This roasted garlic recipe is easy to make, resulting in the most tender, caramelized, creamy, golden garlic cloves. Add to soups, mashed potatoes, and more! Video. 

This oven roasted garlic recipe is easy to make and results in the most tender, caramelized, creamy, golden garlic cloves. Add to soups, mashed potatoes, and more! Video. 

Have you ever tried roasting garlic? It is truly transformational and has so many uses in the kitchen. We’ll show you how to roast it in two different ways- roasting whole garlic heads, or peeled individual garlic cloves. We’ll include a little instruction on how to store roasted garlic, preserve it, and how to use it in your everyday cooking.

In our catering business, we would take the last of the farmers market garlic, and roast it off whole in large hotel pans, freezing some for future use. On those days the kitchen smelled heavenly.

Often they would go into mashed potatoes, sauces, stews and soups, and any leftovers would be pureed with oil and used as a multipurpose “garlic paste” that could be used in marinades and dressings. I love the flavorful depth it imparts, giving food a beautiful complexity.

Watch how to Roast Garlic (video)

Why You’ll Love Roasted Garlic

  • Roasting garlic concentrates the sugars, transforming it into a caramelized, spreadable, buttery texture with sweet, deep, complex flavors, removing all the sharpness, pungency, and bite.
  • It’s easier to digest for many people.
  • It gives sweetness and depth to the dishes you are already making- soups stews, mashes, dressings, marinades, sauces.
  • It is a great way to preserve garlic.
How to Roast Garlic in the oven (using whole heads of garlic or peeled garlic cloves). Roasting garlic transforms it! Spreadable, buttery, sweet, earthy, and complex it has a multitude of uses in the kitchen! And so many health benefits! Whole cloves can be stored in olive oil in the fridge for up to 10 days, or made into a paste, to add to soups, stews, sauces, dressings and mashes. #roastedgarlic #bakedgarlic #garlic #garlicbenefits #roastgarlic

Roasted Garlic Ingredients

  • Fresh Raw Garlic– either whole heads of garlic (garlic bulbs) or peeled garlic cloves.
  • Extra Virgin Olive oil
  • Optional: salt and pepper
How to Roast Garlic in the oven (using whole heads of garlic or peeled garlic cloves). Roasting garlic transforms it! Spreadable, buttery, sweet, earthy, and complex it has a multitude of uses in the kitchen! And so many health benefits! Whole cloves can be stored in olive oil in the fridge for up to 10 days, or made into a paste, to add to soups, stews, sauces, dressings and mashes. #roastedgarlic #bakedgarlic #garlic #garlicbenefits #roastgarlic

How to roast Garlic Bulbs (Whole)

  1. preheat oven to 400F
  2. Cut 1/2 inch of the tips off so inner cloves are exposed.
  3. Place in a well-oiled skillet or baking dish
  4. Drizzle with oil and optional salt and pepper
  5. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 35- 40 minutes.
  6. Uncover and continue roasting until caramelized and golden, 10-20 more minutes.
How to Roast Garlic in the oven (using whole heads of garlic or peeled garlic cloves). Roasting garlic transforms it! Spreadable, buttery, sweet, earthy, and complex it has a multitude of uses in the kitchen! And so many health benefits! Whole cloves can be stored in olive oil in the fridge for up to 10 days, or made into a paste, to add to soups, stews, sauces, dressings and mashes. #roastedgarlic #bakedgarlic #garlic #garlicbenefits #roastgarlic

TIP: I like to keep the ends and add them to the pan as well.

How to Roast Garlic in the oven (using whole heads of garlic or peeled garlic cloves). Roasting garlic transforms it! Spreadable, buttery, sweet, earthy, and complex it has a multitude of uses in the kitchen! And so many health benefits! Whole cloves can be stored in olive oil in the fridge for up to 10 days, or made into a paste, to add to soups, stews, sauces, dressings and mashes. #roastedgarlic #bakedgarlic #garlic #garlicbenefits #roastgarlic

Adding a few springs of herbs adds a nice layer of flavor.

How to Roast Garlic in the oven (using whole heads of garlic or peeled garlic cloves). Roasting garlic transforms it! Spreadable, buttery, sweet, earthy, and complex it has a multitude of uses in the kitchen! And so many health benefits! Whole cloves can be stored in olive oil in the fridge for up to 10 days, or made into a paste, to add to soups, stews, sauces, dressings and mashes. #roastedgarlic #bakedgarlic #garlic #garlicbenefits #roastgarlic

When they com out, they will be golden, tender, and creamy. Let them cool and just squeeze them out.

