When it comes to the simple pleasures in life, it doesn't get much sweeter than roasted garlic. All you need is a head of garlic, a drizzle of olive oil, aluminum foil, an oven, and about 45 minutes. The cloves go in crunchy and pungent, and they emerge as sweet, spreadable deliciousness. You can eat roasted garlic as a heart-healthy spread on bread and vegetables, use as a topping or zesty ingredient, or — if you're like me — enjoy all on its own! For all my roasted garlic-obsessed friends out there, read on for 15 recipes that go all in on the caramelized goodness.
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Anna Monette Roberts
This garlicky pasta recipe is as flavorful as it is simple to make; you only need four ingredients and fewer than 15 minutes. The marriage of roasted garlic and Parmesan is a match made in pasta heaven.
No bacon or cheese needed in this healthy mash; this vegan cauliflower whip uses a large helping of roasted garlic to give it an even larger surge of flavor.
If you love fire-roasted salsa, don't limit your roasting to only the tomatoes. Just a handful of roasted garlic cloves adds loads of depth to the flavor profile.
Much like garlic, eggplant becomes sweet once roasted. Blend the two together with a pinch of tahini, honey, lemon juice, and yogurt, and get the pita wedges ready.
A garlicky twist on the popular party snack, these pan-fried peanuts are sweetened with the flavor of — you guessed it — roasted garlic. Make sure every handful includes a clove, if you can help it.
Grill-roasted garlic gives the aioli its mouthwatering zest. Remember to save your leftovers — you can use the savory sauce to spice up burgers, sandwiches, or raw vegetables, too.
If roasted garlic and two types of melted cheese aren't enough to make your mouth begin watering instantly, throw in risotto and crispy breadcrumbs. Hungry yet? Arancini (aka fried risotto balls) is a garlic-lover's dream, as you can be as generous as you want with the caramelized spread.
After eight hours in the Crock-Pot, this brown sugar-flavored pot roast is then shredded and infused with two heads of roasted garlic. Sweet and savory? Check!
For those days you're craving something light and refreshing, this tangy Italian salad dresses up pearl couscous with fresh vegetables and a homemade roasted garlic dressing. Pop any leftovers in the refrigerator, and continue to snack on it all week.
Forget dipping garlic pita chips into your hummus for your garlic fix (although you can still do that, too), and put the flavor right into the spread. Roasted garlic blends beautifully into hummus and adds a rush of zesty flavor.
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Anna Monette Roberts
Got an Instant Pot and 20 minutes to spare? Get ready to make some culinary magic happen. In fewer than 10 minutes, the 40 garlic cloves soften and blend with the white wine broth, resulting in a cozy cream of garlic soup that will warm your body and soul. No Instant Pot? No problem! This recipe works just as well stovetop.