15 Garlic Recipes to Add Flavor to Your Meals

Garlic is a beloved ingredient that adds a unique flavor to many dishes.

Whether you’re looking to enhance a main course, whip up a flavorful dip, or create a standout side dish, there are countless garlic recipes for every occasion.

From savory pasta sauces to mouthwatering roasted dishes, garlic can transform a simple meal into something special. Cooking with garlic not only boosts flavor but also adds health benefits.

1) Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi

Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi is a quick and delicious dish you can make in just 20 minutes. It features shrimp sautéed in a rich garlic butter sauce, giving it bold flavor.

You start by cooking your shrimp in a mix of butter and olive oil. The garlic adds a tasty kick, while a splash of lemon juice brightens the dish.

This meal pairs perfectly with pasta or crusty bread to soak up the sauce. It’s a great choice for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Ingredients

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes; sauté for 30 seconds.
3. Add the shrimp and cook until pink, about 2-3 minutes per side.
4. Stir in the lemon juice and remaining butter.
5. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Garnish with parsley and serve immediately. Enjoy!

2) Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Roasted garlic mashed potatoes are creamy and full of flavor. They make a perfect side dish for any meal. The roasted garlic adds a rich, sweet taste that pairs wonderfully with potatoes.

To prepare, start by roasting garlic until it’s soft. You’ll then mix it with russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, butter, and cream for a delicious texture.

These mashed potatoes can be served with meats or incorporated into a casserole.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds russet or Yukon Gold potatoes
• 1 head of garlic
• 4 tablespoons salted butter
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut the top off the garlic head, drizzle with olive oil, and wrap it in foil. Roast for about 40-45 minutes.
3. Boil peeled potatoes in salted water until tender.
4. Drain and mash the potatoes.
5. Squeeze the roasted garlic into the potatoes and mix in butter and cream. Season with salt and pepper. Mix until creamy.

3) Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta is a quick and delicious dish you can make in under 30 minutes. It’s perfect for busy nights or when you want a comforting meal. The creamy sauce, combined with garlic and Parmesan, makes for a rich flavor.

You can use any pasta you like, such as fettuccine or spaghetti. This recipe is simple and requires just a few ingredients that you probably already have at home.

Ingredients

• 12 oz pasta (fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne)
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Pour in the heavy cream and stir.
5. Add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
6. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Toss the cooked pasta in the sauce until well coated.
8. Serve warm and enjoy!

4) Garlic Herb Chicken Wings

Garlic Herb Chicken Wings are a delicious treat. They combine savory garlic flavors with a mix of herbs to create a tasty dish for any occasion.

To start, gather fresh garlic and a blend of herbs like thyme and rosemary. These will give your wings a fragrant and appetizing taste.

Coat the wings with vegetable oil, garlic, and your chosen herbs. Make sure each wing is well covered for the best flavor.

Bake the wings in an oven preheated to 400°F (205°C). Cook them until they are crispy, about 30-45 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Ingredients

• 1 pound chicken wings
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons mixed herbs (like thyme and rosemary)
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon salt

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C).
2. In a bowl, mix the wings with oil, herbs, garlic, and salt.
3. Spread wings on a baking sheet.
4. Bake for 30-45 minutes, flipping halfway for even cooking.

5) Homemade Garlic Knots

Homemade garlic knots are a delightful treat you can easily make at home. These soft and fluffy knots are perfect as a side for pizza or pasta.

You start by preparing a simple dough that rises beautifully. After shaping the dough into knots, coat them with a delicious garlic butter mix. Bake until golden brown, and your kitchen will smell wonderful!

These knots are not only tasty but also fun to make. They are great for sharing with family and friends at any meal.

Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1 cup warm water (110°F or 43°C)
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• ½ cup melted butter
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, dissolve sugar and yeast in warm water. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
2. Add flour and salt to the yeast mixture, then knead until smooth.
3. Let the dough rise for about 1 hour in a warm place until doubled.
4. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
5. Shape the dough into knots and place them on a baking sheet.
6. Mix melted butter and minced garlic, then coat the knots.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden. Enjoy!

