Easy Roasted Garlic Recipe

Name: Easy Roasted Garlic Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Ingredients: 2 large bulbs of garlic; 2 tablespoons of olive oil; 1/2 teaspoon of salt; 1/4 teaspoon of pepper

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If you are looking for a way to upgrade your pasta, dips, or bread, this roasted garlic recipe is the answer. It takes less than an hour to make and fills your kitchen with an amazing aroma. We will show you exactly how to get soft, caramelized cloves that are ready to use in your favorite family meals.

Ingredients for the Roasted Garlic

Garlic Bulbs The star of the show! Roasting whole bulbs protects the inner cloves from burning while they soften and caramelize.
Olive Oil This helps conduct heat to the cloves and prevents them from drying out. It also infuses the garlic with a rich, fruity richness.
Sea Salt A pinch of salt draws out moisture and enhances the natural sweetness of the garlic as it roasts.
Pepper Freshly cracked pepper adds a subtle earthy heat that complements the sweetness of the roasted cloves.

How to Make Roasted Garlic

Preheat the Oven Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Getting the temperature right ensures the garlic roasts evenly without burning the skins.
Prep the Bulbs Slice about ¼ to ½ inch off the very top of each garlic bulb. You want to expose the raw tops of the individual cloves so they are easy to squeeze out later.
Season Place the bulbs on a sheet of aluminum foil. Drizzle the olive oil generously over the exposed cloves, ensuring they are well coated. Sprinkle with the salt and pepper.
Wrap and Roast Gather the edges of the foil and twist them at the top to create a sealed pouch (like a Hershey’s Kiss). Place the pouch directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet. Roast for 45 minutes.
Check for Doneness Carefully open the foil (watch out for steam!). The cloves should look golden brown and feel very soft when pressed.
Cool and Serve Let the bulbs cool for at least 10 minutes. Squeeze the bottom of the bulb to push the sweet, roasted cloves out of their skins.

Getting the Roasted Garlic Out of the Bulbs

Once your kitchen smells amazing and the garlic is golden brown, you need to get those soft cloves out of their skins.

Let them cool down Please do not skip this step! The roasted bulbs hold heat for a long time. Let them sit on the counter for at least 10 to 15 minutes so you can handle them safely without burning your fingers.
The Squeeze Method This is the most satisfying way to do it. Hold the bulb upside down over a small bowl and give it a gentle squeeze from the bottom up. The soft, caramelized cloves will slide right out. It can be a little messy, but it is fast and effective.
The Fork Method If you want to keep the cloves looking more intact for a specific dish, use a small cocktail fork or the tip of a paring knife. You can gently pry each clove out of its paper skin one by one.

Storing and Freezing Your Roasted Garlic

Refrigerating Leftovers You can keep your roasted cloves in the fridge for about one week. Place the peeled cloves in a small, airtight container or a glass jar. Drizzle enough olive oil over them to keep them covered, as this helps keep them moist and fresh.
Freezing for Later If you want to keep roasted garlic for longer, freezing is a great option. Place the peeled cloves in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will last for up to three months.
The Ice Cube Tray Trick For the ultimate time-saver, mash the roasted cloves into a paste and press the paste into an ice cube tray. Freeze them until solid, then pop the cubes out and store them in a freezer bag. Now you have pre-measured portions of roasted garlic ready to toss directly into a soup or sauce pan.

Use it with my roasted garlic hummus recipe or my Caesar dressing recipe!

FAQ's:

What's the best way to prepare garlic for roasting?

To prepare the garlic, you simply need to cut the top off of the bulbs to expose the cloves, then place them on foil and add olive oil, salt, and pepper before wrapping them up.

How long does it take to roast garlic and at what temperature?

Roasting garlic takes about 45 minutes in an oven preheated to 375 degrees F. The garlic is done when you can easily push a fork into the cloves.

How can I tell when the roasted garlic is ready?

The garlic is ready when it is soft enough that you can easily push a fork into it. It will have a rich, mellow aroma and a sweet, caramelized flavor.

What are some good uses for roasted garlic?

Roasted garlic is incredibly versatile! You can use it in pastas, aolis, hummus, and dressings, or simply spread it on a piece of toasted bread for a delicious snack.

Can I make roasted garlic ahead of time and store it?

Yes! You can store roasted garlic in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week, or you can freeze it in olive oil for longer storage.

Is it important to use foil when roasting the garlic bulbs?

Yes, wrapping the garlic bulbs in aluminum foil helps to trap the steam and heat, which ensures the garlic roasts evenly and becomes soft, creamy, and easy to squeeze out.

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