Our 20 Best Garlic Recipes—Including a Dish That Uses 40 Cloves

We're celebrating this beloved ingredient in all its forms, offering dishes that highlight its versatility and irresistible aroma.

pull apart herb bread
Credit: Linda Pugliese

Our collection of garlic recipes celebrates garlic in all its forms because, for true garlic lovers, there’s no such thing as too much of this bold, aromatic ingredient. Whether roasted until buttery and mellow, blended into sauces, or mashed into spreads, garlic is a triumph. Any way you prepare it, garlic transforms everyday dishes into something extraordinary. Its deep, rich flavor enhances everything from roasted meats to pasta, potatoes, and even baked goods (hello, garlic bread!).

The dishes here highlight the versatility and irresistible aroma of garlic. You’ll find slow-cooked favorites, quick weeknight meals, and comforting sides—each infused with garlic’s signature depth of flavor. Whether it’s adding a subtle hint of sweetness or an intense punch of flavor, garlic brings out the best in so many dishes. If you prefer it mellow and caramelized, or rather like your garlic bold and pungent, there’s a dish here to satisfy every garlic craving. So grab a bulb (or a whole head) and get ready to indulge in one of the world’s most beloved ingredients.

01 of 21

Whole Roasted Garlic

roasted garlic

Roasting garlic enhances its flavor, making it rich, nutty, and mellow with a soft, spreadable texture. This simple recipe requires just garlic and olive oil, yielding a versatile ingredient perfect for spreading on toast, mixing into butter, or adding to pasta and mashed potatoes.

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Chicken With 40 Cloves of Garlic

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This French classic pairs tender, roasted chicken with 40 cloves of soft, buttery garlic for a dish that's uncomplicated and elegant. Enhanced with fresh thyme and pan juices, it’s a perfect meal for any occasion.

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Garlic Mashed Potatoes

garlic mashed potatoes
Credit: Mikkel Vang

Creamy and comforting, these garlic mashed potatoes blend buttery russet potatoes with mellow, simmered garlic for a rich, smooth texture. Perfect for both weeknight meals and holiday feasts, this dish is simple to prepare and full of flavor.

04 of 21

Garlic-Vinegar Mayonnaise

cheese-stuffed portobello burger topped with arugula
Credit: Con Poulos

With just three ingredients, this bright and tangy sauce comes together in minutes and elevates sandwiches, burgers, and more. A splash of sherry vinegar adds depth, while mashed garlic blends smoothly for bold flavor without a harsh bite.

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Garlic Confit

Garlic in oil
Credit:

Lennart Weibull

Garlic confit is slow-cooked in oil until the cloves become tender and creamy without browning. The garlic remains submerged in oil, which preserves it longer and creates a flavorful infused oil you can use for cooking.

06 of 21

Slow-Cooker Garlic Chicken With Couscous

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Credit: Romulo Yanes

This slow-cooker garlic chicken is a great go-to for busy nights, delivering rich, savory flavors with minimal effort. As the chicken simmers with garlic, thyme, and white wine, it transforms into a tender dish that's even better served over fluffy couscous.

07 of 21

Grilled Garlic Bread With Herb Butter

garlic bread
Credit: Lauren Ross

Grilled garlic bread gets an upgrade with a rich, herb-infused butter and a quick char on the grill, creating a crispy, flavorful side. The secret lies in mashing fresh garlic into a paste, ensuring every bite is infused with bold, savory goodness.

08 of 21

Spaghetti With Garlic, Oil, and Chile

spaghetti with garlic oil and chile served on gray plate
Credit: Johnny Miller

Four cloves flavor this pasta for two. They're sliced thin and cooked until golden while the spaghetti cooks. Sage and chile join the party, and a touch of pasta water brings it all together—along with plenty of Parmesan.

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Garlic Lovers Pot Roast

Garlic Lover's Pot Roast

This pot roast is a garlic lover’s dream, with slivers of garlic tucked deep into the meat, infusing every bite with rich, savory flavor. Slow-cooked until fork-tender, it’s a deeply aromatic dish that will satisfy any craving for a comforting, home-cooked meal.

