Roasting garlic in the oven is a delightful way to enhance its flavour, transforming the sharpness of raw garlic into a sweet, mellow delight. Here’s how you can achieve perfect whole roasted garlic and individual cloves.

How to Roast Whole Garlic Bulbs:

1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan) or gas mark 6.
2. Prepare the garlic: Take a whole bulb of garlic and remove any loose papery skins. With a sharp knife, slice off the top of the bulb, exposing the individual cloves. This allows the caramelisation to occur beautifully.
3. Drizzle with oil: Place the bulb on a piece of foil, drizzle some good quality olive oil over the exposed cloves, and season with a touch of salt and pepper. Wrap it loosely in the foil.
4. Roast: Place the wrapped garlic directly on the oven rack or on a tray and roast for about 30-35 minutes, or until the cloves are soft and golden brown.
5. Cool and serve: Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before squeezing the roasted cloves out of their skins. They can be spread onto bread, mixed into sauces, or used to flavour a variety of dishes.

How to Roast Individual Garlic Cloves:

1. Preheat your oven as before.
2. Prepare the cloves: Peel the desired amount of garlic cloves and place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
3. Season: Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and herbs if you like, tossing them to ensure they are evenly coated.
4. Roast: Bake for about 15-20 minutes, checking occasionally, until they are golden and tender.
5. Use and enjoy: These roasted cloves make a fantastic addition to salads, pastas, or even as a stand-alone snack.

Roasted garlic adds depth and richness to any dish, and the process is as simple as it is rewarding. Enjoy the wonderful aroma that fills your kitchen!