Roasting garlic is an art that can be mastered in different ways, depending on your time, preference, and available equipment. Whether you’re a fan of the tactile satisfaction of squeezing roasted garlic out of its skins or you prefer the convenience of pre-peeled cloves, we’ve got you covered.
Here are various ways you can roast garlic:
Oven Roasted Garlic
Preheat your oven to 400°F.
Carefully remove the loose, papery layers from as many garlic heads as needed, leaving the heads intact.
Trim about 1/4 to 1/3 inch off the top of each head, keeping them whole.
Place each head on a small piece of foil, large enough to wrap around it.
Drizzle generously with olive oil, ensuring it seeps into the exposed cuts.
Wrap the garlic heads in the foil and place them on a baking sheet.
Roast for 45 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on your desired level of caramelization.
Once cooled, squeeze the softened cloves out from the bottom of the head.
Oven Roasted Garlic Confit
Preheat your oven to a gentle 200°F.
Place peeled garlic cloves in an oven-proof dish and cover them with olive oil.
Roast (or confit) for about 3 hours, or until the cloves turn soft and spreadable.
Scoop out the cloves from the oil, and you’re ready to savor this golden, caramelized goodness.
Air Fryer Roasted Garlic
Prep your garlic by drizzling it with oil and wrapping it in foil.
Air fry at 400°F for 18-20 minutes, then let it cool before squeezing out the cloves.
Slow Cooker Roasted Garlic
Prep your garlic as before, drizzle with oil, and wrap in foil.
Place the prepared garlic in your slow cooker and cook on low for 4-5 hours until it’s soft and caramelized.
After cooling slightly, squeeze out the cloves and enjoy.
Instant Pot Roasted Garlic
Prep your garlic, drizzle with oil, and place it on the trivet in your Instant Pot.
Add 1 cup of water and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
After a 10-minute natural release, let it cool slightly and squeeze out the cloves for a flavorful treat.
Microwave Roasted Garlic
Although technically not roasted, this method yields soft, smushable garlic that’s ready in no time.
Prep the garlic, place it in a microwave-safe dish, drizzle with olive oil, add 2 tbsp of water, and cover with a microwave-safe lid.
Microwave at 50% power until the garlic becomes soft and squishable, which typically takes around 8-9 minutes.
Once cooled, simply squeeze out the cloves.
The Magic of Roasted Garlic
Why roast garlic, you ask? Roasting garlic is akin to a culinary alchemy. It softens the spicy raw heat into a buttery, earthy, spreadable delight that you’ll want to eat by the clove. This transformation adds depth and flavor to savory dishes and can be enjoyed on its own. And there’s good news for garlic enthusiasts: garlic is not only delicious but also has health benefits. Roasting it elevates its flavor while maintaining its nutritional value. Even if you aren’t typically a fan of garlic, caramelized roasted garlic might just win you over with its sweet and savory allure.
FAQ: Answering Your Roasted Garlic Queries
Can you roast garlic without oil?
Yes, you can, but it won’t achieve the same golden brown caramelization. However, it still tastes amazing and is a great option if you’re cutting down on oil.
Can you roast garlic without foil?
Certainly! Parchment paper is a suitable alternative for wrapping the garlic during roasting.
How to remove roasted garlic cloves?
You have two easy methods:
Squeeze: Gently squeeze the caramelized cloves out from the base of the head using your fingers.
Use a knife: Use the tip of a small knife to flick each clove out intact.
How to store roasted garlic?
Ideally, roasted garlic should be enjoyed right away or frozen for future use. To freeze it, squeeze the garlic from the skins, place it in an airtight container, and freeze until needed. When using frozen garlic, thaw and follow your recipe as directed. If you plan to use roasted garlic within 2-3 days, store it in the fridge in an airtight container. For longer storage, submerge it entirely in oil within an airtight container.