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    Home » Diet » Vegetarian

    Published: Nov 17, 2022 · Modified: Feb 8, 2023 by Genevieve · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Roasted Garlic

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    Three heads of roasted garlic are shown with the words Roasted Garlic and the URL www.twocloveskitchen.com.
    Three heads of roasted garlic are shown with the words Roasted Garlic and the URL www.twocloveskitchen.com.
    Three heads of roasted garlic are shown with the words Roasted Garlic and the URL www.twocloveskitchen.com.
    Three heads of roasted garlic are shown with the words Roasted Garlic and the URL www.twocloveskitchen.com.
    Three heads of roasted garlic are shown with the words Roasted Garlic and the URL www.twocloveskitchen.com.
    Three heads of roasted garlic are shown with the words Roasted Garlic and the URL www.twocloveskitchen.com.
    Three heads of roasted garlic are shown with the words Roasted Garlic and the URL www.twocloveskitchen.com.
    Three heads of roasted garlic are shown with the words Roasted Garlic and the URL www.twocloveskitchen.com.

    Who doesn't love soft, mellow, savory, sweet roasted garlic? This simple and easy recipe will show you exactly how to cook roasted garlic to perfection, avoiding any burnt and bitter edges with a moderate temperature and a sheen of olive oil.

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    Three heads of roasted garlic sit on a white plate with a red linen in the background.

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    What Makes This Recipe Work

    Most people will agree that roasted garlic is a thing of beauty. Golden, savory, soft, and sweet, this magic flavor booster can transform an ordinary dish into something truly enticing.

    So, what makes this recipe work?

    Without delving too deeply into the science of garlic, a compound called allicin is responsible for its pungent smell and flavor. More of this compound is produced the more you cut your garlic.

    Cooking garlic inactivates the allicin, so with two factors: 1) relatively little cutting and 2) the heat from the oven the garlic's sharp, powerful flavor becomes mellow and sweet.

    Aside from its amazing taste, roasted garlic is incredibly versatile: use it as a spread for toasts, roasted meat, or roasted vegetables, mix it into sauces, butter, or dressings, or toss it straight into a variety of different recipes.

    This roasted garlic is so delicious I can eat it straight, so there will be no judgment on my part if you use it on absolutely everything.

    The recipe is quick and easy. It's ready in about 30 to 40 minutes and uses only a few ingredients. 

    It's been tested with different factors to ensure the best possible result: varying temperatures, more or less oil, foil or no foil, peeled and unpeeled, whole roasted garlic versus cloves.

    I concluded that the best way to roast garlic is at a moderate temperature. Cooked at too high a temperature, the garlic became too dark and, therefore, bitter. See "Expert Tips" below for more ways to perfect your roasted garlic strategy.

    Jump to:
    • What Makes This Recipe Work
    • What You'll Need
    • How to Make Roasted Garlic
    • FAQ
    • How to Store
    • How to Serve
    • Expert Tips
    • More Recipes You'll Love
    • 📖 Recipe
    • 💬 Comments
    Olive oil, kosher salt, and a head of garlic are shown on a white marble counter.

    What You'll Need

    • Garlic At least one whole head of fresh garlic is needed for this recipe.
    • Extra Virgin Olive Oil The quality of olive oil matters less for this recipe. Here is a favorite brand of mine that I keep on hand.
    • Kosher Salt I always recommend using kosher salt. Diamond Crystal kosher salt coats food evenly and makes it easier to add salt incrementally.
    • Tin Foil

    How to Make Roasted Garlic

    Step One Cut your head of garlic crosswise to expose the interior of the cloves (removing about ¼ to ½ inch of the top).

    Garlic sliced crosswise to expose the flesh of the cloves on a wooden cutting board.

    Step Two Place the garlic on a piece of tin foil. Drizzle or brush the cut side of the garlic with olive oil, trying to get the oil into the crevices between the cloves and coating the top of the garlic completely.

    A head of garlic cut crosswise is brushed with olive oil.

    Step Three Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Completely seal the foil ball and place the garlic in the oven.

    A head of garlic is shown wrapped in a foil pouch.

    Step Four Test the garlic for doneness just before the 30-minute mark. When the garlic reaches the level of doneness below, and is easily pierced with a knife, it is ready to remove from the oven.

    A head of roasted garlic sits in tin foil on a wooden cutting board.

    Step Five Serve in any number of ways! See the "How to Serve" section below for suggestions.

    Three heads of roasted garlic sit on a white plate with a red linen in the background.

    FAQ

    How do I avoid burnt garlic?

    The secret is to avoid high heat. For perfectly soft, golden, mellow, and sweet roasted garlic, patience is key! Garlic does NOT respond well to high heat.

    How do I know when roasted garlic is done?

    It should be a soft golden or golden brown color, fragrant, and easy to squeeze out of its skin.

    A simple way to test for doneness is to use a paring knife. Insert the paring knife into the flesh of the clove and, if there is no resistance, it's ready.Two cloves of garlic are shown; one is dark brown and labeled "too dark", and the other is golden brown and labeled "correct color."

