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bite sized focaccia on plate with roasted garlic cloves and olive oil.
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5 from 8 votes

Roasted Garlic Appetizer (For Garlic Lovers)

Here is a recipe for an oven roasted garlic appetizer featuring soft, spreadable, mellow, golden garlic cloves on warm Focaccia bread. Simple and popular. 
Prep Time3 minutes
Cook Time45 minutes
Total Time48 minutes
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegan, Vegetarian
Servings (change as needed): 6
Author: Cheryl Avrich

Ingredients

  • 12 garlic cloves, peeled, Note 1
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • pinch salt and sugar (optional)
  • 1/2 Focaccia bread or baguette
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley (optional Garnish)

Instructions

  • HEAT OVEN to 375F/190C.
  • PREPARE GARLIC FOR ROASTING: Place peeled individual cloves on a double layer of aluminum foil. Give them a drizzle of oil and add a pinch of salt and sugar if desired (I do),  Lift edges of foil upward to enclose garlic. Scrunch top of tin foil together to seal garlic pouch. Lay it on a small baking sheet in case of leaking.
  • ROAST GARLIC: Roast for 40-55 minutes, depending on size of garlic cloves. Garlic is ready when it's soft, golden and slightly caramelized. 
  • MAKE APPETIZER AND SERVE: Heat Focaccia (or other bread) in 350F/177C pre-heated oven for 5-6 minutes or until warmed through and slightly crisped up. Transfer to cutting board and cut into bite size pieces. Drizzle with garlic cloves along with the garlic-infused oil. Top with chopped parsley if desired. Serve with a butter knife if guests want to spread garlic on bread. 

Notes

  1. How to peel garlic:
    • Option 1: Smash whole head of garlic with palm of hand to separate cloves. Place flat of chef's knife over each clove and press down firmly. Cut off hard flat root ends. Remove skin.  Video by Jamie Oliver.
    • Option 2 - faster: Smash whole head of garlic with palm of hand to separate cloves. Place cloves in a large container or jar. Close container and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds. Peels will fall off cloves. Video by Saveur.
  2. Variations:
    • Herbs: Add sprigs or leaves of fresh rosemary, thyme, or parsley to the foil when roasting the garlic cloves.
    • Balsamic vinegar: Drizzle balsamic vinegar over the garlic cloves along with olive oil before roasting for a sweet and tangy flavor.
    • Heat: Add some heat with red pepper flakes, black pepper or minced chili peppers.
    • Other toppings for the garlic appetizer: Once you've added the garlic to the bread, you can top it with parmesan cheese, diced tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes or olive salad.
  3. Make Ahead:
    • To store: Let the roasted garlic cool to room temperature and then place it in an airtight container (or ziploc bag) and cover it with olive oil. Seal and keep it in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
    • To freeze, lay garlic in a single layer on a tray. Freeze it for an hour, then transfer it to a freezer-safe bag. Freezes for up to a month.
 
Nutrition values are estimates and include the focaccia bread, garlic and oil.
Calories: 128kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Sodium: 178mg | Potassium: 2mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 0.05IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 1mg | Iron: 0.04mg