Yiassas! Today, we’re delving into one of my all-time favorite kitchen rituals—roasting garlic. Oh, the magic that happens when those papery bulbs or peeled cloves transform into golden, caramelized goodness is simply divine.
Why Roast Garlic, You Ask?
Roasting garlic is like turning up the volume on its flavor. It takes that sharp bite and turns it into a mellow, savory melody with hints of sweetness. Whether spread on warm bread or mixed into your favorite dishes, roasted garlic is the secret ingredient that elevates everything it touches.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Whole heads of garlic or peeled garlic cloves (as many as you desire)
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper (optional)
How to Roast Garlic :
- Preheat the Oven: Set the stage by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). We want the ambiance just right for our garlic bulbs or cloves.
- Garlic Prep: For whole heads, trim them at the top, exposing the cloves. For peeled cloves, ensure they’re dry and separated.
- Drizzle with Love: If using whole heads, place them on a piece of aluminum foil. Now, here’s where the magic happens. Drizzle generously with olive oil—let it seep into every nook and cranny. If using peeled cloves, spread them into a baking tray in an even layer. Drizzle lots of olive oil on them. The oil should go halfway-up the garlic cloves. Season with salt.
- Wrap ‘Em Up: If roasting whole heads, envelop them in the foil, creating little parcels of aromatic potential. If roasting peeled cloves, they do not have to be wrapped or covered.
- Into the Oven: Lay your garlic packets or cloves on a baking sheet and slide them into the preheated oven. Let them roast for around 40-45 minutes for whole heads or 30 minutes for peeled cloves. This is when the kitchen starts to fill with the most enchanting aroma.
- Cool and Unwrap (For Whole Heads): Once your garlic bulbs are beautifully roasted and golden, let them cool for a bit. Unwrap them from their foil cocoon, revealing the soft, caramelized cloves within.
How to Enjoy Roasted Garlic:
- Spread on Bread: For whole heads, grab some crusty bread and spread those creamy cloves like butter. If using peeled cloves, toast your bread and spread the golden goodness.
- Mash into Mash: Mix the roasted garlic into mashed potatoes for a side dish that’ll make your taste buds sing.
- Blend into Sauces: Stir those golden cloves into pasta sauces or dressings for an added layer of rich, garlicky goodness.
- Eat by the Spoonful (Optional, but Highly Recommended): Sometimes, the pure pleasure of a spoonful of roasted garlic is all you need.
I hope that you give this method a try and if you do let me know what you think. How are you going to use the roasted garlic? xoxoDimitra
Make my Roasted Garlic Bread:
How to Roast Garlic
Ingredients
- 3 or more heads of garlic or peeled garlic cloves
- good quality Greek olive oil
- salt
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350 °F, 180 °C.
Method 1: Slice the top of the garlic head off to expose the cloves. Place them on a baking tray lined with aluminum foil. Drizzle olive oil on top and sprinkle with salt. Cover the garlic with the foil to create a package. Roast on the center rack for 30 minutes. Uncover the foil to expose the garlic and return to the oven for 15-20 minutes longer. The garlic is ready when the cloves begin to pop out of their shells and turn a golden color.
Method 2: Spread a layer of peeled garlic cloves into a baking pan. Drizzle lots of olive oil on top so that the oil comes almost halfway up the garlic cloves. Sprinkle the top with salt and bake uncovered until they are soft and golden. About 35 minutes.
The roasted garlic cloves from Method 1 can be squeezed out of the garlic bulb once it is cool enough to handle. Use it to make garlic bread, dipping oil, or to add to your favorite recipes.
Notes
Freezer instructions: The roasted garlic cloves can be pureed in a blender with the oil until smooth. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag/container and label it. The roasted garlic will keep fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months.
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MJ says
What else can I say but, YUM!!!
Maryann says
You are the best. This looks delicious. All your recipes are amazing. I enjoy your videos so much. You Explain everything so quick and easy. Love you. And all your rec.