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Easy Roasted Garlic 🧄

Published: · Updated: by · 2 Comments

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Hey, garlic lovers! Want to try Roasted Garlic? Watch simple garlic bulbs turn into sweet, golden treats. You don't need to be a chef — just follow our steps. Plus, we'll tell you cool ways to use your roasted garlic in meals. Say goodbye to that strong garlic smell, and hello to yummy roasted garlic smells. Let's dive in and make something tasty!

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What is roasted garlic?

Roasted garlic is like magic! It changes plain garlic into sweet, soft, and golden treats. How? By cooking it slowly in an oven or on a grill. This makes the garlic soft and brings out its sweet taste. Roasted garlic is great because it's not as sharp as raw garlic and tastes awesome in many foods.

Preparation and cooking overview

Making roasted garlic is a breeze! Just grab some garlic bulbs, add a bit of oil, and let the oven do its magic. In under an hour, you'll have sweet, roasted garlic cloves ready to enjoy.

  • Multiple bulbs of garlic on a cutting board with the tops cut off
  • Raw bulbs of garlic and herbs arranged in a cast iron skillet
  • multiple bulbs of garlic and herbs in a cast iron skillet, oil being poured over top
  • Cast Iron Skillet covered in aluminium foil

Ingredients for this roasted garlic recipe

  • Fresh garlic bulbs
  • Olive oil (we like Bragg's)

Additional ingredients

  • Fresh herbs: Sprinkle in some fresh thyme, parsley, or basil for a burst of vibrant flavor.
  • Lemon zest: Just a hint of lemon zest can lift and accentuate the garlic's natural sweetness.
  • Pepper: A pinch of crushed red or black pepper flakes adds a subtle spicy touch that enhances the garlic's depth.

Cooking tools required

To make this easy roasted garlic recipe, you'll need the following tools:

  • Chef's knife
  • Cast-iron skillet
  • Aluminum foil
  • Lidded jar or container
  • Parchment-lined baking dish
Roasted Garlic in a cast iron skillet

How to roast garlic: step-by-step guide

  1. Heat your oven to 400° F (200°C).
  2. Slice off the garlic head tops, revealing the cloves. Brush off any loose outer layers.
  3. Lay the garlic, cut side facing up, in a cast-iron skillet.
  4. Pour olive oil over the garlic, ensuring a small pool (about ¼") forms at the skillet's base.
  5. Sprinkle your chosen herbs or seasonings - like dried chiles, basil, or fresh thyme - over the garlic.
  6. Seal the skillet with aluminum foil and bake for an hour.
  7. Uncover and roast for another 10-20 minutes, until cloves are a golden hue.
  8. Once cooled, pop the cloves out from their skins. Voilà! Your caramelized garlic is ready to savor.

Tips for a successful roasted garlic recipe

  • Choose fresh garlic: Opt for fresh, firm garlic bulbs for the best results. Avoid bulbs that are soft or have green sprouts.
  • Cut evenly: When cutting the tops of the head of garlic, make even cuts to ensure even roasting.
  • Keep cloves Intact: Be gentle when removing loose papery layers to keep the garlic cloves intact and prevent unnecessary exposure during the roasting process.
  • Use cast-iron skillet: Using a cast-iron skillet helps distribute heat evenly and prevents the garlic from burning.
  • Wrap tightly in foil: Seal the skillet tightly with a piece of foil to trap the steam and prevent the garlic from drying out.
  • Roasting time: Keep an eye on the garlic after an hour to prevent overcooking. Every oven is different, so adjust the additional roasting time accordingly.

How to store roasted garlic

Here are a few practical ways to store the cast iron roasted garlic: 

  • Short-Term (3 days max): Store the roasted garlic in a jar with a tight-fitting lid in the fridge.
  • Medium-Term (Up to a week): Place the cloves in a jar and submerge them in olive oil.
  • Long-Term (Over a year):
    • Method 1: Lay garlic cloves on a parchment-covered baking sheet. Freeze for an hour, then shift to a freezer container.
    • Method 2: Blend the garlic into a paste, fill an ice cube tray with it, freeze, and then move the cubes to a freezer bag or container.

