Roundups
By Samira @ Alphafoodie
published January 26, 2023
·
updated November 02, 2023
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30+ garlic recipes that make garlic the star! Including simple DIYs, sauces, dips, pasta dishes, and more – to make a garlic lover out of anyone!
Garlic is one of the most important ingredients in my kitchen. I could probably find an excuse to add it to every savory dish I make. It’s the perfect aromatic, flavor-boosting, finishing, and delicious ingredient to boost sauces, soups, and pasta dishes, enhance vegetable side dishes, and more. So, it’s high time I pull together this list of all my favorite garlic recipes that make this ingredient a star!
Cooking with garlic is not only simple. There are plenty of ways to introduce it into a dish for distinct flavor and textural differences.
And whether you’re a one-clove- or five-cloves-per-dish type of person, the garlic breath is more than worth it for the right recipes. I’m definitely in the “is there even such a thing as too much garlic?!” camp. Plus, it’s even pretty great for your health!
What’s in This Post
- What Are The Benefits Of Garlic?
- How To Cook With Garlic: Top Tips
- What To Do With Fresh Garlic
- Garlic Sauces and Dips
- Garlic Bread Recipes
- Garlic Vegetable Side Dishes
- Pasta and Noodles
- Other Garlic Recipes
- More Helpful Round-ups
What Are The Benefits Of Garlic?
Along with tasting great, the list of health benefits of garlic is pretty impressive, too. Plus, it contains several plant compounds that contain medicinal properties such as:
- Immune-boosting properties,
- Antioxidant benefits to stave off chronic disease,
- Detoxification of heavy metals in the body,
- Blood pressure reduction,
- Lowering LDL (bad) cholesterol,
- Performance-enhancing benefits for exercise and fatigue,
- Stabilize blood sugar levels,
- Main protect brain health and improve memory.
And if you’re wondering about the benefits of eating raw garlic vs. cooked garlic. Raw fresh garlic will contain higher levels of allicin, meaning that raw garlic may be best for maximum nutritional value in smaller quantities.
Luckily, there’s no shortage of interesting garlic ideas and cool garlic recipes. I fully admit I’ve struggled with not adding TOO MANY options to this list of the best garlic recipes. So, keep reading for fresh garlic recipes that highlight this ingredient!
How To Cook With Garlic: Top Tips
The most important thing to know about cooking with garlic is that the more you cut or mash the garlic, the stronger the flavor will be. This is because garlic contains flavor and aroma compounds (allicin) that are activated when cut. Therefore, adding whole garlic cloves to any dish will add a very subtle flavor. At the same time, garlic puree will have a very robust flavor and aroma.
The way you cook garlic also affects its flavor, as it decreases the allicin enzymes. For example, raw garlic is very pungent and spicy. So I usually use it in small quantities in sauces, etc.
Quick-cooked garlic (like sautéing it) mellows the harshest spice/pungency while retaining a strong flavor and slight bitterness. However, any slow-cooked garlic (like confit, roasting, in soups, etc.) will become wonderfully mellow and slightly sweet. And it will lose its bitter, harsh edge entirely.
Lastly, garlic burns quickly and easily. So if you plan to cook it in a pan, heavy-based ones are best for more even heat distribution. It’s also best to add garlic towards the end of cooking (both when pan-cooking and roasting in the oven). This will avoid burning it, which can make the entire dish bitter.
What To Do With Fresh Garlic
If you’re specifically looking for recipes that use a lot of garlic (whole heads of garlic), perhaps one of these DIYs is perfect for you.
Top Tips for Peeling Garlic
How to Peel Garlic (6+ Easy Ways to Peel Garlic)
View Recipe
How To Crush, Chop, And Mince Garlic
How To Crush, Chop, And Mince Garlic
View Recipe
Also check How Much Minced Garlic Equals a Clove.
