Once you learn how to roast garlic like a pro, you’ll never go back!
Roasted garlic transforms from sharp and pungent to buttery, sweet, and completely irresistible — it’s one of the easiest ways to elevate any dish.
With just a head of garlic and a drizzle of olive oil, the cloves soften into golden perfection right in your oven.
This foolproof method creates tender, caramelized cloves that spread like butter and add rich, mellow garlic flavor to everything from mashed potatoes and pasta to soups, sauces, and homemade bread.
Whether you’re new to roasting garlic or looking to perfect your technique, this simple step-by-step guide guarantees flavorful results every time.
Perfect for meal prep or weeknight cooking, this roasted garlic recipe takes minimal effort and adds maximum flavor.
Once cooled, you can use it immediately, store it in olive oil, or mash it into your favorite dishes — truly the secret to cooking like a pro.
Why you’ll love this recipe!
What ingredients do I need?
- Garlic Head: The star of the show! Whole garlic heads roast beautifully, turning sharp raw cloves into soft, spreadable, golden perfection. Choose firm bulbs with tight skin for the best flavor.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A drizzle of olive oil helps the garlic caramelize and keeps it moist while roasting. It also infuses a rich, slightly nutty flavor that enhances the sweetness of the garlic.
- Optional Sea Salt or Herbs: For extra flavor, sprinkle the garlic with a pinch of sea salt, thyme, or rosemary before roasting — it adds a subtle, savory depth.
Why you’ll love this recipe!
Roasted garlic is one of those magic ingredients that instantly makes any dish taste restaurant-worthy. Here are a few of the best ways to use it:
- Spread it on Bread: Mash roasted garlic onto crusty bread or mix into butter for a homemade garlic spread.
- Mix into Mashed Potatoes: Stir a few cloves into mashed potatoes for a creamy, rich garlic flavor. link to mine*
- Add to Sauces and Soups: Blend roasted garlic into tomato sauce, creamy soups, or pasta dishes for mellow depth and sweetness.
- Whip into Dips: Combine with sour cream, hummus, or Greek yogurt for an easy garlic dip.
- Use in Salad Dressings: Mash a clove or two into vinaigrettes or creamy dressings for subtle garlic flavor.
Recipe Variations
- Herb-Infused Garlic: Add a few sprigs of rosemary, thyme, or sage to the roasting dish for subtle herbal notes.
- Smoky Garlic: Sprinkle a pinch of smoked paprika or drizzle with a bit of chili oil before roasting for a mild smoky heat.
- Garlic Confit-Style: Submerge peeled cloves completely in olive oil and roast at 250°F until tender (about 1 hour). This yields a smooth, spreadable texture — just be sure to refrigerate and use within 3–4 days.
- Roasted Shallots & Garlic Combo: Roast whole shallots alongside the garlic for a richer, sweeter, caramelized flavor — perfect for blending into sauces or soups.
Pro Tips
- Choose fresh garlic: Use firm, heavy bulbs with tight papery skin — older garlic can turn bitter or dry out during roasting.
- Don’t overtrim: Slice just enough off the top to expose the cloves; cutting too much removes the protective layers and can cause burning.
- Roast covered: Covering the garlic with foil or a lid traps steam and helps the cloves soften evenly without drying out.
- Check for doneness: At 45 minutes, the cloves should be golden, soft, and caramelized. If they’re still pale, give them another 10–15 minutes.
- Cool before handling: The cloves will be molten-hot straight from the oven. Let them cool for at least 10 minutes before squeezing them out.
- Save the infused oil: After roasting, the olive oil left in the dish is full of flavor — drizzle it over bread, pasta, or vegetables. Just remember to refrigerate it and use within 3–4 days for safety.
Leftovers and Storage
Roasted garlic can be stored a few different ways, but it’s important to handle it safely. Garlic is low-acid, and when submerged in oil without refrigeration, it creates an environment where botulism bacteria can grow. Here’s how to store it safely and keep it fresh:
- Refrigerator Storage (Best for Short Term): After roasting, let the garlic cool completely. Remove the cloves from the peel and then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4–5 days.
- Freezer Storage (Best for Long Term): For longer storage, freeze the roasted cloves. You can mash them first, or keep them whole. Then freeze flat on a parchment lined tray and transfer to a freezer-safe bag, or container. They will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer and are easy to add right into soups, sauces, or spreads.
- If You Store in Oil: Only store garlic in oil if it’s refrigerated — and use it within 3–4 days. Never store garlic-infused oil at room temperature, as it can promote botulism toxin growth. For longer-term garlic oil flavor, freeze it in small portions (like ice cube trays) instead.
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How to Roast Garlic (Like a Pro)
Ingredients
- 1 head of garlic
- Extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400F.
- Cut off the very top of the garlic, being careful not to cut too much away.
- Add to a small oven safe bowl and then drizzle with olive oil until the top of the garlic is covered.
- Either cover with a lid that fits the bowl, or cover with foil.
- Bake for 45-60 minutes until nice and browned.
- Allow to cool 10 minutes before handling.
- Use as is on bread, or in your favorite recipes.
Roasted Garlic | How To Roast Garlic | Garlic Confit | Roasted Garlic Storage Safety | Garlic Recipes | Roasted Garlic Like A Pro | Roasted Garlic Tips and Tricks | Easy Recipe
Nutritional Content Disclaimer
I choose not to include nutritional information with my recipes, as these values can be calculated from the ingredients provided. With my background as a pediatric nurse practitioner and my own family experience with disordered eating, I understand how focusing on numbers can affect our relationship with food. My philosophy is that all foods have a place—sweet, savory, nourishing, or indulgent. I aim to share recipes that support a healthy, joyful approach to eating. My hope is that this space also encourages a balanced, healthy relationship with food for you and your family too.