Roasted Garlic Spread
A rich, creamy roasted garlic spread with fresh chives, perfect for spreading on bread or crackers, offering mellow garlic flavor with a hint of freshness and butteriness.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Peel the outer skin from the garlic head, leaving it intact.
- Place the garlic in a small baking pan.
- Drizzle the garlic with olive oil.
- Cover the pan with aluminum foil.
- Bake at 350°F for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 8 to 10 minutes until the garlic is soft.
- Remove from oven and let cool completely.
- Remove and discard the papery skin from the garlic, then scoop out the garlic pulp with a small spoon.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding herbs like rosemary or thyme when roasting the garlic. If you don't have cream cheese, Greek yogurt can be a great substitute for a lighter spread. For a vegan option, try using a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and coconut oil instead of margarine. Always keep an eye on the garlic to prevent it from burning.
Serving Suggestions
This roasted garlic spread is perfect for slathering on toasted baguette slices or crackers as an appetizer. It pairs beautifully with Jim Dandy Muffins for a brunch spread or can be used as a dip for fresh vegetables. Consider serving it alongside a salad dressed with Mayonnaise Dressing For Salads to complement the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover roasted garlic spread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. If you want to preserve it longer, you can freeze it in small portions. To reheat, simply allow it to come to room temperature or warm it gently in the microwave, stirring to maintain a creamy consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Roasted Garlic Spread contains roughly 400 calories, with 14g protein, 39g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (416% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (224% of the Daily Value), and iron (66% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1918mg per serving (83% 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 use pre-peeled garlic for this recipe?
While you can use pre-peeled garlic, roasting whole cloves with their skins on enhances the flavor and keeps the moisture in. This method ensures a richer taste and creamier texture, making it worth the extra effort of peeling the outer skin.
What can I do with leftover roasted garlic spread?
Leftover roasted garlic spread can be used as a flavorful sandwich spread, added to pasta dishes for a creamy texture, or used to enhance mashed potatoes. You can even mix it into scrambled eggs for a savory breakfast addition.
Can I make this spread ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the roasted garlic spread a day in advance. Just keep it stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container. The flavors will meld beautifully overnight, making it even more delicious when served the next day.
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).