Learn how to roast garlic in the oven in four simple steps with this easy recipe. Oven-roasted garlic transforms raw cloves into a soft, caramelized spread with a mild, sweet, savory flavor that enhances sauces, dips, pasta, soups and more. It’s simple to make and stores well, so you can keep ready-to-use roasted garlic on hand.
Once you try roasting garlic at home, you may prefer it to raw cloves. The slow oven heat pulls out the natural sugars and softens the texture, yielding rich, mellow cloves that are easy to squeeze from their skins. All you need are whole garlic bulbs, a little olive oil, and a pinch of salt.
This method works whether you roast a single head of garlic or several at once, and the gentle flavor of roasted garlic makes it extremely versatile in both simple and complex dishes. Try mixing roasted garlic into ricotta pasta, stirring it into mashed potatoes, folding it into hummus, or tossing it with roasted root vegetables for added depth.
What You Need for Roasted Garlic
This recipe is very simple and calls for only a few ingredients:
- Whole heads (bulbs) of garlic
- Olive oil (or another neutral oil you prefer)
- Salt, to taste
Roasted Garlic Variations
Customize roasted garlic easily. Here are a few tasty ideas:
- Season the cut tops of the bulbs with salt, freshly ground black pepper, or your favorite spice blend before roasting.
- Swap olive oil for another oil you enjoy—avocado oil or a mild-flavored oil both work well.
- Roast garlic alongside other root vegetables, such as onions, carrots, sweet potatoes, or turnips, to add an extra layer of flavor to the tray.
FAQ
Do you need to peel the garlic first?
No. Keep the papery skins on the bulbs. After roasting, the cloves soften and slide out of the skins easily.
Can I roast more or fewer heads than the recipe suggests?
Yes. This method scales well — roast one head or a whole tray. Just arrange the bulbs in a single layer and adjust oil amounts accordingly.
How do you know when the garlic is done?
Roasted garlic is done when it smells fragrant and the exposed cloves have become soft and golden-brown. At 375ºF this usually takes about 40 minutes.
More of our Favorite…
Roasted Veggies
- Honey Balsamic Roasted Carrots
- Oven Roasted Brussels Sprouts
- Roasted Root Vegetables
- Roasted Delicata Squash
- Ranch Roasted Potatoes
- Garlic Roasted Cauliflower
Storage
After roasting and cooling, store the peeled roasted garlic cloves in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keep the cloves submerged in oil if you prefer a softer texture and longer fridge life, but always use clean utensils to prevent contamination.
Freezing Roasted Garlic
Roasted garlic freezes very well. Lay the cooled cloves in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid (about an hour) so they don’t clump together. Transfer the frozen cloves to an airtight container or freezer bag and store for up to 3 months. Thaw as needed or add frozen cloves directly to hot dishes while cooking.
Make a Roasted Garlic Crostini!
This simple appetizer is an excellent way to showcase roasted garlic. You will need:
- 3 heads roasted garlic
- 1 baguette, sliced and toasted
- 1/3 cup whipped feta (or soft cheese of your choice)
- 3 tablespoons honey
- Salt, to taste
Smear whipped feta on toasted baguette slices, top with a few roasted cloves, a drizzle of honey and a pinch of salt for a sweet-and-savory bite.
Serving Suggestions
Roasted garlic enhances many recipes. Use it to add depth to both simple and elaborate dishes. Popular ways to enjoy roasted garlic include:
- Mash roasted garlic into cream cheese for bagel spreads
- Mince and sauté with vegetables as a flavorful base
- Fold into omelets for a mellow garlic boost
- Stir into dips and hummus for extra richness
- Add to pasta sauces or mix into finished pasta dishes
- Stir into soups or blended vegetable purees
- Incorporate into vinaigrettes and salad dressings
- Or simply eat a whole roasted clove — it’s sweet, soft, and delicious
How to Roast Garlic
Roasted garlic is quick to prepare and yields flavorful, spreadable cloves. Follow these step-by-step instructions for best results.
Ingredients
- 6 bulbs (heads) of garlic
- 3 teaspoons olive oil (about 1/2 teaspoon per bulb)
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375ºF (190ºC). Lightly oil a small baking dish or quarter sheet pan and set it aside.
- Trim the tops: Using a sharp knife, slice off the pointy end of each garlic bulb to expose the individual cloves’ tips. This lets heat and oil penetrate while roasting.
- Arrange the bulbs cut-side up in the baking dish so the exposed cloves face upward.
- Drizzle each bulb with about 1/2 teaspoon of olive oil, making sure the oil reaches the exposed cloves. Sprinkle a little salt over the exposed surfaces if desired.
- Bake for about 40 minutes, flipping the bulbs halfway through so the exposed side faces down for the final 20 minutes. The garlic is done when the cloves are soft, fragrant and lightly caramelized.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes. When cool enough to handle, squeeze the base of each bulb to pop the roasted cloves out of their skins. Use immediately or store as directed.
Tips & Notes
- Storage: Refrigerate roasted garlic cloves in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze cloves spread on a tray until solid, then transfer to a sealed bag or container for up to 3 months.
- Scaling: This method scales easily—roast as many heads as you need on a single sheet pan.
- Oil Safety: If you store roasted garlic submerged in oil, use it within a few days and always keep it refrigerated to reduce risk of spoilage.
Nutrition
Approximate nutrition per serving (estimate): Calories: 60 kcal; Carbohydrates: 6 g; Protein: 1 g; Fat: 4 g. Nutrition values are approximate and should be used only as a guide.
If you try this roasted garlic method, it’s easily adapted to your preferred seasoning and makes a wonderful pantry-ready flavor booster. Enjoy experimenting and adding roasted garlic to many of your favorite dishes!