    Does roasted garlic need to be refrigerated?

    Yep. Place your garlic in an airtight container, and move to the fridge within 2 hours of cooking. Check out the "How to Store" section below for more info on storing roasted garlic.

    Can roasted garlic be frozen?

    It freezes very well. Let the garlic cool completely, remove all the skins, and freeze on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a gallon plastic bag or other airtight, freezer-safe container and use within 2 to 3 months.

    Can roasted garlic go bad?

    It can. It's best to store cooked garlic in an airtight container in the fridge for no longer than a week.

    How to Store

    Fridge Roasted garlic can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

    There is no need to reheat refrigerated garlic. Just add to the dish you are making. If you would like room-temperature garlic, leave it out on the counter for 30 minutes to an hour.

    Be sure to cool the garlic and move it to the fridge within 2 hours after cooking.

    Freezer As shown in the FAQ above, roasted garlic can be frozen as individual cloves out of their skin on a baking sheet. They can then be transferred to a freezer-safe bag, like a gallon plastic bag, and stored for 2 to 3 months.

    Peeled single cloves of garlic are shown in three lines on a small baking sheet.

    If needed, you can thaw the garlic in the microwave for a few seconds or in the fridge overnight, but you do not need to thaw the garlic to use it. If adding to a meal, feel free to add directly to the pan while you cook.

    Freezing garlic may alter the texture and taste of your garlic. It is likely to be milder than freshly roasted garlic.

    How to Serve

    Try these suggestions for meals, sides, and snacks!

    Charcuterie or Cheese Board Arrange different meats and cheeses, nuts, crackers, veggies, and dips and serve with roasted garlic. Roasted Cherry Tomatoes, Marinated Brussels Sprouts and Almond Pesto are some of my favorite additions.

    Soups Try making a favorite soup, like this Chicken Pastina Soup or Instant Pot Chicken Stew, and serve with a piece of baguette spread with roasted garlic. You can also stir some chopped roasted garlic directly into your soup.

    Vegetable Sides This garlic is fantastic mixed with lots of veggie sides, from sautéed zucchini to seared mushrooms to steamed broccoli.

    Potatoes Roasted garlic and potatoes are a match made in heaven. Try adding some chopped roasted garlic to mashed potatoes or Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes.

    Roast Chicken I made this Basic Roast Chicken in culinary school and was blown away by how delicious it was. I highly recommend this recipe. Spread roasted garlic on the finished chicken for a perfect bite.

    Aioli Add to this aioli and spread on sandwiches, wraps, or drizzle over lots of different meals like grain bowls, eggs, salads, and more

    Expert Tips

    • You can roast more than one head of garlic at a time. Add a few heads to the same foil packet. This may take longer than one head, so just check periodically for doneness.
    • If you are sensitive to fresh garlic or sautéed garlic, roasted garlic is much milder, sweeter, and has none of the sharpness of other garlic preparations. Give it a try to see if it's a good match for you.
    • When making roasted garlic, keep in mind that ovens can vary in size and temperature. Check your garlic before the recommended cook time has elapsed to ensure it is not getting too dark and use an oven thermometer!
    • To avoid waste, take the top section you cut off and chop the garlic to use in another meal. I recommend using it right away or storing in an airtight container in the fridge for about a day.

    More Recipes You'll Love

    If you're in the mood for more roasted garlic recipes, try some of these:

    Air Fryer Roasted Garlic

    Roasted Tenderstem Broccoli

    Roasted Cherry Tomatoes on the Vine

    📖 Recipe

    Three heads of roasted garlic sit on a white plate with a red linen in the background.

    Roasted Garlic

    Golden, savory, soft, and sweet, this roasted garlic recipe is incredibly versatile, simple to make, and avoids any burnt and bitter pieces with a moderate temperature and a coating in olive oil.
    5 from 34 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Appetizer, Snack
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 2 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 30 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 32 minutes minutes
    Servings: 1 head
    Calories: 165kcal
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Equipment

    • Kitchen Knife
    • Tin Foil
    • Oven Thermometer

    Ingredients

    • 1 head garlic or more
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil per head of garlic
    • kosher salt to taste

    Instructions

    • Cut the head of garlic crosswise, exposing the flesh of the cloves, about ¼ to ½ of an inch.
    • Place on a piece of tin foil. Drizzle or brush with the olive oil, ensuring the olive oil gets between the cloves and coats the top thoroughly.
    • Seal the tin foil in a ball and place it in the oven. Cook at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 to 40 minutes.
    • Check for doneness before 30 minutes have elapsed by carefully removing from the oven, peeling back the foil, and examining the color and texture.
    • Poke a paring knife into one of the cloves. If there is no resistance, the color is golden brown, and the garlic is fragrant, it is ready to serve! If not, seal the foil ball again, return to the oven, and continue cooking.
    • Once ready, season with a pinch of kosher salt for a more concentrated flavor.