6) Lemon Garlic Roasted Vegetables

Lemon garlic roasted vegetables are a delicious way to enjoy a variety of veggies. You can use favorites like asparagus, bell peppers, and zucchini.

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut your vegetables into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.

In a bowl, mix minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss the vegetables in this mixture until they are well coated.

Spread the veggies in a single layer on a baking pan. Roast them in the oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until they are tender and slightly browned.

These roasted vegetables make a tasty side dish or a healthy snack.

Ingredients

• 2 cups mixed vegetables (asparagus, bell peppers, zucchini)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut vegetables into bite-sized pieces.
3. In a bowl, mix garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
4. Toss vegetables in the mixture.
5. Spread them on a baking pan.
6. Roast for 25-30 minutes until tender.

7) Garlic Butter Steak Bites

Garlic butter steak bites are a delicious and quick meal. They are perfect for a busy weeknight or even a special occasion. The rich garlic butter sauce enhances the flavor of tender steak pieces.

To make these steak bites, choose cuts like ribeye or filet mignon. The fat in these cuts keeps the meat juicy.

You’ll need fresh garlic for the best flavor. Combine it with butter to create a tasty sauce that coats the steak perfectly.

Ingredients

• 1 pound steak (ribeye or filet mignon)
• 5 tablespoons butter
• 10 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: fresh parsley for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Cut the steak into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper.
2. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add the steak to the skillet and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Reduce heat and add butter and minced garlic.
5. Stir well to coat the steak for 1-2 minutes.
6. Remove from heat and sprinkle with parsley if desired.

8) Classic Garlic Bread

Classic garlic bread is a simple and delicious side dish. It pairs well with pasta, soups, or salads. With just a few ingredients, you can create a warm, buttery treat.

To make it, start by preheating your oven to 450°F (230°C). You’ll need a loaf of French or Italian bread, sliced in half lengthwise.

For the garlic butter, mix softened butter with minced garlic, chopped parsley, and a pinch of salt. Spread this mixture generously on the cut sides of the bread.

Place the bread on a baking sheet and toast it in the oven for about 10 minutes. You can broil it for an extra minute for a crispy top.

Enjoy your homemade garlic bread fresh out of the oven!

Ingredients

• 1 loaf French or Italian bread
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt, to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C).
2. Slice the bread in half lengthwise.
3. In a bowl, mix butter, garlic, parsley, and salt.
4. Spread the garlic butter on each half of the bread.
5. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes.
6. Optional: Broil for 1 minute for a crispier finish.

9) Garlic Parmesan Roasted Potatoes

Garlic Parmesan roasted potatoes are a delicious side dish that everyone will love. They have a crispy exterior and a tender, fluffy inside that pairs well with many meals. The garlic and Parmesan cheese add great flavor.

To make this dish, you’ll need some simple ingredients. These potatoes cook up nicely in the oven, making them easy to prepare.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds of baby potatoes
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Wash and halve the baby potatoes.
3. In a bowl, mix the olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
4. Toss the potatoes in the mixture until they are well coated.
5. Spread the potatoes on a baking sheet.
6. Roast for 25-30 minutes, until golden brown.
7. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes.
8. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy!

10) Spicy Garlic Shrimp

Spicy garlic shrimp is a quick and tasty dish perfect for busy nights. You can have it ready in just about 20 minutes. This meal is packed with flavor and only requires a few key ingredients.

Start with fresh or frozen shrimp. Make sure they are peeled and deveined for the best results. You can season the shrimp with cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper for heat and flavor.

You’ll need some olive oil and minced garlic to bring everything together. Cooking in a hot skillet makes the shrimp juicy and flavorful. Just 2-3 minutes on each side will give you perfectly cooked shrimp.