How to Roast Garlic in the oven (using whole heads of garlic or peeled garlic cloves). Roasting garlic transforms it! Spreadable, buttery, sweet, earthy, and complex it has a multitude of uses in the kitchen! And so many health benefits! Whole cloves can be stored in olive oil in the fridge for up to 10 days, or made into a paste, to add to soups, stews, sauces, dressings and mashes. #roastedgarlic #bakedgarlic #garlic #garlicbenefits #roastgarlic

How to roast Individual Cloves of Garlic

Now if you happen to buy big bags of peeled garlic, this makes roasting garlic even easier! You can roast big batches, and blend this into a paste and freeze in little jars, pulling them out as you need them.

  1. Place 1 cup garlic cloves in a well-oiled glass baking dish (TIP: a glass baking dish lets you see the level of color as it develops.)
  2. Toss generously with 2-3 tablespoons olive oil (and optional salt and pepper)
  3. Cover with foil. Bake at 400F until tender and golden, 20-30 minutes
How to Roast Garlic in the oven (using whole heads of garlic or peeled garlic cloves). Roasting garlic transforms it! Spreadable, buttery, sweet, earthy, and complex it has a multitude of uses in the kitchen! And so many health benefits! Whole cloves can be stored in olive oil in the fridge for up to 10 days, or made into a paste, to add to soups, stews, sauces, dressings and mashes. #roastedgarlic #bakedgarlic #garlic #garlicbenefits #roastgarlic

Place in a baking dish, drizzle with oil and cover with foil.

How to Roast Garlic in the oven (using whole heads of garlic or peeled garlic cloves). Roasting garlic transforms it! Spreadable, buttery, sweet, earthy, and complex it has a multitude of uses in the kitchen! And so many health benefits! Whole cloves can be stored in olive oil in the fridge for up to 10 days, or made into a paste, to add to soups, stews, sauces, dressings and mashes. #roastedgarlic #bakedgarlic #garlic #garlicbenefits #roastgarlic

When its done the roasted garlic will be golden, buttery and delicious. I let these go a little longer because my husband really enjoys a little of the edges crispy and caramelized texture.

how to roast peeled garlic in the oven

How to store roasted garlic

Store roasted garlic in the refridgerator for up to 4 days in an airtight container or place in the freezer for up to 6 months.

Make Garlic Paste!

Make a garlic “paste” ( see photo below) by pureeing garlic cloves with a little olive oil, place in a jar, cover with a layer of olive oil and keep in the fridge for up to 10 days. Or freeze, and pull out as needed. Little 1/2 cup jars work great here as well as ice trays.

roasted garlic paste

Preserve in Olive Oil

Store roasted individual cloves of garlic, submerged in olive oil in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 10 days.

How to Roast Garlic in the oven (using whole heads of garlic or peeled garlic cloves). Roasting garlic transforms it! Spreadable, buttery, sweet, earthy, and complex it has a multitude of uses in the kitchen! And so many health benefits! Whole cloves can be stored in olive oil in the fridge for up to 10 days, or made into a paste, to add to soups, stews, sauces, dressings and mashes. #roastedgarlic #bakedgarlic #garlic #garlicbenefits #roastgarlic

How to use Roasted Garlic

Roasted garlic adds a rich and complex flavor to a variety of dishes. Here are some delicious ways to use roasted garlic:

  1. Spread on Bread: Spread warm roasted garlic cloves on toasted bread or baguette slices for a tasty and simple appetizer.
  2. Add to Dips and Spreads: Mix roasted garlic cloves into hummus, guacamole, or sour cream-based dips for a flavorful twist.
  3. Enhance Mashed Potatoes: Mash a few roasted garlic cloves into your favorite mashed potato recipe for a savory and aromatic side dish.
  4. In Soups and Stews: Puree roasted garlic cloves and add them to soups and stews to infuse them with a deep, rich flavor.
  5. Blend into Sauces: Mix roasted garlic cloves into tomato sauces, pesto, or creamy pasta sauces for an extra layer of flavor.
  6. Topping for Pizza: Scatter roasted garlic cloves over your pizza toppings before baking to add a sweet and mellow flavor.
  7. Flavor Butter and Spreads: Mix chopped roasted garlic into softened butter, cream cheese, or mayo for a delicious spread for bread or crackers.
  8. Add some to your next Sourdough loaf!
  9. Salad Dressings: Blend roasted garlic cloves with olive oil, vinegar, and herbs to create a flavorful dressing for salads.

