If you’ve ever tasted raw garlic, you know that it has a pungent aroma and slightly spicy flavor. But when garlic is roasted, it develops an intense sweetness because its natural sugars caramelize. Garlic also softens as it roasts to become creamy and spreadable. This recipe will show you how to roast garlic in a clay pot—also known as a terra-cotta garlic roaster. No matter how you use roasted garlic, its buttery texture, and sophisticated layers of flavor are sure to enhance the food on your table.

What Is a Garlic Roaster?

A garlic roaster or garlic baker is a lidded pot, usually made out of terra-cotta, that can roast multiple heads of garlic at the same time. The pot's porous texture and steam vents allow even cooking and maintain enough moisture to prevent the roasted garlic from drying out.

How to Use Roasted Garlic

Simply spread roasted garlic on toasted crusty bread slices or crackers. Roasted garlic can also be used as a recipe ingredient—whisk it into soups and pan sauces. Or combine it with melted butter or olive oil and toss with vegetables, such as asparagus or hot cooked new potatoes.

How to Roast Garlic in a Pan

If you don’t have a garlic roaster, you can still make roasted garlic. Try making roasted garlic in a muffin tin. In 45 minutes, you’ll have roasted garlic to use as a spread or to give a recipe an extra boost of flavor.

How Many Cloves in a Head of Garlic?

A garlic bulb is made up of 12 to 15 individual garlic cloves. You should get about 1 tablespoon garlic from each roasted bulb. 1 clove of garlic is equal to ½ teaspoon minced or ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder.

How to Properly Store Garlic

Store garlic in a cool, dry, dark place, such as a garlic keeper on the counter or a brown paper bag in the pantry. Store no longer than 4 months.