Garlic Spread
Garlic spread offers a creamy, mildly spicy flavor with the aromatic punch of roasted garlic, balanced by tangy yogurt and fresh parsley. Perfect as a dip, spread, or accompaniment for bread and vegetables, this versatile dish suits gatherings, casual snacking, or adding flavor to everyday meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Slice about 1/2-inch off the top of the garlic head.
- Wrap the garlic in aluminum foil and bake for 35 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
- Press the roasted garlic until all flesh squeezes out; you should have about 1 heaping tablespoon of puree.
- Mix the garlic puree with strained yogurt, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using Greek yogurt instead of strained yogurt. If you're short on time, you can use store-bought roasted garlic. To enhance the flavor, add a squeeze of lemon juice or a pinch of smoked paprika. This garlic spread is versatile; try incorporating herbs like dill or chives for a different profile, especially if serving with Mediterranean recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This garlic spread makes an excellent dip for fresh vegetables or pita chips. It pairs beautifully with Grilled Garlic Toast Bruschetta as an appetizer. You can also use it as a spread on sandwiches or wraps, or serve it alongside Lamb Chops With Ratatouille And Couscous for a flavorful meal. It complements many Mediterranean recipes well.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover garlic spread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, allow it to come to room temperature before serving or gently warm it in a microwave for a few seconds. Avoid overheating to maintain the creamy texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Garlic Spread contains roughly 113 calories, with 8g protein, 20g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (76% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (49% of the Daily Value), and potassium (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. It also contributes 8g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 garlic spread ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the garlic spread a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container. The flavors will meld beautifully overnight, making it even tastier for your event.
What can I use instead of parsley?
If you don't have parsley on hand, you can substitute it with fresh basil, cilantro, or even dill. Each herb will give a unique twist to the spread, so feel free to experiment with your favorite herbs.
How can I adjust the flavor of the spread?
To customize the flavor of your garlic spread, consider adding ingredients like lemon zest for brightness, or a dash of cayenne pepper for heat. You can also mix in some grated parmesan for a savory kick.
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).