How to Freeze Garlic
How to Freeze garlic (whole, peeled, pureed)
View Recipe
Homemade Garlic Paste
How To Make Garlic Paste (Garlic Puree)
View Recipe
Garlic Powder
How To Make Garlic Powder
View Recipe
Garlic Flakes
How To Make Garlic Flakes
View Recipe
Homemade Garlic Salt
How to Make Homemade Garlic Salt
View Recipe
How to Roast Garlic in the Oven
How to Roast Garlic in the Oven (Whole Roasted Garlic + Cloves)
View Recipe
Garlic Infused Olive Oil
Garlic Infused Olive Oil
View Recipe
Pickled Garlic
How to Make Pickled Garlic (Plain or Spicy)
View Recipe
How To Make Garlic Confit and Garlic Oil
View Recipe
Roasted Garlic Butter
Homemade Roasted Garlic Butter (+ Flavor Variations)
View Recipe
Black Garlic
How to Make Black Garlic (+ What is it | FAQs | Uses)
View Recipe
Garlic Sauces and Dips
Sauces, dressings, and dips are a delicious way to enjoy raw or cooked garlic (usually minced garlic). They give any meal a powerful boost of garlic flavor.
Lebanese Garlic Sauce (Toum)
Lebanese Garlic Sauce (Toum)
This Lebanese garlic sauce (Toum) is thick, creamy, and absolutely packed with fresh garlic flavor! Plus, this garlic recipe is naturally gluten-free and vegan, and similar to garlic aioli but even more garlicky- yum!
Get the recipe!
Garlic Alfredo Sauce
Garlic Cream Sauce (Garlic Alfredo Sauce)
If you want to make garlic dishes that are creamy and comforting, this 5-ingredients rich and creamy garlic alfredo sauce is a must try. With a base of parmesan cheese, butter, garlic, and cream at its base (+ several flavor variations!), it's perfect for adding to pasta, pouring over seafood, meat, and veggies, and more!
Get the recipe!
Lemon Butter Sauce
Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe
There is no lack of recipes with garlic and lemon and for good reason. This lemon garlic butter sauce is restaurant-quality, moreish, and perfect for serving over seafood, meat, vegetables, and pasta!
Get the recipe!
How to Make Fermented Garlic Honey
Fermented Garlic Honey
Fermented garlic honey is a tasty 2-ingredient condiment with cold and flu combatting abilities, immune-boosting properties, and an impressive shelf-life; perfect for enjoying for years to come!
Get the recipe!
Garlic and Chili Infused Honey
Garlic and Chili Infused Honey (Spicy Honey Sauce)
Garlic and chili-infused honey sauce is perfect to use in garlicky dishes as a marinade, spread, drizzle, and more! All you need is just 3 ingredients and a few minutes to prepare it, too!
Get the recipe!
Creamy Roasted Garlic Dressing
Creamy Roasted Garlic Dressing (Vegan, GF)
This creamy roasted garlic dressing uses just 5 ingredients, with a combination of naturally sweet, flavorful caramelized roasted garlic, zingy ginger, sweet honey (vegan optional!), and heart-healthy olive oil – you’ll want to eat it with everything.
Get the recipe!
Garlic Aioli
Homemade Garlic Aioli
No list of garlic recipes would be complete without homemade garlic aioli. This recipe is made without eggs and is perfect for enjoying with French fries, burgers, sandwiches, and more!
Get the recipe!
Roasted Garlic White Bean Dip
Roasted Garlic and White Bean Dip
Ditch fresh garlic for caramelized, sweet, mellow roasted garlic in this 5-ingredient, 5-minute roasted garlic white bean dip. It's a delicious appetizer or snack to serve alongside crudites and crackers or spread over wraps and sandwiches!
Get the recipe!
Creamy Hummus
Best Hummus
Creamy authentic hummus is made with just a few ingredients, one of those being fresh garlic! Add as much or as little as you'd like, or even boost it further with the addition of roasted garlic. It's smooth, creamy, and delicious!
Get the recipe!
