Basics by The BakerMama: How to Roast a Head of Garlic

In Basics by The BakerMama, I teach you how to roast a head of garlic to bring out the slightly sweet, caramelized garlic flavor you love so much. Whether you want to add more flavor layers to your favorite recipes or just enjoy it on its own, roasted garlic packs a punch!

Basics by The BakerMama

Welcome to Basics by The BakerMama! I created this how-to series to help beginner cooks hone their skills, make the most of their time in the kitchen, and create great family memories. I hope you enjoy!

All that Garlic Goodness

Here’s the thing about garlic. Either you don’t care for it, or you can’t live without it. Take me, for example. If a recipe calls for a clove of garlic, bet your life I’ll use six. And roasted garlic! Oh my. Roasting a head of garlic brings out a slightly sweet, caramelized flavor that makes it edible completely on its own. Top a crostini with roasted garlic and make instant magic. Or add roasted garlic to soup for another layer of irresistible flavor or serve it with a dressed up beef tenderloin. Here are some of my favorite ways to use roasted garlic:

• Salad dressings
• Roasted garlic bread
• Mixed with olive oil to dip bread in
• Spread on crostini before adding a bruschetta topping
• Pizza topping
• Mixed with mayo for a sandwich spread
• Mixed into hummus
• Mashed potatoes
• Blended into soups
• Mashed into guacamole
• Whipped with butter

You really can’t go wrong with roasted garlic! If you have a bit of time, roasting a head of garlic is easy and as straight forward as it comes. Let’s get to roasting!

How to Roast a Head of Garlic

First, preheat the oven to 400°F. Slice about ¼ inch off the top of the head of garlic to expose the tops of the garlic cloves. Then drizzle olive oil generously over the exposed garlic cloves and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Wrap the bottom of the garlic head in foil, leaving it to where the exposed garlic cloves are not covered. Place the foil-wrapped garlic head on a rimmed baking sheet or in a shallow baking dish.

Place it in the oven and roast until caramelized on top and the cloves are soft when poked with a toothpick, about 40 to 45 minutes. Then let the garlic cool slightly and press on the bottom of a clove to squeeze it out. Voila! Perfectly roasted garlic. Enjoy!