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Garlic-Jalapeño Shrimp

Garlic-Jalapeno Shrimp

Packed with garlicky goodness, these shrimp soak up a bold marinade of minced garlic, jalapeño, and lime before hitting the skillet for a quick sear. The result is a savory and light dish with just the right kick.

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Roast Leg of Lamb With Garlic and Herbs

roast leg of lamb on a platter with garnishes
Credit:

Jake Sternquist

This leg of lamb is slow-roasted with garlic, lemon, and fresh herbs. As it cooks, the meat becomes irresistibly tender, while the pan drippings create a luscious finishing touch for both the lamb and whatever side dishes you're serving.

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Caramelized Garlic Tart

Caramelized Garlic Tart - Caramelised Garlic Tart - Caramelised Garlic Tart Recipe
Credit:

Jonathan Lovekin

This tart is truly a garlic lover’s dream—whole cloves are caramelized until they turn rich, sweet, and almost jammy, then nestled into a flaky puff pastry shell with tangy goat cheese and a luscious custard. The result? A deeply savory, melt-in-your-mouth dish that’s as impressive as it is irresistible.

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Garlic-Roasted Chicken Breasts

Garlic-Roasted Chicken Breasts

Roasting garlic alongside the chicken infuses this dish with rich, aromatic depth. The softened garlic cloves and pan juices make a terrific finishing touch for an easy yet refined meal.

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Roasted Butternut Squash and Garlic Dip

roasted butternut squash and garlic dip

This flavorful and healthy snack blends the sweetness of roasted squash with the savory depth of garlic, tahini, and turmeric. It's perfect for dipping chips or crudites and makes a great addition to any party spread.

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Pull-Apart Garlic Bread

pull apart garlic bread
Credit:

Linda Pugliese

This bread is a showstopper, with a golden-brown crust and soft, pillowy interior infused with fresh herbs and garlic. Made entirely from scratch with no kneading required, it’s a great one for sharing at any gathering. Prepare it the day before or bake it fresh for a warm and delicious treat everyone will love.

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Garlic-Stuffed Roasted Chicken

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This roasted chicken is all about the deep, slow-building garlic flavor. Mashed roasted garlic melts into the meat as it cooks, infusing every bite with richness. The high-heat roasting method crisps up the skin to a deep golden brown while keeping the meat juicy and tender.

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Garlic Croutons

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Lucinda Scala Quinn's croutons are a garlic fiend’s ideal finishing touch—golden, crispy bites infused with the punch of sizzling garlic. The bread soaks up every bit of garlicky olive oil before turning crunchy and golden in the pan. Perfect for adding a flavorful crunch to soups, salads, or even snacking straight from the skillet.

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Tomato Tart With Roasted Garlic and Fontina Cheese

tomato tart

Peak-season tomatoes shine in this savory tart. They're layered over a crisp, flaky pâte brisée crust with nutty fontina cheese and sweet and mellow roasted garlic. With no custard or cream, it’s lighter than a quiche but just as satisfying. Serve it warm for brunch, lunch, or a casual dinner—it’s the kind of dish that disappears fast.

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Garlic and Rosemary Knots

garlic knots

Fresh rosemary and garlic infuse these golden-brown knots with flavor, while a simple twist of dough adds an elegant touch. Best served warm, they’re a fragrant and flavorful addition to any meal.

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Roast Chicken With Paprika and Roasted Garlic

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Credit: Christina Holmes

Smoky paprika and roasted garlic lend this sheet-pan dinner deep flavor. Sweet potatoes and carrots turn tender and caramelized alongside a whole chicken. It's simple, satisfying, and comes together with minimal effort and maximum taste.

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Mussels With Red Wine and Roasted Garlic

Mussels with Red Wine and Roasted Garlic
Credit: John Kernick

Steamed in a rich broth of red wine, roasted garlic, and thyme, these mussels develop a deep, savory character. Serve with crusty bread to soak up the velvety sauce.

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