    Notes

    Storage
    1. Roasted garlic can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Be sure to transfer to the fridge within 2 hours.
    2. Once cooked, garlic can be removed from its skins, frozen on a sheet tray, then transferred to an airtight, freezer-safe container like a locking glass or plastic storage container or a gallon plastic bag and stored for 2 to 3 months.
    Reheating
    1. There is no need to reheat roasted garlic. Just add to the dish you are making. If you would like room-temperature garlic, leave it out on the counter for 30 minutes to an hour.
    Tips
    1. Approximate calories are for one full head of garlic.
    2. You can make more than one head of garlic at a time. Add a few heads to a foil packet. This may take longer to cook, so just check periodically.
    3. Spread onto crackers or toasts, mix into soups, bowls, or vegetables, or use as a flavor booster for your favorite protein.
    4. To avoid waste, take the top section you cut off and chop the remaining pieces of garlic to use in another meal. 
    5. Ovens can vary in size and temperature. Check your garlic before the recommended cook time has elapsed to ensure it is not getting too dark.
    6. For best results, use a reliable oven thermometer to verify your oven temperature.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 165kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Sodium: 5mg | Potassium: 112mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 0.3g | Vitamin A: 3IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 51mg | Iron: 1mg

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    Comments

    1. laura says

      December 09, 2022 at 10:34 am

      5 stars
      Roasted garlic is one of my favorite things to make. So simple, and so satisfyingly delish to eat!

      Reply
      • Genevieve says

        December 12, 2022 at 2:13 pm

        Me too! Thanks Laura!

        Reply
    2. Wendy says

      December 09, 2022 at 10:25 am

      5 stars
      This was easy and delicious! I will make it again and again.

      Reply
      • Genevieve says

        December 12, 2022 at 2:13 pm

        Glad to hear it! Thanks Wendy.

        Reply
    3. Cam says

      December 09, 2022 at 12:49 am

      5 stars
      So quick and easy to make! Love it!

      Reply
      • Genevieve says

        December 12, 2022 at 2:14 pm

        Thank you!

        Reply
    4. Sharina says

      December 08, 2022 at 5:08 am

      5 stars
      For the first time, I've perfect roasted garlic, I didn't burn it! Thanks Gen for this easy and wonderful recipe. I'll surely have this recipe again!

      Reply
      • Genevieve says

        December 12, 2022 at 2:15 pm

        That makes me so happy to hear! Thanks Sharina

        Reply
    5. Sonia says

      December 03, 2022 at 6:16 pm

      I love the nutty, mild flavor of roasted garlic. It is perfect on a slice of coated crusty bread with a drizzle of olive oil!

      Reply
      • Genevieve says

        December 07, 2022 at 3:15 pm

        Thanks Sonia!

        Reply
    6. Jenn says

      November 21, 2022 at 7:21 am

      5 stars
      I put roasted garlic on everything and this recipe is so gosh-darn easy! Love it!

      Reply
      • Genevieve says

        November 23, 2022 at 6:28 pm

        Glad I'm not the only one! Thank you, Jenn.

        Reply
    7. Shelby says

      November 21, 2022 at 7:11 am

      5 stars
      This roasted garlic comes out perfect every time and makes pasta and stir fry’s SO much more flavorful!

      Reply
      • Genevieve says

        November 23, 2022 at 6:28 pm

        Ooh, stir-fry is a fantastic idea! Thanks Shelby!

        Reply
    8. Elena says

      November 21, 2022 at 4:07 am

      5 stars
      What a great idea to make a small batch of it. We love garlic and roasted garlic is great in so many meals. Thank you for sharing!!

      Reply
      • Genevieve says

        November 23, 2022 at 6:29 pm

        Super easy to just pop one head in the oven and have it ready for later. Thanks Elena!

        Reply
    9. Journa Liz Ramirez says

      November 20, 2022 at 6:36 pm

      5 stars
      This roasted garlic recipe is one of my new go-to recipes. It is so tasty and satisfying. Thanks Gen for this must-try recipe!

      Reply
      • Genevieve says

        November 23, 2022 at 6:29 pm

        Happy to hear it - thanks Journa!

        Reply
    10. Kris says

      November 19, 2022 at 11:47 am

      5 stars
      This was super easy and tasty! I plan on making some every week!

      Reply
      • Genevieve says

        November 19, 2022 at 5:40 pm

        Thanks so much, Kris!

        Reply
    11. Molly Pisula says

      November 18, 2022 at 1:32 pm

      5 stars
      Love this recipe! I adore roasted garlic, and love doing a big batch so that I can use it throughout the week in all sorts of dishes.

      Reply
      • Genevieve says

        November 19, 2022 at 5:40 pm

        I definitely do the same! Thanks Molly, glad it worked well for you.

        Reply
    12. Glenda says

      November 18, 2022 at 9:48 am

      5 stars
      There's just no comparison. The nutty, mild garlic flavor from roasted garlic is OUTRAGEOUSLY good! Love! Love! Love! Thanks for sharing your easy recipe!

      Reply
      • Genevieve says

        November 18, 2022 at 10:47 am

        Thank you, Glenda! We're crazy about roasted garlic here, too. Had to share our recipe!

        Reply
    5 from 34 votes (23 ratings without comment)

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