13 Delicious Recipes Heavy On Garlic

Garlic lovers know that there’s no such thing as too much garlic. That tiny bulb brings big flavor to just about any dish, turning bland food into something bold and crave-worthy. If you’re someone who adds extra cloves to every recipe, this list is for you. Here are 13 delicious recipes that are heavy on garlic and perfect for weeknight dinners, cozy weekends, or when you want your kitchen to smell amazing.

1. Garlic Butter Shrimp

Fast, simple, and packed with flavor. Sauté lots of minced garlic in butter until fragrant, toss in raw shrimp, and cook until pink. Add a squeeze of lemon and fresh parsley. Serve over rice or pasta to soak up that garlicky sauce.

2. Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Upgrade your usual mash by roasting a whole head of garlic until soft and sweet. Mash the cloves into boiled potatoes with butter and cream. The roasted garlic adds a deep, mellow garlic flavor that’s perfect with grilled meats.

3. Garlic Bread

Sometimes simple is best. Mix softened butter with minced garlic, parsley, and a pinch of salt. Spread on a sliced baguette and bake until golden. Serve with pasta or soup. Leftovers make the best snack.

4. Chicken With 40 Cloves Of Garlic

Don’t be scared by the number. Slow-cooking chicken with whole garlic cloves mellows the flavor. Sear chicken pieces, add peeled garlic cloves, white wine, and fresh thyme, then roast until the chicken is tender and the garlic turns spreadable.

5. Garlic Parmesan Wings

Toss crispy baked or fried chicken wings in a sauce of melted butter, minced garlic, and parmesan cheese. They’re zesty, cheesy, and way better than plain hot wings.

6. Garlic Butter Steak Bites

Cut steak into bite-size pieces, sear quickly in a hot pan, then finish with a heavy spoonful of garlic butter and chopped parsley. Serve with crusty bread to scoop up the juices.

7. Creamy Garlic Pasta

Cook pasta and make a simple sauce of sautéed garlic, butter, a splash of cream, and grated parmesan. Toss pasta right in the pan so it soaks up every bit of garlicky goodness.

8. Garlic Roasted Broccoli

Toss broccoli florets with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Roast until crispy at the edges. It’s an easy side dish that goes with fish, steak, or chicken.

9. Garlic And Herb Focaccia

Add minced garlic and chopped herbs to your focaccia dough or sprinkle garlic on top before baking. You’ll get golden garlic bits in every bite. Serve warm with olive oil for dipping.

10. Spicy Garlic Noodles

Cook noodles and toss with a quick sauce of soy sauce, chili flakes, lots of sautéed garlic, and a drizzle of sesame oil. Top with sliced green onions. It’s better than takeout.

11. Garlic Roasted Potatoes

Cut potatoes into chunks, toss with olive oil, minced garlic, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Roast until crispy outside and fluffy inside. They’re perfect for Sunday roast dinners.

12. Garlic Aioli

Make a garlicky dip for fries, sandwiches, or grilled veggies. Mash fresh garlic into mayo, add a squeeze of lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Store-bought mayo works fine, but homemade tastes even better.

13. Garlic Butter Mushrooms

Sauté mushrooms in a big pat of butter with minced garlic and a splash of white wine. Let them soak up the flavors. Serve over toast, steak, or as a simple side dish.

Tips For Cooking With Garlic

• Fresh garlic cloves have the strongest flavor. Use whole bulbs instead of pre-minced jars when you can.
• Roasting garlic softens its sharp bite and brings out sweetness.
• Don’t burn garlic. When sautéing, cook it low and slow so it doesn’t turn bitter.
• Smash garlic with the flat side of a knife to peel it faster.

Why Garlic Makes Everything Better

Garlic is more than a seasoning. It’s the backbone of so many cuisines around the world. It pairs well with butter, oil, fresh herbs, cheese, and meats. It can be mellow and sweet when roasted or punchy and sharp when raw. Plus, it’s good for you in small doses.

How To Store Garlic

Keep whole bulbs in a cool, dry spot with good air flow. Don’t put garlic in the fridge or it can sprout faster. Once peeled, store extra cloves in a sealed container in the fridge and use within a few days.