How to roast garlic – Roasted garlic is a simple cooking method everyone should know. It brings sweet, caramelized flavors to about anything and has a soft, mellow texture. Learn how to roast garlic from scratch and how to use it in your recipes.
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If you’ve never tried to roast garlic before, you are about to learn something that will change the way you cook! Roasting a whole head of garlic in the oven transforms the sharp and pungent taste of garlic to something sweet and mellow, that makes any dish restaurant-worth! You can use roasted garlic in dips, such as hummus, but also in pasta, pizzas, soups, etc.
But there is more to it: roasted garlic is incredibly easy to make (trust me!) and requires just a little patience. With just two ingredients and a basic equipment, you can make it from scratch at home. Follow my step-by-step instructions to learn how to roast garlic in the oven and how to use it in your recipes.
Roasted garlic, in short:
- Milder than fresh garlic (garlic has a sharp, pungent flavor)
- Sweet and caramelized and slightly smoky
- It has a soft and mellow texture
- Adds personality to your recipes!
- A simple cooking method (basic equipment and no cooking skills required)
How to roast garlic
- First, cut each head of garlic to about ½ inch (1 cm) off the tops. Note that we’re talking about the whole bulb here, not the clove.
- Then, place garlic cut side up on a piece of foil (one piece per head). Drizzle each head generously with olive oil and wrap in foil.
- Place onto a baking tray and roast in the oven for about 40 to 45 minutes. The garlic should be soft in the center.
- Allow to cool slightly, until you can handle it with your hands, and then press the heads with your fingers to extract the roasted garlic pulp. You can use paper towel to help you if too hot.
What are the uses for roasted garlic ?
Now that you’re mastering the technique of roasted garlic (I told you it was easy!), let’s get cooking! Roasted garlic will bring sweet and smoky flavors to your dips, soups, and so much more. Here are a few ways to use roasted garlic:
- In dips. I love it in this Roasted Garlic Hummus (my favorite hummus recipe!), but it also works in other dips, such as in this White Bean Hummus for instance. Go a step further and prepare these incredible Eggplant Rolls filled with Garlic Hummus.
- In soups. I love it in this Roasted Garlic Butternut Squash Soup (a definite must-try: so rich and flavorful!). It also works in this Roasted Cauliflower Soup with Sage, and brings flavors to a Homemade Tomato Soup.
- On top of pizzas or savory galettes. This is a very easy way to use roasted garlic, whether you’re thinking homemade pizza or freshly baked take-out pizza.
- In pasta. Any pasta recipe will do great with the addition of roasted garlic. Use it in these Roasted Red Pepper Pasta, or in Lemony Winter Squash Pasta with Halloumi.
- In mashed potatoes. Can you believe I do not have a mashed potatoes recipe yet? This is definitely something to consider. Using roasted garlic to mashed potatoes will add sweet, caramelized notes that will make your mashed potatoes restaurant-worth!
Storing instructions
You can roast several garlic heads at the same time, and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. This way, you always have roasted garlic at hands, ready to use in your recipes!
Other how-to guides you may also like:
- Roasted red peppers
- Lemon Roasted Cauliflower (+ Uses in Recipes)
- How To Make Cauliflower Rice
- Olive Oil Whole Wheat Pie Crust
- How To Make Buttermilk
Roasted Garlic
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 2 garlic heads 1x
- Category: How-To Guides
How to roast garlic. Roasted garlic is a simple cooking method everyone should know. It brings sweet, caramelized flavors to about anything and has a soft, mellow texture. Learn how to roast garlic from scratch and how to use it in your recipes.
Email me this recipe
We’ll send it straight to your inbox, along with weekly food inspiration!
Ingredients
- 2 whole garlic heads/bulbs
- Extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Remove the loose papery outside skin from the garlic heads, but keep the cloves intact. Using a sharp knife, cut about ½ inch (1 cm) from top.
- Place garlic cut side up on a piece of foil (1 piece per head), and lightly drizzle with olive oil. Wrap the sides up and place the foil wrapped garlic onto a baking tray.
- Roast into the oven about 40-45 minutes, or until garlic is soft and tender. To ensure garlic is soft, insert a small paring knife in the center. Remove from the oven and allow to cool. When cool enough to handle, press the heads with your fingers to extract the roasted garlic pulp. Use in any recipe (like mashed potatoes or cauliflower mashed potatoes) that calls for roasted garlic.
Did you make this recipe?
Lastly, if you make this Roasted Garlic, be sure to leave a comment and give this recipe a rating, letting me know how you liked it. And of course, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Thank you and enjoy!
