10+ Garlic Recipes to Elevate Your Cooking

Garlic is a beloved ingredient in many kitchens around the world. Its unique flavor enhances a variety of dishes, making it a favorite among home cooks and professional chefs alike.

If you enjoy the rich, savory taste of garlic, you’ll love exploring these delicious garlic recipes that will inspire your next meal.

From simple sides to main courses, garlic can be used in countless ways to elevate your cooking. Whether you’re looking for something quick and easy or a dish that showcases garlic’s bold flavor, there’s always a recipe to suit your taste.

Get ready to bring the aromatic essence of garlic into your home with these mouthwatering ideas!

1) Whole Roasted Garlic

Roasting garlic transforms its strong flavor into something sweet and creamy. You can use it in many dishes or spread it on bread for a tasty treat.

To get started, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Then, take a whole head of garlic and slice the top off to expose the cloves. Drizzle it with olive oil and wrap it in foil.

Place the wrapped garlic in the oven for about 40 to 70 minutes. It’s done when the cloves are soft and golden brown.

Once it’s ready, let it cool slightly. You can squeeze the roasted garlic out of the skins and enjoy it!

Ingredients:

• 1 whole head of garlic
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Aluminum foil

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Slice the top off the garlic head.
3. Drizzle with olive oil.
4. Wrap in foil.
5. Roast for 40 to 70 minutes.
6. Let cool and squeeze out the cloves.

2) Garlic Tomato Confit

Garlic tomato confit is a delicious and simple dish. It combines the sweetness of tomatoes with the rich flavor of garlic. This dish can be used in various ways, such as a spread or a topping.

To make this confit, you’ll need fresh cherry tomatoes and whole garlic cloves. Slowly cooking them in olive oil allows the flavors to blend beautifully.

The key is to cook at a low temperature, around 250°F (120°C), until everything is tender and fragrant. This gentle heat helps release the natural sweetness of the tomatoes.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 10–12 cloves garlic, smashed and peeled
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• 1 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C).
2. Place tomatoes and garlic in a baking dish.
3. Drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
4. Bake for 1 to 1.5 hours, until the tomatoes are soft.
5. Enjoy warm or store in the fridge for later!

3) Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi

Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi is a tasty and quick dish perfect for any meal. The buttery garlic sauce combined with shrimp creates a delicious flavor that you will love. It’s easy to make and takes less than 10 minutes!

Start by melting butter in a pan and sautéing minced garlic. Once the garlic is fragrant, add your shrimp and cook until they are pink. You can add a splash of white wine or lemon juice for extra taste. Serve this dish with pasta or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

Ingredients

• ½ cup unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• ½ cup white wine (or lemon juice)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Melt the butter in a large pan over medium heat (350°F / 175°C).
2. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
3. Add shrimp and cook until pink, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Pour in white wine (or lemon juice), then stir well.
5. Season with salt and pepper, and garnish with parsley before serving.

4) Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Roasted garlic mashed potatoes are a delicious twist on traditional mashed potatoes. You’ll love the rich flavor from the roasted garlic that makes each bite creamy and satisfying.

To make this dish, start by roasting the garlic until it’s tender and sweet. Then, boil your potatoes until they are soft. After that, mash the potatoes and mix in butter, cream, and the roasted garlic for that extra flavor kick.

These mashed potatoes are perfect as a side dish for any meal. They pair well with meats or can be enjoyed on their own.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs russet potatoes
• 1 head garlic
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup milk (or cream)
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut the top off the garlic head and wrap it in foil.
3. Roast garlic in the oven for 30-35 minutes.
4. Boil the potatoes until fork-tender, then drain.
5. Mash the potatoes and add butter, sour cream, and roasted garlic.
6. Mix in milk until creamy and season with salt. Enjoy!

5) Homemade Garlic Knots

Making homemade garlic knots is a fun and tasty project. These knots are soft, chewy, and bursting with garlic flavor, perfect for any meal.

To get started, you’ll need pizza dough. You can either make it from scratch or use store-bought dough for convenience. Cut the dough into strips and tie them into knots.

Next, prepare the garlic butter topping by mixing melted butter, minced garlic, and herbs. Brush this delicious mixture over your knots before baking.

Bake the knots at 400°F (200°C) for about 15 minutes until golden brown. Enjoy them warm as an appetizer or side dish!

