There is something truly magical about the comforting warmth and aromatic richness that comes from slow-roasted garlic combined with fragrant herbs and silky olive oil. The Roasted Garlic Herb Infused Olive Oil Recipe transforms simple pantry staples into a luscious, versatile condiment that lifts any dish it graces with a deep, savory flavor and an herbaceous brightness. It’s perfect for drizzling, dipping, or even as a finishing touch to your favorite recipes, making it a must-have in your culinary arsenal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—just a handful of high-quality ingredients come together to create a depth of flavor that feels much more complex. Each item plays an essential role, whether it’s the mellow sweetness of roasted garlic, the peppery punch of freshly ground black pepper, or the piney, woody essence of rosemary that makes this infused olive oil stand out.
- 1 bulb garlic: Look for a firm, fresh garlic bulb as it softens with roasting and becomes wonderfully sweet and creamy.
- 1 cup extra virgin olive oil: Using a fruity, high-quality olive oil enriches the infusion with a smooth, luxurious base.
- 3 tablespoons chopped rosemary: Fresh rosemary adds an aromatic, herbal note that elevates the oil’s flavor profile.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Essential for balancing the flavors and enhancing the garlic’s natural sweetness.
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Adds a subtle heat and complexity to the oil’s finish.
- ½ teaspoon onion powder (optional): A gentle layer of savoriness that complements the garlic without overpowering it.
How to Make Roasted Garlic Herb Infused Olive Oil Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Roast The Garlic
First things first, preheat your oven to a toasty 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Trim the top off your garlic bulb to expose the tops of the cloves—this allows the oil and heat to penetrate and soften the garlic deeply. Be careful not to peel too much skin away; you want the cloves to stay protected during roasting. Drizzle a teaspoon of olive oil over the exposed cloves, massaging it in to encourage caramelization and moisture retention. Wrap the bulb tightly in aluminum foil, sealing all the flavors inside for a slow roast in the oven.
Step 2: Oven-Roast until Caramelized
Place the foil packet on the center oven rack and roast the garlic for 30 to 40 minutes. The magic happens here as the garlic slowly softens and turns golden brown, developing a sweet, mellow flavor that’s miles away from raw garlic’s sharpness. Peek carefully after 30 minutes using oven mitts—if the cloves mash easily with a fork, you’re good to go; if not, wrap it back up and give it a few more minutes.
Step 3: Mix and Infuse Your Oil
Once the garlic is perfectly roasted, pour your extra virgin olive oil into a mixing bowl. Stir in the freshly chopped rosemary, kosher salt, black pepper, and optional onion powder. When the garlic is cool enough to handle, squeeze the soft cloves out of their skins into the bowl. Use a fork to gently mash some of the cloves, allowing their sweet roasted juices to infuse the oil beautifully.
Step 4: Final Touch and Taste
At this point, take a moment to taste your oil. The combination of silky olive oil, fragrant rosemary, and mellowed garlic is already an irresistible symphony of flavors. Adjust seasoning if needed, then give it a final stir before transferring to your favorite serving container.
How to Serve Roasted Garlic Herb Infused Olive Oil Recipe
Garnishes
For a simple presentation, scatter a few fresh rosemary leaves on top—this adds a pop of green color and hints at the herbal flavors inside. A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt just before serving enhances texture and flavor, inviting the senses to celebrate every bite.
Side Dishes
This infused oil pairs beautifully with crusty artisan bread, perfect for dipping and savoring each luscious mouthful. It’s also fantastic drizzled over roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or fresh salads, effortlessly elevating your side dishes with an extra layer of gourmet flair.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not get a bit playful? Use the oil as a base for bruschetta topped with fresh tomatoes and basil, or swirl some into warm pasta just before serving for an instant flavor boost. Serving it alongside grilled meats or seafood as a dipping sauce will surprise and delight your guests, making this Roasted Garlic Herb Infused Olive Oil Recipe a star centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have some leftover roasted garlic herb olive oil, no worries—it stores nicely in an airtight container kept in the refrigerator. The flavors will continue to meld, making it even more aromatic after a day or two, although the olive oil may slightly cloud when chilled and will return to clarity when warmed to room temperature.
Freezing
Freezing olive oil is generally not recommended because it can alter the texture and clarity, but if you want to preserve the roasted garlic mixture, consider freezing only the mashed garlic portion separately in ice cube trays. Then thaw and stir into fresh olive oil when ready to use.
