Easy Roasted Garlic
Roasted garlic is a versatile ingredient that can elevate the flavors of countless dishes with its rich, mellow sweetness. This easy roasted garlic recipe is perfect for beginners and seasoned cooks alike. With just three ingredients and a few simple steps, you can transform garlic cloves into soft, caramelized gems that add depth to everything from mashed potatoes to pasta sauces, or simply spread on warm, crusty bread.
To prepare, you'll need four heads of garlic, some good quality extra virgin olive oil, and a dash of salt. Roasting at 375°F, with the cloves submerged in olive oil, ensures they cook evenly, becoming tender and developing a slightly nutty flavor. The process is straightforward: peel and separate the cloves, trim off the stems, and arrange them in a small oven-safe dish. The Staub cast iron gratin dish is ideal, as it distributes heat evenly, but any similar oven-safe dish works well. Covering the dish with foil helps lock in moisture, preventing the garlic from drying out.
In just 45 minutes, you’ll have soft, golden cloves ready to add an extra layer of flavor to your favorite dishes. Roasted garlic can also be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, making it a convenient addition to various meals. Plus, you’ll have a flavorful garlic-infused olive oil left over, which is fantastic for salad dressings or drizzling over roasted vegetables. Give this recipe a try—it’s a small step that brings big flavor to your kitchen!
Easy Roasted Garlic Ingredients
4 heads of garlic, peeled and cloves separated, stem pieces cut off
1 1/4 cups extra virgin olive oil
1/4 teaspoon salt
Easy Roasted Garlic Instructions
preheat oven to 375 degrees
in a small oven safe dish (I used a Staub cast iron oval gratin dish) lay the garlic cloves and pour extra virgin olive oil over the top so that the cloves are fully submerged
add salt to the mixture and give it a toss
cover the dish with aluminum foil and place in oven for 45 minutes or until your garlic cloves are soft and lightly browned
Roasted garlic is a game-changer in the kitchen, adding a subtle sweetness and depth that enhances a variety of dishes. This easy method makes it accessible to anyone looking to bring new flavors to their meals. After roasting, the cloves are soft, spreadable, and mild enough to enjoy alone or mixed into recipes. You’ll also have the added bonus of a rich, garlic-infused olive oil, perfect for drizzling over salads, roasted vegetables, or dipping bread. Roasted garlic keeps well in the fridge, so you can make a batch in advance and use it as a versatile, flavor-packed ingredient whenever you like. Whether you add it to pasta, blend it into sauces, or simply spread it on crusty bread, roasted garlic is a simple yet powerful way to elevate your cooking. Give this recipe a try, and let roasted garlic become a new staple in your kitchen!