, spinach, or Swiss chard for a warm, earthy side dish.
Roasted Garlic and White Bean Dip: Mix roasted garlic with puréed white beans, lemon, and herbs for a creamy dip or spread.
Garlic Roasted Vegetable Medley: Add roasted garlic to a mix of root vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, and Brussels sprouts before roasting.
Roasted Garlic and Mushroom Risotto: Stir roasted garlic into risotto with sautéed mushrooms for a rich, savory main or side dish.
Creamy Roasted Garlic Dressing: Blend roasted garlic into a vinaigrette or creamy dressing to add warmth and complexity to salads.
Each of these dishes is a great way to enjoy the softer, sweeter flavor of roasted garlic!
So, pre-heat your oven and get roasting!
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