Garlic Bread Recipes
No list of recipes for fresh garlic would be complete without garlic bread, of course. But that isn’t the only way to pair the two ingredients for delicious results.
Quick Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe
Quick Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe
Combine garlic, cheese, and parsley to make incredibly appetizing ciabatta garlic bread to add a WOW factor to any meal! Bake or air fryer methods included.
Get the recipe!
Simple Roasted Garlic Bread
Simple Roasted Garlic Bread (with Roasted Garlic Butter)
This is another delicious garlic recipe for those who love the mellow, caramelized flavor of roasted garlic. By combining roasted garlic butter with the bread of your choice, you have a simple and flavorful side dish for tons of meals! Gluten-free and dairy-free methods are included.
Get the recipe!
Garlic Naan Bread
Homemade Garlic Naan (Indian Flatbread)
Make delicious, traditional garlic naan at home with just 10 ingredients and a super simple process. This Indian flatbread is simple, flavorful, and a delicious garlicky food for serving alongside curries and stews. Plus, this recipe is easily veganized too!
Get the recipe!
Garlic Croutons
How to Make Croutons
Avoid food waste and use your leftover bread and garlic to make simple and adaptable vegan garlic croutons to add to salads and soups.
Get the recipe!
Pan Con Tomate
Pan Con Tomate (Tomato Bread)
If you're looking for "new" and interesting recipes with garlic cloves, give this dish a try. Pan con tomate is a popular Catalan tapa dish made with crusty bread, tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and salt. Prepared in just minutes, this tomato bread is both humble and incredibly delicious.
What makes it different? Rather than adding fresh garlic to the topping, this recipe has you rub fresh garlic cloves over toasted bread for the garlicky flavor.
Get the recipe!
Garlic Vegetable Side Dishes
Preparing vegetables is one of my favorite ways of cooking with garlic to add maximum flavor but minimal ingredients and fuss. Here are just some of my favorite garlicky vegetables.
Garlic Sautéed Spinach
Easy Garlic Sauteed Spinach
Super simple and nutritious garlic sauteed spinach is perfect for boosting the nutrition of any meal as an immune-boosting side dish packed with delicious garlicky flavor.
Get the recipe!
Garlic and Parmesan Sautéed Zucchini
The Best Pan-Fried Zucchini
Pan-fried zucchini is a quick, easy, healthy, versatile side dish for any meal made with garlic, lemon, and parmesan, and ready in under 10 minutes for a delicious low-effort option for cooking with garlic.
Get the recipe!
Simple Sauteed Green Beans with Garlic
Simple Sauteed Green Beans with Garlic
These 10-minute sautéed green beans with garlic (skillet green beans) are tender in the middle and lightly blistered outside for a simple, fuss-free, nutritious, and super tasty side dish! Gluten-free, low-carb, vegan, paleo, whole30, etc.!
Get the recipe!
There are tons of veggie recipes with garlic, thanks to its versatility. Along with the recipes already mentioned, you might enjoy garlic sautéed asparagus or garlicky cauliflower steaks!
Oven-Roasted Corn with Garlic Butter
Oven-Roasted Corn in Foil with Garlic Butter
If you thought corn on the cob and butter were the perfect duo, just wait until you try this juicy treat with garlic butter! It's so good I could honestly enjoy it for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Get the recipe!
Garlic Butter Mushrooms
Easy Sauteed Mushrooms with Garlic
Within this recipe, you can learn not only how to sauté mushrooms to perfection with a simple process, but pair them with a garlicky seasoning for a delicious side or topping for tons of meals!
Get the recipe!
Prefer something creamy? Check out these creamy, garlicky mushrooms on toast.
Garlic Crispy Roasted Potatoes
Crispy Roasted Potatoes
Garlic and potatoes are another pairing that works so well together, and these rosemary garliccrispy roasted potatoes are the perfect addition to a Sunday roast or Christmas dinner. Using just 5 ingredients and a simple recipe, you'll end up with perfectly crispy oven potatoes every single time!