Health benefits of Garlic

  1. Reduces cholesterol: Garlic has been found to help lower cholesterol levels, potentially reducing the risk of heart disease. [1]
  2. Protects against dementia: Compounds in garlic may help protect against age-related brain disorders like dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. [2]
  3. Protects against heart disease: Garlic has cardiovascular benefits, including reducing blood pressure and improving overall heart health. [2]
  4. Lowers blood pressure: Regular consumption of garlic has been shown to have a modest effect in lowering blood pressure levels. [3]
  5. May help prevent heavy metal toxicity: Garlic has a chelating effect, which means it may help remove heavy metals from the body and reduce the risk of toxicity. [4]
  6. Strengthens bones and joints: Garlic contains compounds that may help enhance bone health and reduce the risk of osteoporosis and arthritis.
  7. Boosts immune system and fights colds: Garlic has antimicrobial properties and may help strengthen the immune system, making it beneficial in preventing and treating common colds and respiratory infections. [5]

I’m so excited to hear all the ways you will use roasted garlic over the holidays. Please let me know in the comments below.

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How to Roast Garlic in the oven (using whole heads of garlic or peeled garlic cloves). Roasting garlic transforms it! Spreadable, buttery, sweet, earthy, and complex it has a multitude of uses in the kitchen! And so many health benefits! Whole cloves can be stored in olive oil in the fridge for up to 10 days, or made into a paste, to add to soups, stews, sauces, dressings and mashes. #roastedgarlic #bakedgarlic #garlic #garlicbenefits #roastgarlic

Roasted Garlic Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 15 reviews
  • Author: Sylvia Fountaine
  • Prep Time: 10
  • Cook Time: 40
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 1 cup
  • Category: condiment
  • Method: roasted
  • Cuisine: american
Print Recipe

Description

How to roast garlic in the oven (using whole heads of garlic or peeled garlic cloves). Roasting garlic transforms it! Spreadable, buttery, sweet, earthy, and complex it has a multitude of uses in the kitchen! With so many health benefits!

Ingredients

  • Garlic- either 6 whole heads, or 1 cup peeled cloves
  • olive oil (1 teaspoon per head) or 2-3 tablespoons per cup of peeled cloves
  • salt and pepper to taste – optional
  • a few fresh sprigs of rosemary or thyme- optional

Instructions

Roasting Whole Garlic Heads 

  • preheat oven to 400F
  • Cut the tips of the heads, exposing the cloves inside, slicing off roughly 1/2 inch
  • Place in a well-oiled skillet or baking dish.
  • Drizzle generously with olive oil roughly, 1 teaspoon per head.
  • Sprinkle with salt and pepper if you like, and tuck in some sprigs of rosemary or thyme. Both optional.
  • Cover tightly with foil.
  • Roast 35 minutes, check for tenderness, by inserting the tip of a knife into an inner clove. If tender, uncover and roast until golden and caramelized, 10-20 more minutes. If not tender, recover with foil and check again in 5-10 minutes.

Roasting Peeled Garlic 

  • Preheat oven to 400F
  • Place 1 cup garlic cloves in a baking dish ( glass allows you to see the depth of color).
  • Drizzle generously with olive oil 2-4 tablespoons ( the flavorful oil can be used in dressings, and  to preserve the garlic)
  • Cover with foil.
  • Place in the hot oven for 20 minutes, check, continue roasting until golden and caramelied,

Notes

To preserve and store: 

Refrigerate whole heads in ziplock bags for up to 4 days (or freeze).

To preserve roasted ( peeled) cloves, simple cover with a layer of olive oil in a jar. Add herbs, lemon zest and chili flakes if you like. This will keep 10 days with the garlic submerged in oil. Use the flavorful garlic-infused oil in your cooking or dressings etc, but always top off the jar with more oil, so the garlic is completely covered.

Or freeze in little jars. You can also freeze cloves in little ziplock bags.

