How to Roast Garlic

The way to get the best flavor from your garlic is by roasting it. So I wrote an entire post detailing how to roast garlic, and let me tell you- it couldn't be easier!

Check out these other great recipes featuring pecans: Pumpkin Crunch Cake, Caramel Pretzel Turtles

Roasted Garlic

Is it even possible not to love garlic? As an Italian-American, I say NO! Garlic cloves have a way of adding fantastic flavor to pretty much anything you add them to, which is why you'll find them in most recipes.

But I think, the secret to getting the absolute best garlic flavor, is to roast it. Something about leaving it in the oven for an hour and letting it do its thing, allows the garlic cloves to get perfectly soft, spreadable and caramelized. And the best part is, it's SO easy to make!

Tips for oven roasted garlic

• You'll want to use a super sharp knife, as a dull knife makes it harder to cut through the papery skin on the garlic.
• I find it easiest to cut the stem off first and then gently peel some of the papery skin off around the sides, but be careful- you want to leave enough that the bulb stays together and the cloves don't separate.
• Try to use heavy duty foil so it doesn't spring a leak while cooking.

Helpful ingredient information

• Garlic: Be sure to buy whole garlic bulbs, not the individual cloves.
• Olive oil: High-quality olive oil is key (this is really important for everything you're cooking).

Why do you roast garlic unpeeled?

Not only does it keep everything together, it also helps prevent the individual cloves from burning.

How does roasting garlic change the flavor?

Raw garlic can be extremely overpowering and spicy. Roasting it mellows the flavor tremendously while still giving the delicious, savory flavor it brings to the table.

Should you season the garlic before wrapping and roasting?

You certainly can season it with whatever flavorings and spices you prefer. I chose not to for this recipe because I didn't want to alter the flavor of the garlic.

What's the best way to get the garlic out of the skins once it's done roasting?

Honestly, I like to place the open side over whatever I'll be using or storing it in and squeeze it out starting at the root (kind of like a tube of toothpaste). Works every time!

What are some good ways to use roasted garlic?

There are a ton of good way to use it- first of all, once it's roasted it becomes spreadable, so I highly encourage you to spread it on toasted baguette with whatever other toppings you like for a delicious appetizer or snack. It's the perfect addition to mashed potatoes, pasta sauce, roast chicken, salad dress- truly the possibilities are endless!

Storage:

This will last up to a week in an airtight container in the fridge and up to 6 months in the freezer.

Helpful tools:

1. A good Chef's Knife
2. A Cutting Board

If you tried this recipe please comment and rate it 🙂 I love hearing your feedback and answering your questions!

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