Easy Roasted Garlic

This easy roasted garlic recipe transforms whole garlic heads into soft, creamy cloves with a sweet, mellow flavor that complements countless dishes. Whether you spread it on warm bread, mix it into mashed potatoes, or stir it into sauces, roasted garlic adds a rich depth to meals that fresh garlic just can’t match.

I first tried roasting garlic on a whim when I wanted to tame its sharpness, and it quickly became a pantry staple. Now every time I scoop that luscious, golden garlic out of its skin, I remember how a simple technique can elevate an entire meal.

Ingredients

• Three whole heads of garlic: roasting heads rather than individual cloves keeps garlic moist and tender
• One tablespoon olive oil: prevents drying and helps caramelize the garlic, use a good quality extra virgin if possible
• Salt: enhances the natural sweetness and balances flavors, use fine sea salt for even seasoning
• Fresh ground black pepper: adds a mild kick, freshly ground is best for aroma and flavor
• Three sprigs fresh thyme: optional but adds a lovely herbal note. Fresh thyme works better than dried

Step-by-Step Instructions

Slicing the Garlic Tops:

Cut about a quarter inch off the top of each garlic head on the end opposite the root to expose the cloves inside. This step allows olive oil and seasoning to penetrate deeply during roasting.

Preparing the Garlic Packets:

Place each garlic head, cut side up, on a large square of parchment paper or foil. Make a small ring of thyme sprigs around the base of the garlic heads. Drizzle one tablespoon of olive oil evenly over the exposed garlic cloves, then sprinkle salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Sealing and Roasting:

Bring the sides of the parchment or foil up around each garlic head and fold/scrunch to completely enclose the garlic, forming a sealed packet. If using parchment paper, tie with kitchen twine to keep it closed. Place the packets on a baking sheet.

Roasting Time:

Bake the garlic packets in a preheated 400 degrees Fahrenheit oven for 40 to 70 minutes. The garlic is done when the cloves are soft, spreadable, and have a caramelized golden brown color. Check softness by gently pressing a clove once cool enough to handle.

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My favorite part is watching the garlic transform as it roasts from pungent and firm to meltingly soft with a honeyed aroma. It reminds me of cozy dinners shared with family when garlic bread or mashed potatoes get that extra boost of flavor and love.

Storage Tips

Store cooled roasted garlic heads in an airtight container in the fridge for several days. For longer storage, remove cloves from the skins and cover completely with olive oil in a clean jar. Keep this refrigerated and use within two weeks. You can also freeze the cloves as a puree or whole in oil, which preserves the flavor for up to three months.

Ingredient Substitutions

Rosemary or dill can replace fresh thyme to impart different but equally fresh herbal notes. If you don’t have parchment or foil, place garlic in a small covered baking dish to roast, but it won’t caramelize as deeply. For a lighter version, reduce olive oil slightly but be mindful it can dry out the garlic if too little is used.

Serving Suggestions

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Spread roasted garlic butter on crusty bread, whisk into salad dressings, blend into hummus for extra depth, or stir into overnight soups and stews for mellow richness. It also pairs beautifully with roasted meats and vegetables enhancing savory dishes with just a spoonful.

Recipe FAQs

→ How do you prevent garlic from drying out during roasting?

Wrapping garlic heads in parchment paper or foil creates a sealed packet that traps moisture, keeping the cloves soft and preventing drying.

→ What temperature is best for roasting garlic?

Roasting garlic at 400°F (204°C) for 40 to 70 minutes helps achieve a caramelized, tender texture without burning.

→ Can fresh herbs be roasted with garlic?

Yes, adding sprigs of fresh thyme or herbs inside the packets infuses subtle aromatic flavors into the cloves while roasting.

→ How is roasted garlic best stored?

Store roasted garlic in an airtight container in the fridge for several days or submerged in olive oil to extend shelf life up to two weeks.

→ What are some common uses for roasted garlic cloves?

Roasted garlic is delicious spread on warm bread, mixed into mashed potatoes, incorporated into sauces, or blended into dips and dressings.

→ Is it necessary to remove the garlic skin before roasting?

Keep the outer skins intact to hold the garlic head together, but trim the top to expose cloves for better caramelization.