How to Roast Garlic

Roasted garlic is a flavorful ingredient that adds depth to pasta, sauces, soups, and spreads. This easy recipe shows how to roast whole garlic heads in the oven until soft, golden, and caramelized, creating a versatile addition to savory dishes and meal prep.

Ingredients

• 12 heads of garlic
• Private Reserve Greek extra virgin olive oil

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Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:
Set oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Prepare Garlic for Roasting:
Peel away the outer papery layers of each garlic bulb, leaving the cloves intact. Slice off about ¼ to ½ inch from the top of each head to expose the garlic cloves. Ensure all cloves are partially visible to roast evenly.

3. Add Oil:
Place each garlic head upright (cut-side up) in a muffin pan. Drizzle about 2 tsp of olive oil over each head. Gently massage the oil over the exposed cloves.

4. Roast the Garlic:
Cover the muffin pan with another pan of the same size and roast in the preheated oven for 40–45 minutes, until cloves are soft, golden, and caramelized.

5. Cool and Use:
Let the garlic cool before handling. Squeeze roasted cloves out of their skins and use immediately, or store for later use.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Brings rich, sweet, and mellow flavor to any dish.
• Simple method with minimal ingredients.
• Perfect for cooking, spreading on bread, or adding to sauces.
• Makes a versatile pantry staple that elevates everyday meals.

Tips

• Use a sharp knife to slice the tops for even roasting.
• Massage oil gently to coat each clove without crushing it.
• Roast until cloves are soft and caramelized, not burnt.
• Let garlic cool completely to handle safely.

Variations and Substitutions

• Oil Options: Use avocado or grapeseed oil for a different flavor.
• Herbs: Add thyme or rosemary sprigs on top for infused aroma.
• Smoky Flavor: Wrap garlic in foil for a deeper, smoky taste.
• Mini Garlic Heads: Reduce roasting time to 30–35 minutes for smaller bulbs.

FAQs

Can I roast garlic ahead of time?
Yes, store roasted garlic in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

How can I use roasted garlic?
Spread on bread, mix into mashed potatoes, stir into pasta, or add to soups and sauces.

Does roasting garlic reduce its health benefits?
Roasting slightly reduces the raw potency but enhances flavor and still provides nutritional benefits.

Serving

Serve roasted garlic as a spread on toasted bread, incorporated into pasta, mashed into vegetables, or blended into sauces and dressings.

Suggestions

• Roast garlic in bulk to use throughout the week.
• Blend roasted garlic with olive oil for a quick garlic paste.
• Pair with fresh herbs for a flavorful garnish over roasted meats or vegetables.