Description
This simple and versatile recipe shows you two effective methods to roast garlic until perfectly caramelized and sweet. Roasted garlic enhances a variety of dishes with its mellow flavor, and can be easily incorporated into spreads, sauces, or simply enjoyed on toasted bread.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 1 or more heads of garlic
- 1-2 teaspoons olive oil or avocado oil per head
- ¼ – ½ teaspoon salt per head
Instructions
- Preparing the Garlic: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Peel away any loose outer layers of garlic skin from the bulb to expose the cloves, but keep the head intact.
- Cut the Garlic: With a sharp knife, slice off the top of each garlic head to expose the individual cloves. If some cloves remain uncut on the sides, carefully slice around them to ensure even roasting.
- Add Oil and Salt: Drizzle 1-2 teaspoons of olive or avocado oil over each garlic head and gently rub it into the exposed cloves. Sprinkle ¼ to ½ teaspoon of salt over each head to enhance flavor.
- Choose Roasting Method: Method 1 – Place the garlic heads cut side up in a loaf pan, muffin pan, or cake pan, then cover tightly with parchment paper followed by aluminum foil to trap moisture. Method 2 – Wrap each garlic head individually in parchment paper and then wrap again in aluminum foil. Place all foil packets on a baking sheet.
- Bake the Garlic: Roast in the preheated oven for 40 to 60 minutes, or until the garlic cloves are soft, golden, and caramelized.
- Cool the Garlic: Carefully remove the foil and allow the garlic heads to cool until they can be handled safely.
- Remove the Cloves: Use a small spoon to loosen each clove by inserting it around the rim, twisting gently to separate the skin, then push downward to pop out the roasted garlic.
- Serve or Store: Enjoy the roasted garlic immediately on toasted bread, incorporate it into recipes like mashed cauliflower, or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
Notes
- Use avocado oil as a mild-flavored alternative to olive oil if you prefer.
- Roasting times may vary slightly depending on the size of the garlic heads and your oven; check for tenderness after 40 minutes.
- Roasted garlic can be frozen for longer storage if desired.
- Using parchment paper under the foil prevents garlic from sticking and helps retain moisture.
- Be careful when handling hot garlic and foil after roasting to avoid burns.
