Easy Oven-Roasted Garlic For Spreads, Dips, And Recipes

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Want soft, golden roasted garlic that is deeply flavorful and easy to spread? This simple oven-roasted garlic recipe transforms plain cloves into a mellow, sweet, and savory treat that elevates any dish. It is perfect for adding rich flavor to pastas, dips, or just spreading on fresh bread.

This roasted garlic is a classic filling for baguettes, roast beef sandwiches, or mashed into creamy pasta salads like broccoli cheddar pasta salad. You can also fold it into a turkey wrap for an extra layer of flavor that everyone will love.

🛒Ingredients

Garlic: Pick fresh, plump heads with no signs of wilting.
Olive oil: Drizzle on top, or swap with avocado oil.
Salt and pepper: A generous pinch for flavor.

👩‍🍳 You'll find the complete list of ingredients below the recipe card.

🥘 How To Make Roasted Garlic Step By Step

Preheat the oven to 425°F and slice off the top of each garlic head to expose the cloves. Be careful not to cut too deep or the cloves may fall out.
Place the garlic cut-side up on a piece of foil, leaving space above the cloves.
Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over each head and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Wrap each head individually in foil without touching the top.
Bake for 45 minutes. Check by inserting a knife into a clove. It should slide in easily and the cloves should be golden on top.
For deeper browning, bake another 15 minutes.
Let the garlic cool slightly, then squeeze out the cloves to use in any recipe.

raw garlic heads with foil around them beforeroasting

Rita's Tip

Roast the garlic until the cloves turn a deep golden brown for the best flavor. Brushing plenty of oil over each head helps them brown evenly and keeps the cloves soft and spreadable.

📋Tips

Sprinkle flaky sea salt just before serving for extra flavor.
Roast carefully. Overcooked garlic tastes bitter. Aim for a deep golden color.
Wrap each head fully in foil to trap heat and moisture for even roasting.
Brush plenty of oil over the heads to ensure even browning.

🍱Storage Instructions

🍱To Store. Keep roasted garlic in a clean jar or airtight container in the fridge. Make sure it is submerged in oil. Use within one week. Thaw at room temperature before using. Do not leave it at room temperature as it can grow bacteria.
🥶Freezing. Portion roasted garlic and freeze for up to three months
🔥To Reheat. Thaw frozen garlic in the fridge overnight. It can also be added directly to soups, sauces, or baked dishes from frozen.

What To Serve With Roasted Garlic

Mash the roasted garlic cloves with olive oil to create a smooth, spreadable garlic paste. Use it on crostinis for a flavorful appetizer or stir it into lemon chicken for a rich, savory boost.
Fold roasted garlic into salads for extra flavor.
Stir it into dips like white bean dip or hummus for a rich caramelized garlic taste.
Spread on sliced bread for garlic butter, or mix into mashed potatoes.
Add to pastas, wraps, and roasted meats to boost flavor.

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📖Recipe

Easy Recipe For Roasted Garlic

Learn how to roast garlic in the oven until it's meltingly soft. This caramelized savory treat is delicious on toast and baguettes, on top of cooked meats, stirred into mashed potatoes, salads—or simply anything!

5 from 1 vote

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Prep Time 5

Cook Time 1

Total Time 1

Course Condiments

Servings heads

Calories 124 kcal

Video

Ingredients

▢ 2 heads of large garlic
▢ 2 tablespoons of olive oil
▢ Salt and pepper to taste
▢ Instructions

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 425°F. Cut off the top part of the garlic head, but be careful not to cut off too much so the cloves don't fall out.
Place the garlic head on a piece of foil, making sure there is enough foil to create a small pocket on top without touching the garlic.
Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil on each garlic head, and sprinkle with a generous pinch of salt and a little pepper. Wrap the foil on top, creating a small pocket with a handle.
Put the garlic in the oven and cook for 45 minutes. Check if it's done by inserting a knife into one garlic clove. It should slide in easily, and the garlic should be browned and golden on top.
If you want the garlic to be even browner, cook for another 15 minutes.
Carefully remove the garlic from the foil and let it cool until you can touch it. Squeeze out the individual garlic cloves and use them in any recipe for roasted garlic.

Notes

Oil generously: Brush the garlic heads generously with olive oil to ensure even browning and to prevent them from drying out during roasting.

Storage tip: For the best flavor and safety, store leftover roasted garlic in a clean jar filled with olive oil in the refrigerator. Use it within a week.

Nutrition

Calories: 124kcalFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gSodium: 0.3mgPotassium: 0.1mgCalcium: 0.1mgIron: 0.1mg

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🤷Frequently Asked Questions

How long does roasted garlic last?

Stored in a clean jar fully submerged in oil, roasted garlic lasts up to one week in the fridge. It tastes best within 2-3 days. Spoiled garlic may become mushy or smell sour.

Is roasted garlic healthy?

Yes. Roasting mellows the flavor but keeps nutrients intact. Garlic may support heart health, reduce cholesterol, and boost immunity.

Can I use roasted garlic right away?

Absolutely. Let it cool slightly, then squeeze out the cloves and use in any recipe.

Can I roast garlic faster?

Brushing with oil and cutting the tops helps, but slow roasting at 425°F gives the best flavor and texture.