Roasted Garlic Bulb Spread (Printable)

Caramelized garlic bulb ideal for spreads, sauces, and adding rich, sweet flavor to your dishes.

# Ingredient List:

→ Garlic

01 - 1 whole garlic bulb

→ Oils & Seasonings

02 - 1 to 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
03 - Pinch kosher salt
04 - Freshly ground black pepper, optional

# Directions:

01 - Set the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for roasting.
02 - Remove any loose papery outer layers from the garlic bulb, ensuring the bulb remains intact.
03 - Slice approximately 1/4 inch from the top of the bulb to expose the tops of the cloves.
04 - Place the garlic bulb cut-side up on a piece of aluminum foil or within a small ovenproof dish.
05 - Drizzle extra virgin olive oil over the exposed cloves, distributing it to seep between them; sprinkle with kosher salt and optionally freshly ground black pepper.
06 - Loosely wrap the bulb in foil or cover the baking dish to retain moisture during roasting.
07 - Place the prepared garlic in the oven and roast for 35 to 45 minutes, until cloves become golden, soft, and caramelized.
08 - Allow the bulb to cool slightly, then gently squeeze the softened garlic from each clove to use as a spread or ingredient.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Transforms harsh raw garlic into something mellow and sweet that even garlic skeptics will crave
  • Takes just 5 minutes of actual work, then the oven does all the magic while you relax
  • One bulb gives you a spread, a sauce base, or a flavor bomb for anything from mashed potatoes to pasta—it's like having liquid gold in your kitchen
02 -
  • Don't wrap the bulb too tightly or cover it completely—a little steam escape is what gives you those caramelized edges. I learned this after making a batch that turned mushy and pale.
  • Roasting times vary wildly depending on bulb size and oven personality. Start checking around the 35-minute mark. The cloves should be so soft they practically melt, and the outer edges should have a golden or slightly browned tint. That color is flavor.
03 -
  • Buy bulbs with unblemished skin and tightly packed cloves. A garlic bulb that feels dense and heavy is one that's full of flavor.
  • Don't fear that 400°F temperature—it's hot enough to caramelize the garlic without burning it. The papery skin and foil protect the cloves, creating gentle, even heat.

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