Creamy Roasted Garlic Spread
Indulge your taste buds with this luscious and aromatic Creamy Roasted Garlic Spread. This versatile puree showcases the rich, sweet flavors of roasted garlic, making it an ideal complement to buttered French bread, salad dressings, roasted vegetables, or a flavorful addition to meats and dips. Enjoy it straight from the spoon or use it to elevate your favorite recipes. This spread freezes beautifully, allowing you to prepare larger batches for future enjoyment. For the best results, choose extra-large garlic bulbs—they pack a punch and yield more incredible flavors. Your culinary adventures are about to get a whole lot tastier!
4
Servings
90
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Extra large garlic heads
4 (Separate into whole cloves, leaving the skins on.)
Olive oil
1/4 cup (For drizzling over the garlic.)
Salt
1/8-1/4 teaspoon (To taste.)
Pepper
To taste
Lemon juice
1 tablespoon (Freshly squeezed for flavor.)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Carefully chop off the bottom of each garlic head and gently separate the cloves, keeping them whole.
3
Place the garlic cloves, skin still on, in a shallow 8-inch square baking dish.
4
Drizzle the cloves generously with olive oil, ensuring they are well-coated.
5
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. This helps to roast the garlic evenly.
6
After baking, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool slightly before draining any excess oil.
7
To remove the skins, simply squeeze each roasted garlic clove between your fingers; the soft garlic will slide right out.
8
In a food processor, combine the roasted garlic cloves, olive oil, salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
9
Blend on high for about 30 seconds, or until the mixture is smooth. Scrape down the sides of the processor bowl as needed.
10
Taste and adjust seasoning before serving or storing.
Nutrition Information
10g
Fat
4g
Carbs
0.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Roasted Garlic Spread?
It is a luscious and aromatic puree made from roasted garlic that offers rich, sweet flavors, perfect for various culinary applications.
How can I use this roasted garlic spread?
This versatile spread is ideal for buttered French bread, salad dressings, roasted vegetables, meats, and dips.
Can I freeze the garlic spread?
Yes, this spread freezes beautifully, making it easy to prepare large batches for future use.
What type of garlic should I buy for this recipe?
Extra-large garlic bulbs are recommended because they provide a stronger flavor punch and yield more garlic.
What temperature should I set my oven to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) for roasting the garlic.
How do I prepare the garlic heads for roasting?
Chop off the bottom of each garlic head and gently separate the cloves while keeping the skins on.
Do I need to peel the garlic before baking?
No, you should roast the cloves with the skin still on and squeeze the garlic out after it has cooked.
How long does the garlic need to bake?
The garlic should bake in the oven for approximately 20 minutes.
Why should I cover the baking dish with aluminum foil?
Covering the dish with foil ensures that the garlic cloves roast evenly and prevents them from drying out.
How do I remove the skins after roasting?
Simply squeeze each roasted garlic clove between your fingers, and the soft, roasted garlic will slide out easily.
What ingredients are needed for the spread?
You will need 4 large garlic heads, olive oil, salt, pepper, and fresh lemon juice.
What equipment is necessary to make the spread smooth?
A food processor is recommended to blend the ingredients into a smooth consistency.
How much olive oil is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of olive oil to be used for both drizzling and blending.
How long should I blend the mixture in the food processor?
Blend the mixture on high for about 30 seconds or until it reaches a smooth consistency.
Is there lemon juice in this recipe?
Yes, 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice is added to enhance the flavor profile.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 90 calories.
What is the fat content of the garlic spread?
There are 10 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
Each serving contains 4 grams of carbohydrates.
Is there any protein in this spread?
The spread contains approximately 0.5 grams of protein per serving.
Can I adjust the salt and pepper?
Yes, the recipe suggests adding 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon of salt and pepper to taste.
Should I drain the oil after baking?
The instructions suggest letting the dish cool slightly and then draining any excess oil before squeezing the garlic.
What size baking dish should I use?
A shallow 8-inch square baking dish is recommended for roasting the garlic cloves.
Is this recipe considered easy?
Yes, it is tagged as an 'easy recipe' and involves simple preparation steps.
Can this be used as an appetizer?
Absolutely, it is categorized as an appetizer and is great for serving with bread or crackers.
What is the texture of the finished spread?
The finished spread is a smooth, creamy, and luscious puree.
Can I eat the spread straight from a spoon?
Yes, the description notes that it is delicious enough to enjoy straight from the spoon.
What should I do if the mixture sticks to the sides of the processor?
You should stop the processor and scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed during the blending process.
Are the garlic cloves roasted whole or separated?
The garlic heads are separated into whole cloves before roasting, but the skins are left on.
How do the flavors change when garlic is roasted?
Roasting garlic transforms its pungent raw bite into a rich, sweet, and mellow flavor profile.