Get the recipe!
Likewise, boost the flavor of creamy mashed potatoes with plenty of roasted garlic!
Authentic Chinese Eggplant Stir Fry
Authentic Chinese Eggplant Recipe
This Chinese eggplant stir-fry ditches meat by cooking tender eggplant in a super flavorful chili, ginger, and garlic sauce (using 5 cloves!) for a gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan garlic recipe!
Get the recipe!
Pasta and Noodles
Here are some simple garlic dinner recipes where garlic takes more of a “star role.”
Easy Garlic and Olive Oil Pasta
Spaghetti Aglio e Olio
This easy garlic and olive oil pasta (pasta aglio e olio) is the ultimate simple mid-week garlic dinner recipe. It’s inexpensive, flavorful, and satisfying, with just 6 ingredients, no fuss, and ready in under 15 minutes!
Get the recipe!
Garlic Lemon Pasta
Easy Garlic Lemon Pasta (Pasta al Limone)
This 15-minute garlic lemon pasta (aka Pasta al Limone) is creamy, buttery, lemony, and wonderfully garlicky -ready to become your new favorite easy pasta dish! Enjoy the lemon spaghetti alone, add protein or veggies, ditch the cream, or turn it vegan – there are tons of ways to adapt this garlic meal.
Get the recipe!
Easy Garlic Chili Oil Noodles
Easy Garlic Chili Oil Noodles (10 Minute Meal!)
These easy garlic chili oil noodles combine your noodles of choice (gluten-free, vegan, low-carb) with an aromatic garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and chili oil sauce for a simple 10-minute meal! Top it up with extra veggies and protein for more of a meal if preferred.
Get the recipe!
Le Mein Garlic Noodles
Vegetable Lo Mein (Chili Garlic Noodles)
This vegetable lo mein dish combines delicious Asian flavors like chili, ginger, and garlic coating noodles and versatile veggies, for a filling meal ready in under 20 minutes. It's a perfect 'clear out the fridge' dish. Plus, it's much healthier (and cheaper) than takeout!
Get the recipe!
Other Garlic Recipes
And just a few more garlic dishes to whet your appetite…
Filipino Garlic Fried Rice (Sinangag)
Filipino Garlic Fried Rice (Sinangag)
Rely on just four ingredients to make this aromatic garlic fried rice, perfect for enjoying as part of a Filipino breakfast or alongside lunch or dinner for any garlic lover.
Get the recipe!
Creamy Roasted Garlic Potato Soup
The Best Roasted Garlic Soup
This roasted garlic potato soup combines three whole heads of roasted caramelized garlic with potatoes and (optionally) mushrooms in a fragrant vegetable broth and then blends it until smooth, velvety, and creamy. The results are a cozy, comforting, and hearty winter-ready soup!
Get the recipe!
Turkish Poached Eggs with Garlic Yogurt
Çilbir (Turkish Poached Eggs with Garlic Yogurt)
Çilbir (Çılbır) is a simple Turkish poached eggs dish served with a garlic yogurt base and drizzled with aromatic melted paprika butter and Aleppo topping. The resulting dish is a hearty breakfast in 10 minutes, delicious with simit, pita, or crusty bread.
Get the recipe!
Lemon Garlic Baked Salmon
How to Cook Salmon in the Oven Perfectly
Make perfect oven-baked salmon in under 25 minutes with a simple lemon, garlic, and thyme flavoring! It's tender, moist, flaky, flavorful, and perfect for serving with veggies, grains, salads, and more!
Get the recipe!
More Helpful Round-ups
- How to Prepare and Use Ginger
- How to Use Turmeric
- 60 Healthy Dinner Ideas in 30 Minutes or Less
- 30 Hot Lunch Ideas (Fast, Meal Prep, Easy Recipes)
If you try any of these top garlic recipes, let me know how it goes in the comments below. I’d love to see your recipe recreations – tag me on Instagram @Alphafoodie!