Ingredients

• Pizza dough
• 4 tablespoons butter, melted
• 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut the dough into strips.
3. Tie each strip into a knot.
4. Mix melted butter, garlic, and parsley.
5. Brush the mixture over the knots.
6. Bake for 15 minutes or until golden.

6) Classic Garlic Aioli

Garlic aioli is a delicious and creamy sauce that enhances many dishes. It’s great as a dip or a spread. Making it at home is easy and rewarding.

For a simple version, mix mayonnaise with garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. If you want to go traditional, use freshly crushed garlic and olive oil. This method gives a stronger garlic flavor.

Use this aioli with veggies, fries, or sandwiches. You’ll love how it brings a dish to life with its rich taste.

Ingredients

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 2-3 garlic cloves, finely grated
• 1-2 teaspoons lemon juice
• Pinch of salt
• Pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, combine mayonnaise and grated garlic.
2. Add lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
3. Mix until well blended.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
5. Serve immediately or refrigerate for later use.

7) Garlic Soup

Garlic soup is a warm and comforting dish that highlights the rich flavor of garlic. It’s simple to make and perfect for chilly days.

To start, gather your ingredients. You will need garlic, onion, broth, and some herbs for flavor.

You can make garlic soup creamy by adding cream or keep it light with just broth. Roasting the garlic first brings out a sweeter taste.

Begin by sautéing onions and garlic in olive oil until they’re soft. Then add broth and herbs, bringing everything to a simmer. Blend until smooth, and season to taste.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 pounds onions, chopped
• 2 cups garlic cloves
• 6 cups water or broth
• 1 bay leaf
• Fresh thyme and sage

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onions and garlic; sauté until soft.
3. Pour in the water or broth.
4. Add bay leaf and herbs; simmer for 20 minutes.
5. Blend the soup until smooth; season as needed.

8) Garlic Herb Roasted Chicken

Garlic herb roasted chicken is a tasty dish that’s easy to prepare. You can enjoy this flavorful meal with just a few ingredients, perfect for any family gathering.

To make this dish, you’ll need a whole chicken seasoned with fresh herbs and garlic. Roasting brings out the natural flavors and makes the chicken juicy.

Start by seasoning the chicken inside and out. Place it in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 1.5 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

Let it rest before carving to keep it moist. Serve with your favorite sides for a satisfying dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Mix garlic, olive oil, herbs, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
3. Rub the mixture all over the chicken.
4. Place the chicken in a roasting pan.
5. Roast for about 1.5 hours, or until the temperature is 165°F (75°C).
6. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.

9) Pickled Garlic

Pickled garlic is a delicious way to enjoy the flavor of garlic without the strong bite. It adds a tangy twist to salads, sandwiches, and snacks. Making pickled garlic is simple and quick.

To prepare your pickled garlic, you’ll need a few basic ingredients and some time to let the flavors blend. Refrigerating the pickles allows you to enjoy them for a few months.

Ingredients

• 6 medium heads of garlic (or 2 cups peeled cloves)
• 1 cup white or apple cider vinegar (5% acidity)
• 1 cup filtered water
• 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar

Cooking Instructions

1. Peel the garlic cloves and place them in a clean jar.
2. In a saucepan, mix vinegar, water, and sugar. Heat until the sugar dissolves.
3. Pour the mixture over the garlic in the jar.
4. Seal the jar and refrigerate for at least 24 hours before enjoying.

10) Garlic Parmesan Pasta

Garlic Parmesan Pasta is a tasty dish you can make quickly. It combines pasta, garlic, and creamy Parmesan for a rich flavor. You can prepare it all in one pot, making cleanup easy.

Start by cooking your pasta. Then, sauté minced garlic in butter until it smells fragrant. After that, add your cooked pasta and cream. Mix it all together and let the sauce thicken. Finish by stirring in grated Parmesan cheese.

This meal is perfect for a busy night. It’s simple, delicious, and filling. You can serve it as a main dish or as a side.

Ingredients

• 8 oz angel hair pasta
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions.

2. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat.

3. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes.

4. Stir in the cream and cook until warm.

5. Add the cooked pasta to the pot and mix well.

6. Then, stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.

7. Serve warm, garnished with parsley if desired.