How to Roast Garlic
A roasted bulb is a pantry staple that deepens the base of any soup, sauce, or spread. It turns the aggressive heat of garlic into a grounded, sweet depth that disappears into whatever you are making.
The bulb must be intact.
Select bulbs that feel firm and heavy for their size; papery, loose skins are fine, but avoid any that feel soft or have visible sprouting.
- Aluminum foil
- Sharp chef's knife
- Baking sheet
What goes in.
- 1-4whole heads of garlic
- 1-2 tbspolive oil
The squeeze test
The garlic is ready when the bulb is soft to the touch and the individual cloves have surrendered their structure. You should be able to press the side of the bulb and have the clove slide out cleanly.
The method.
Prepare the oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Expose the cloves
Peel away the loose outer layers of the garlic skin. Use your knife to slice about a quarter-inch off the top of the bulb, exposing the cloves inside.
Season and wrap
Place the bulbs cut-side up on a sheet of aluminum foil. Drizzle the oil over the exposed cloves, letting it soak down into the gaps. Fold the edges of the foil up to create a sealed packet.
Roast
Place the packet on a baking sheet and roast for 40 to 45 minutes. The garlic is done when the cloves are golden brown and yield completely to pressure.
Cool and store
Let the bulbs sit in the foil for 10 minutes. Squeeze the cloves from the skin directly into a container or onto your dish.
Other turns to take.
Herb-infused
Tuck a sprig of fresh thyme or rosemary into the foil packet before sealing to perfume the oil as the garlic roasts.
When it doesn't go to plan.
If you have a muffin tin, you can place one bulb in each cup instead of using foil to keep them upright.
Store the squeezed paste in a small jar covered with a thin layer of olive oil in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Use the leftover roasting oil for sautéing vegetables; it will be packed with the flavor of the garlic.
The ones that keep coming up.
Can I roast garlic in a toaster oven?
Yes, as long as it reaches 400°F and has enough clearance to hold the foil packet without touching the heating elements.
How do I know if it is underdone?
If the cloves are still firm or pale, they haven't caramelized. Return them to the oven in the foil for another 10 minutes.
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