Make Roasted Garlic Paste: My favorite way is to blend the garlic cloves with the oil in a food processor and make a paste, covering with a tiny layer of olive oil.  This will last 10 days in the fridge. For longer, store the garlic paste in little jars in the freezer, and pull out as needed. You could also free in ice cube trays.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
  • Calories: 28
  • Sugar: 0.1 g
  • Sodium: 1.4 mg
  • Fat: 1.8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 2.8 g
  • Fiber: 0.2 g
  • Protein: 0.5 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg

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Comments

  1. What if you’re working with hard-neck garlic? I can’t seem to cut the top off and bake in the bulb without breaking the whole thing apart. Any suggestions?

    Reply

  4. First, I grilled the garlic along with a variety vegetables. Then I mushed several cloves and mixed with olive oil, zaatar, dill, salt and pepper.
    I served it with turmeric rice and the grilled veggies.
    Oh my! So amazing!
    I ate some of the garlic on bagel chips while cooking. 😇



    Reply

  6. I use roasted garlic (usually a whole head for a large pot) and add it to homemade chicken soup. Gives it such a great flavor!!



    Reply

  9. I love garlic and add it to everything but never roasted it. Will definitely give it a try. My question is how do you add the roasted garlic to sourdough bread? While mixing the starter with water? Thank you.

    Reply

    1. There is a recipe for Rosemary Olive Bread with Roasted Garlic- I fold it in after it rises. Maybe refer to those photos?

      Reply

  10. Amazing! For the whole cloves storing in a jar with olive oil, I saw you put lemon, rosemary and red peppers in it, it looks amazing, wondering if they also need to be roasted to be put with garlic together?
    Thank you!

    Reply

    1. Hi Julian, I didnt roast them -but feel free to. I think I used a dry chili here.

      Reply

  11. I roast the elephant garlic for an hour, then mash it up with olive oil, parm, grated pepper and a little balsamic vinegar. Use it as a spread for bread, atop grilled steaks or pork chops on grill. Keeps in jar for about a week.



    Reply

  12. i peel about 15 heads
    and put it all in an electric put
    POUR in one cup of oil
    boil them for 30 minuets
    cool it well and put it in to the jar
    and keep the jar in fridge
    until it is all gone
    about 2-3 weeks
    i like to eat it right FROM THE JAR TOO
    BUT YOU CAN USE THEM AN YWAY YOU LIK



    Reply

  15. I made it! It really is delicious! I ate it with toasted bread. I can’t wait to start using it in my soups! Thanks!



    Reply

  16. I just roasted garlic for the first time. Yes it smells awesome. I have looked up several references to guide me. Yours was the best and clearest. I was especially needing to learn how to store it and what to use it in.
    Thank you. I will check your blog more often now.

    Reply

  18. Is it safe if I left the full head with skins on roasted in the fridge in a baggie for 2 days? i didn’t have time and threw it in there, but went to use it for a salad dressing two days later.

    Reply

  19. Its delicious I actually did this and ate it before i came to your page…. just to read more but i ate the whole garlic 😍

    Reply

  21. I’ve been roasting garlic for years (hubby and I just polished off almost four heads worth), but never looked up the health benefits until now. While I had heard of most, a few surprised me (pleasingly), so thanks much.

    There aren’t many savory dishes that aren’t improved with some form of garlic. If you going for chopped raw, remember that if you wait about 20 minutes before using more helpful compounds form.

    Reply

  22. I go through about 5 bulbs of garlic per month by myself. I wrap individual cloves in foil with a little oil, parsley, & italian seasoning. I use my toaster oven @ 275 for 30 minutes and use it in everything or sometimes just eat it right out of the foil…Soooo good!!



    Reply

  23. Hi,
    Your website is marvellous !!!
    I wish you could put the fahrenheit also in your recipes ( i live in Belgium)…

    Reply

  24. Thank you Sylvia for this recipe! I love garlic alone or in most savory dishes. Roasted and mashed on crackers is one of my favorites but your recipes above is a great variety to try, expanding my horizons!



    Reply

  25. Hello Sylvia, I have been roasting garlic for years..
    I love love love all your ideas. I did not know I could roast individual cloves .yay
    I love all the ideas you gave us about how to preserve it etc!
    Thank you for sharing your wonderful recipes.
    We’re on vacation and I look forward to going home and roasting a bunch of garlic!
    I love your blog and I look forward to your recipes each month!
    I know if I make any of your recipes it’s going to turn out delicious for both my husband and I whom eat differently.
    🙏 thank you,Ally

    Reply

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