Save to Pinterest This preparation features whole garlic heads roasted until soft and caramelized, creating a rich, sweet flavor. The cloves are drizzled with olive oil and seasoned with salt, pepper, and optional herbs, then wrapped in foil and baked. The result is a spreadable, versatile ingredient that adds depth to breads, mashed vegetables, and pasta. Simple to prepare, it takes about 40 minutes total including roasting time, and pairs well with many dishes while being vegan and gluten-free.
Discovering garlic clove roasting was a game changer for me; the first time I smelled those sweet caramelized aromas filling my kitchen, I knew I was onto something special.
I remember the day unexpected guests popped by, and I whipped up these roasted cloves on the spot — they disappeared before I even had a chance to taste them myself.
Ingredients
- 3 whole heads garlic (about 36 cloves): Choose firm heads with tight skins for the best roasting results
- 3 tbsp olive oil: Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil to enhance the flavor
- 1/2 tsp sea salt: Adds just the right touch of seasoning without overpowering
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper: Freshly ground to keep the spice lively
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme or rosemary (optional): A fragrant herb twist that complements the sweetness of roasted garlic
Instructions
- Get Everything Ready:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and set out a baking sheet lined with foil to catch any drips.
- Prep the Garlic Heads:
- Trim the tops of each garlic head to reveal the cloves, taking care not to separate them. The scent of fresh garlic fills the air, setting the stage.
- Season for Sweetness:
- Drizzle olive oil over each head, then sprinkle sea salt, freshly ground pepper, and herbs if using. The oil glistens on the exposed cloves, promising rich flavor.
- Wrap it up Tight:
- Seal each head in foil, ensuring the garlic steams perfectly inside the packet during roasting.
- Roast to Perfection:
- Place on the baking sheet and roast for 35 to 40 minutes until the cloves soften and caramelize to a golden color, releasing a heavenly aroma.
- Cool and Enjoy:
- Let cool just enough to handle, then squeeze the soft roasted cloves out. Their texture is buttery, their taste sweet and mellow—perfect warm or at room temperature.
Save to Pinterest This recipe became more than just a side; it turned every meal into a tiny celebration of simple, comforting flavors that feel like a warm hug.
Keeping It Fresh
Leftovers keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week, making it easy to add sweetness to your dishes any time.
Serving Ideas That Clicked
Spread roasted garlic on toasted baguette slices, stir a few cloves into mashed potatoes, or swirl it through pasta sauces for an instant upgrade.
A Time This Recipe Saved the Day
Once, when running low on ingredients, I tossed roasted garlic into an improvised soup, and it ended up stealing the show entirely.
- Don&t underestimate the power of a little garlic to brighten your meal
- Feel free to experiment with different herbs to find your favorite
- Remember to store leftovers properly to keep the flavor fresh
Save to Pinterest Thanks for sharing this kitchen moment with me—here’s to many more delicious discoveries ahead!
Frequently asked questions about this recipe
- → How long should garlic be roasted?
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Roast garlic heads for 35 to 40 minutes at 400°F until cloves are soft and caramelized.
- → Can I use herbs with roasted garlic?
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Yes, dried thyme or rosemary may be added for extra flavor before roasting.
- → What is the best way to serve roasted garlic?
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Roasted cloves spread on crusty bread, mixed into mashed potatoes, or stirred into pasta enhance meals beautifully.
- → How should leftovers be stored?
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Store roasted garlic in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- → Can the roasting time be adjusted?
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For a milder flavor, reduce roasting time by 5 minutes; longer roasting intensifies sweetness.
