Baked Garlic Appetizer(A Country Thanksgiving At The Lamars)
A savory baked garlic appetizer featuring tender roasted garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and melted goat cheese, perfect for sharing at gatherings or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 4 large garlic heads, not peeled ⓘ
- 2-1/4 cups olive oil ⓘ
- 2 to 2-1/2 cups canned chicken broth ⓘ
- 1/2 tablespoon butter, thinly sliced ⓘ
- 1/4 cup olive oil ⓘ
- 2 to 2-1/2 cups canned chicken broth ⓘ
- 2 to 2-1/2 cups sun-dried tomatoes ⓘ
- 3/4 tablespoon dried fines herbs ⓘ
- Pepper to taste ⓘ
- 6 oz. goat cheese, sliced ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Slice 1/4 inch off the tops of the garlic heads opposite the root end.
- Remove any loose outer papery skin and place the garlic cut side up in a medium-sized baking dish.
- Arrange butter slices evenly over the garlic.
- Pour olive oil over the garlic evenly.
- Add 2 cups of canned chicken broth to the dish.
- Arrange sun-dried tomatoes around the garlic and sprinkle dried fines herbs over the top.
- Season with pepper to taste.
- Bake approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, basting with broth every 15 minutes, adding more broth if necessary to maintain some sauce in the pan.
- Arrange goat cheese slices around the garlic and continue baking for about 10 minutes until the cheese is almost melted.
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve with Italian bread.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider roasting the garlic heads for an additional 10-15 minutes before baking. If you don't have sun-dried tomatoes, you can substitute with fresh tomatoes or roasted red peppers. Adjust the amount of olive oil based on your preference for richness, and feel free to use vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
Serving Suggestions
This baked garlic appetizer pairs beautifully with Italian bread for dipping. Consider serving it alongside a fresh salad or as part of a Mediterranean recipes spread. For a delightful meal, serve it with Chicken Marbella (Crowd Pleaser) as the main course, balancing the flavors perfectly.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the garlic and tomatoes in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until heated through, about 15-20 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Garlic Appetizer(A Country Thanksgiving At The Lamars) contains roughly 486 calories, with 12g protein, 26g carbohydrates, and 38g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (55% of the Daily Value), protein (23% of the Daily Value), and iron (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 632mg per serving (27% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the garlic and other ingredients ahead of time. Assemble everything in the baking dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, simply bake as instructed, allowing for a few extra minutes in the oven if coming straight from the fridge.
What can I use instead of goat cheese?
If you prefer a different cheese, feta or cream cheese can be excellent substitutes for goat cheese, offering a creamy texture and tangy flavor. Alternatively, using a sharp cheddar or mozzarella can provide a different but delicious twist to this dish.
How do I know when the garlic is done baking?
The garlic is done baking when it is soft and golden brown. You can check by gently squeezing the cloves; they should be tender and easily pop out of their skins. The overall aroma should be fragrant and savory, signaling that it's time to serve.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).