How to use roasted garlic

The oven roasted garlic pairs well with a number of dishes. Here are a few yummy pairings: 

  • Cauliflower mash: Blend the roasted garlic cloves into low-carb Mashed Cauliflower for a rich flavor upgrade on this classic side dish.
  • Hearty soups or stews: Stir garlic into soups or stews, like our Keto Beef Stew, to add depth of flavor.
  • Pizza: Sprinkle it over your Keto Pizza before baking for an irresistible burst of flavor.
  • Roasted meats: Add it to roasted proteins, like this Steak and Greens recipe, for a mouthwatering aroma and taste.
  • Roasted broccoli: Toss it with Roasted Broccoli for a delightful and healthy side dish.
  • Pasta sauce: Stir it into your favorite pasta sauce, like this Keto Puttanesca Sauce, to give it an extra layer of richness and complexity.
close up; Easy Roasted Garlic in a cast iron skillet

Is roasted garlic keto-friendly?

If you're wondering, "Is garlic keto?" the answer is yes! One clove of roasted garlic contains minimal carbohydrates and calories, making it suitable for those following a ketogenic diet. Additionally, garlic can be a flavorful addition to keto-friendly dishes without significantly impacting your daily carb intake. 

Here's a more detailed insight into the nutritional value of one clove (3 grams) of raw garlic:

  • Manganese: 2% DV
  • Vitamin B6: 2% DV
  • Vitamin C: 1% DV
  • Selenium: 1% DM
  • Fiber: 0.06 g

One clove is 4.5 calories, 0.2 grams of protein, and 1 gram of net carbs.

Recipe wrap-up and conclusion

Great job, garlic fans! You've just learned the magic of making Roasted Garlic. Our simple steps make it easy to get perfect, yummy garlic every time. Whether you're on a keto diet or just want tasty food, this garlic trick will make your meals super special. So, get cooking and fill your home with that amazing garlic smell!

Frequently asked questions

In a sealed jar in the fridge, roasted garlic stays fresh for about 3 days. If you cover it with olive oil in a jar, it can last up to a week. For even longer storage, freeze the garlic as whole cloves or as a paste, and it'll be good for over a year!

Yes, roasted garlic should be stored in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness and prevent spoilage.

Absolutely! For longer storage, lay out the individual cloves on parchment paper and freeze them for an hour. Once frozen, shift them to a freezer-safe container. Alternatively, turn the garlic into a paste and set it in ice cube trays to freeze.

Here are step-by-step instructions on how to roast garlic in a pan: Slice the top off a garlic bulb. Place it cut-side down in a pan with a touch of olive oil. Cover and cook on low heat until golden and tender. Cool, then squeeze out the soft cloves. Enjoy!

Here are step-by-step instructions on how to roast garlic without foil: Slice off the top of a garlic bulb. Place in an oven-safe dish, drizzle with olive oil, and cover with a lid. Roast at 400°F until tender and golden. Let cool, then squeeze out the cloves. Delicious!

📖 Recipe

Garlic in a cast iron skillet

Easy Roasted Garlic

This roasted garlic recipe is a quick and easy way to add tons of flavor to dishes. We’re making a big batch here but feel free to scale as needed.
4.80 from 5 votes
Print Rate Pin Recipe
Course: basic
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: basics, easy, keto
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes

Ingredients

  • 10 medium garlic bulbs
  • Olive oil
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Heat your oven to 400° F (200°C).
  • Slice off the garlic head tops, revealing the cloves. Brush off any loose outer layers.
  • Lay the garlic, cut side facing up, in a cast-iron skillet.
  • Pour olive oil over the garlic, ensuring a small pool (about ¼") forms at the skillet's base.
  • Sprinkle your chosen herbs or seasonings - like dried chiles, basil, or fresh thyme - over the garlic.
  • Seal the skillet with aluminum foil and bake for an hour.
  • Uncover and roast for another 10-20 minutes until the cloves are a golden hue.
  • Once cooled, pop the cloves out from their skins. Voilà! Your caramelized garlic is ready to savor.

Nutritional values are estimates only and do not include carbs from sugar alcohols.

# Hashtag with us!Don't forget to mention @castiron_keto or tag #castironketo on Instagram with your creations! We love seeing what you're making.
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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Vicki says

    Your roasted garlic photos look beautiful! Add the roasted garlic to homemade salad dressings.

    Reply

  2. Jackie says

    I do this all the time! My favorite is to put in on fresh hot bread (now keto bread) slathered with butter and squeeze a clove and spread it around. Yum!

    Reply

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