Reheating
There is no need to reheat the infused olive oil; it’s best enjoyed at room temperature or slightly chilled so you can truly experience its full spectrum of flavors. If your oil has solidified in the fridge, simply warm the container gently in your hands or place it in a bowl of warm water to loosen it up.
FAQs
Can I use different herbs instead of rosemary?
Absolutely! Thyme, oregano, or sage make excellent alternatives or additions depending on your taste. Each herb brings a unique character, so feel free to experiment with your favorite fresh herbs for a personalized twist.
How long does the roasted garlic herb infused olive oil last?
Stored properly in a sealed container in the refrigerator, your infused oil should remain fresh for up to two weeks. Always use a clean spoon to avoid introducing any contaminants.
Is the onion powder necessary in this recipe?
The onion powder is optional but recommended for adding subtle depth to the flavor. If you’re after a simpler profile, you can easily omit it without losing the essence of the recipe.
Can I make this recipe with peeled garlic cloves instead of the whole bulb?
While whole bulb roasting gently mellows the garlic’s flavor, peeled cloves can be roasted as well but will roast faster and may burn if not watched closely. The bulb method offers better flavor development and prevents drying out.
What is the best way to serve this infused oil with bread?
Serve it with warm, crusty bread like a rustic baguette or ciabatta. Tear off pieces of bread to dip into the oil, enjoying the sweet garlic flavor mingled with herbs. You can also brush the oil on the bread before toasting for a delicious garlic bread twist.
Final Thoughts
This Roasted Garlic Herb Infused Olive Oil Recipe is a definite keeper, a recipe that feels luxurious yet is surprisingly easy to make. Whether you drizzle it, dip into it, or blend it into your meals, it brings comfort, warmth, and a touch of sophistication to your table. Give it a whirl—you might just find it becoming one of your all-time favorite pantry essentials!
Print
Roasted Garlic Herb Infused Olive Oil Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Roasted Garlic Olive Oil recipe combines the rich, caramelized flavor of slow-roasted garlic with fragrant rosemary and extra virgin olive oil, creating a flavorful dipping oil perfect for bread or drizzling over dishes. The roasting process softens the garlic, making it sweet and spreadable, while infused olive oil absorbs the aromatic herbs and seasoning for a delicious accompaniment.
Ingredients
Garlic and Herbs
- 1 bulb garlic
- 3 tablespoons chopped rosemary
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon onion powder (optional)
Oil
- 1 cup extra virgin olive oil (plus a teaspoon for drizzling the bulb)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Set your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for roasting the garlic.
- Prepare the garlic bulb: Trim a bit off the top of the garlic bulb to expose the tops of the cloves. Remove some of the excess papery skin from around the cloves, but ensure the cloves remain covered in skin for roasting.
- Wrap the garlic: Place the garlic bulb on a square of aluminum foil. Drizzle a teaspoon of olive oil on top, rubbing it over the exposed cloves so it seeps into the crevices. Wrap the bulb tightly in the foil to create a sealed packet.
- Roast the garlic: Place the foil packet on the oven’s center rack or on a baking sheet in the center of the oven. Roast for 30 to 40 minutes until the garlic turns caramelized and the cloves become soft enough to easily mash. Carefully open the foil packet with oven mitts to check doneness. If not done, reseal and continue roasting. Once ready, leave the packet open to let the garlic cool.
- Mix the infused oil: Pour the infused olive oil into a bowl. Stir in the chopped rosemary, kosher salt, black pepper, and onion powder if using.
- Mash the garlic: When the garlic is cool enough to handle, squeeze the roasted cloves out of their skins into the bowl with the oil. Use a fork to gently mash some of the cloves to combine them with the herb-infused oil.
- Serve and enjoy: Serve the roasted garlic olive oil as a flavorful dip for bread or drizzle over your favorite dishes for an extra burst of savory taste.
- Optional feedback: Leave a rating or review by tapping the stars on the recipe card or in the comments section to share your experience.
Notes
- Roasting garlic mellows its sharpness and brings out a sweeter, caramelized flavor.
- Be careful when opening the foil packet after roasting, as steam will be hot.
- This infused oil can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- Use leftover roasted garlic as a spread on sandwiches, in mashed potatoes, or in salad dressings.
- If onion powder is not available or preferred, it can be omitted without significantly changing the flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
