We love roasted garlic in our house. A tablespoon of it added to olive oil makes a tasty dip for a warmed loaf of bread. A small jar of it keeps in the fridge, ready to enhance so many meals. We especially keep It around when holiday meals are approaching. A spoonful will add loads of flavor to garlic bread, pizza, dips, and compound butters. Skip the powdered stuff and roast your own garlic to really take your dishes to the next level.
Ingredients you will need
2 whole heads of garlic: Choose fresh heads of garlic. Make sure they don't have any black spots.
2 tablespoons of olive oil: Use an extra virgin olive oil that comes in a tinted bottle.
Salt, pepper and thyme: Adding a bit of seasoning and fresh herbs to really help infuse the garlic.
How to make easy roasted garlic
Turn the head of garlic on its side. Do not remove the outside casing. Carefully slice the head of garlic about a half inch below the top. You will need a very sharp knife for this cut.
Place the garlic on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil and season with salt, pepper and add a little thyme to each one.
Wrap each head of garlic in aluminum foil creating a pocket for the juices and oil.
Bake at 400 degrees for 45 minutes. The garlic should be light brown and soft. Take the tray out of the oven and allow to cool for at least 10 minutes before handling.
How to store
To save the garlic for later use, squeeze the bottom of each clove to separate them from the skin. Sometimes a small butterknife or cocktail fork will also help easily pop them out. Place all of the cloves into a bowl and mash with the back of a spoon. Cover and store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
What to use roasted garlic for
Pizzas - Drop small dollops strategically as a topping on the pizza, or combine with butter and brush around the crust for the perfect garlic flavor bomb.
Pastas - Use as a starter base to any sauce instead of mincing raw garlic.
Dips - Roasted garlic is perfect for dips as its already soft and adds tons of flavor. Try it with our homemade ranch or Jalapeño Popper Dip.
Breads - If you want to enhance a weeknight dinner or create a home restaurant experience, combine a full tablespoon of the roasted garlic with ¼ cup of extra virgin olive oil and serve with a toasty loaf of your favorite bread.
Roasted garlic is extremely simple to pull off. It is a cooking staple for well-developed flavor in anything from warm appetizers to delicious side dishes and hardy main courses. It's something I always keep handy as it goes well with just about anything!
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Easy roasted garlic
Roasted garlic is easy to make and can be used in so many different dishes. This recipe is simple but packs a ton of flavor.
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
Ingredients
- 2 heads garlic
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- Turn the heads of garlic on their sides and carefully cut a half inch off the top.
- Place each head of garlic on a square of aluminum foil and drizzle the cut tops with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, pepper, and thyme.
- Close up the foil securely around the garlic.
- Bake for 45 minutes. The garlic should be light brown and very soft.
- Remove each clove from its skin by gently pressing or squeezing on the bottom of each one.
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 45
- Category: Side
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
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