Ingredients

• 1 pound shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add olive oil and minced garlic.
3. Once the garlic is fragrant, add shrimp.
4. Season with cayenne, salt, and pepper.
5. Cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink.

11) Garlic Confit

Garlic confit is a simple and delicious way to enjoy garlic. It involves cooking garlic cloves slowly in oil until they become soft and sweet.

To make garlic confit, you can use olive oil or any oil you prefer. Just remember to keep the heat low to avoid browning the garlic.

You can use garlic confit in many dishes. Spread it on bread, mix it into mashed potatoes, or add it to pasta for extra flavor.

Ingredients

• 2 cups garlic cloves, peeled
• 1 cup olive oil
• Salt to taste
• Optional: herbs like thyme or red pepper flakes

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C).
2. Place garlic cloves and oil in an ovenproof dish.
3. Cover the dish with a lid or foil.
4. Bake for about 2 hours, until the garlic is golden and tender.
5. Let it cool, then store in the fridge for up to two weeks.

12) Garlic and Herb Roasted Chicken

Garlic and herb roasted chicken is a delicious dish that is easy to prepare. The combination of garlic, fresh herbs, and butter creates a fantastic flavor. This recipe is perfect for family dinners or special occasions.

Start by preparing your chicken. Rub it with a mixture of garlic and your favorite herbs. Olive oil or softened butter helps to seal in moisture. You can use rosemary, thyme, or parsley for added taste.

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roast the chicken for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
3. Basting the chicken occasionally keeps it juicy and flavorful.

Ingredients

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

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Mix garlic, olive oil, herbs, salt, and pepper.
3. Rub the mixture all over the chicken.
4. Place the chicken in a roasting pan.
5. Roast for about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
6. Check that the internal temperature is 165°F (74°C).
7. Let the chicken rest before carving.

13) Cheesy Garlic Bread

Cheesy garlic bread is a delicious treat that is easy to make. You can enjoy it on its own or as a side with meals. The combination of butter, garlic, and cheese makes it purely delightful.

To start, you need some fresh French bread. Cut it in half lengthwise to create a perfect base. Spread softened salted butter over the bread and add minced garlic for that strong flavor.

Next, top it with a mix of mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheese. This cheesy layer will melt beautifully in the oven. Bake until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Ingredients

• 1 loaf of French bread
• 1/2 cup (115g) salted butter, softened
• 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup (100g) mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup (50g) cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/4 cup (25g) Parmesan cheese, grated

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut the French bread in half lengthwise.
3. Mix the softened butter and minced garlic in a bowl.
4. Spread the garlic butter mixture on each half.
5. Add the mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan on top.
6. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes.
7. Remove from the oven and slice before serving.

14) Sautéed Garlic Green Beans

Sautéed garlic green beans are a quick and tasty side dish. They pair well with many meals and bring a fresh flavor to your table.

To start, you need fresh green beans that are firm and vibrant. Mince a couple of garlic cloves to add a fragrant touch.

Heat some olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add the green beans and cook for about 5 minutes until they are tender yet still crisp.

Next, stir in the minced garlic. Cook for another minute but keep an eye on it to prevent burning.

Season with salt and pepper to taste. For an extra kick, you can add a splash of soy sauce.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) fresh green beans, trimmed
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Soy sauce (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add green beans and cook for about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
4. Season with salt, pepper, and soy sauce, if using.

15) Baked Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Baked Garlic Parmesan Chicken is a delicious and simple dish. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something tasty without too much fuss. The chicken is baked to a crispy finish, with a flavorful garlic and Parmesan coating.

This recipe is not only easy to make but also requires just a few ingredients. You can enjoy this savory meal with a side of vegetables or a fresh salad.

Ingredients

• 4 chicken breasts
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup bread crumbs
• 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, mix bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Dip chicken breasts in olive oil, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture.
4. Place the chicken in a baking dish.
5. Bake for about 25-30 minutes. The chicken should be cooked through and golden brown.