roasted garlic

garlic

Baked Garlic With Rosemary and Blue Cheese

We bet you've never seen garlic like this before.

We bet you've never seen garlic like this before. Thanks to Fresh Tart's baked garlic recipe that comes with fresh herbs and zesty cheese, you'll have yourself a popular party appetizer that's guaranteed to be a hit.

Roasted Garlic with Rosemary & Blue CheeseI'll confess: I meant to get this recipe to you before New Year's Eve. But in the crush of the holidays, and illness, it did not happen and . . . well, Happy New Year? The good news is that New Year's Eve is not the only Winter night to invite friends over for dinner, and this easy appetizer is meant to share with friends.

This is a pretty old school recipe at this point, given roasted garlic's heyday (perhaps even Kardashian-level overexposure?) around the turn of this century. I think it's fair to say that we all know that garlic becomes gorgeously sweet and spreadable when roasted; but add fresh herbs, tangy cheese, and a splash of broth and you create a rich swiping sauce that elevates it to a party food that stands the test of time.

Find out the origins of the recipe — and more — when you keep reading.

Cooking Basics

Use Roasted Garlic to Transform Any Dish

Roasting garlic in olive oil completely transforms the pungent flavor of garlic into a nutty, sweet paste that can be used to boost flavor in everything from baguettes to butter to potatoes to pesto.

Roasting garlic in olive oil completely transforms the pungent flavor of garlic into a nutty, sweet paste that can be used to boost flavor in everything from baguettes to butter to potatoes to pesto. Watch the video to discover just how simple it truly is.

Appetizers

Jazz Up Guacamole With Roasted Garlic

The dish that I've probably made the most in my life is guacamole.

The dish that I've probably made the most in my life is guacamole. When I started cooking, it's the first thing I mastered; I still remember learning how to make it from my dad. It's a dip that I never get tired of because there are tons of different variations and it's just so good! My latest favorite involves a whole head of roasted garlic. It's amazing how creamy and rich this guac is. The roasted garlic gives it a smooth texture and depth of flavor. The ingredient list doesn't call for tomatoes, but if you prefer guacamole with tomatoes, add them. Really, feel free to adapt the recipe to your liking! Check it out after the break.

recipes

The Basics: Roasted Garlic

One of the world's most sublimely simple pleasures is roasted garlic.

One of the world's most sublimely simple pleasures is roasted garlic. There's something so wonderful about the soft spreadable cloves that are sweet and slightly caramelized. I can't help but pop them into my mouth or slather them on French bread. Roasted garlic is also a great flavor enhancer for all sorts of dishes from salad dressings to pasta sauces. Anytime I need a last minute appetizer, I'll roast a couple of heads of garlic, then throw them on a plate next to some bread, cheese, and olives. It totally fools people into thinking you've made something special. But really, the technique is so easy! To learn how to roast garlic, a culinary basic you'll use over and over again, keep reading.

fast and easy

Fast & Easy Dinner: Roasted Garlic White Pizza

After a long week, there's nothing like heading home to a delicious dinner and a glass of good wine.

After a long week, there's nothing like heading home to a delicious dinner and a glass of good wine. When I'm stressed out, I find cooking relaxing — especially if I'm making something like a roasted garlic white pizza.

Instead of a classic tomato sauce, this pizza is slathered with a paste made from roasted garlic. It's then topped with spinach, bacon, ricotta, and mozzarella. Talk about a scrumptious pie! To kick-start your weekend with this dish, get the recipe and read more

Appetizers

Easy Appetizer Idea

A few weekends ago I attended a huge picnic on a ranch.

A few weekends ago I attended a huge picnic on a ranch. The hosts provided the meat, drinks, and entertainment while the guests were asked to bring an appetizer, salad, or dessert-pot luck style. As I was hitting the appetizer side of the giant flatbed (where all of the food was laid out) I discovered a super easy, totally tasty appetizer that made me wonder, why didn't I think of that? Roasted garlic with tiny croutons. Someone had roasted up a bunch of garlic heads and crisped up pieces of bread. The guests were allowed to stab a clove or two of the gooey, sweet garlic and smear it on to a piece of crusty bread. Bite-sized and delicious, I made a whole plate full of these before heading back over to my friends. This is great for feeding a crowd, a picnic potluck, or a wine tasting party at an art gallery. To roast garlic, cut about 1/4 inch off of the top of a garlic head. Place in a baking dish, drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper and toss to coat. Sit garlic cut side up, cover with foil and bake at 350°F until garlic skin is golden brown and cloves are tender-about 45-55 minutes. Serve with Croutons and voila, instant appetizer!