13 Delicious Recipes That Are Heavy on Garlic

Honey garlic pork meatballs — The Spruce

If you also love to go heavy on the garlic, these recipes will quickly make it to the top of your to-make list. Just keep some breath mints on hand if you don't want your loved ones to keep their distance after dinner.

In general, stick to fresh garlic cloves if you can. Jarred diced garlic won't have the same assertive flavor, and garlic powder often contains salt or preservatives that will give your dish a different taste. Look for cloves that feel firm and heavy in your hand with flaky, papery skin and use them quickly. With these recipes, you'll blow through your garlic in no time.

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Garlic Dry Rub

The Spruce / Claire Cohen

This versatile garlic-based dry rub works great on pork, chicken, beef tenderloin, or any protein that needs a zesty kick. Try using this as a base for rub recipes by adding your other favorite spices, too. It will keep in an airtight container the fridge for up to two weeks, so make enough to try it on a range of different dishes.
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Honey Garlic Pork Meatballs

The Spruce

Garlic and honey team up for a sweet and zesty flavor that will make these finger-lickin' meatballs the star of any get-together. Serve them hot right from your slow cooker as an appetizer, or plate them up with rice and steamed veggies for a main dish. Lean ground pork works best, but you can use beef, chicken, or turkey, too.
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Garlicky Shrimp and Pasta

The Spruce / Andrew Bui

While this garlic-heavy shrimp and pasta dish looks and tastes special, it comes together quickly and easily enough for a weekday meal. Use fresh minced garlic instead of the prepared kind; it really makes a difference in dishes that showcase the garlic front and center like this one. The shrimp will also taste great with couscous or rice, or even over greens if you prefer.
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Steakhouse Garlic Butter

The Spruce

If a more mouthwatering sight than garlic butter melting slowly over a perfectly cooked steak exists, we haven't seen it. This simple recipe will help you recreate the steakhouse experience at home. It includes Worcestershire sauce, a common steakhouse ingredient, for even more delectable flavor.

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Garlic Mashed Potatoes

The Spruce / Diana Rattray

Once you try these roasted garlic mashed potatoes, you will never stick to dressing yours with just butter, salt, and pepper again. Roasting garlic gives it a deeper, richer flavor that complements creamy potatoes perfectly. Leave the skins on for more texture if you like.
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Grilled Garlic Portobello Mushrooms

The Spruce / Diana Rattray

Portobello mushrooms make a great vegan substitute for burgers even if you usually eat meat. Brushing them with smashed garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil gives the shrooms a deliciously zesty element that will complement your favorite toppings perfectly. For awesome vegan burgers, get portobellos big enough to fit on a bun.
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Stir-Fried Spinach with Garlic

The Spruce / Olivia Mindelle

Spinach makes the perfect base for this garlicky Chinese-style side dish. While it calls for a teaspoon of minced garlic, feel free to add more if you like an even more assertive taste. Use either a wok or a heavy-bottomed frying pan to prepare the spinach, but reduce the oil a bit if you use a frying pan.
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Roasted Garlic Aioli

The Spruce / Nita West

Perfect as a dip for French Fries, to drizzle over roasted potatoes, or spread on burgers and sandwiches, garlic aioli is the French answer to mayonnaise. Using roasted garlic instead of raw gives this homemade version a deeper, less pungent flavor that still has plenty of the garlicky goodness you love.

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Garlic Potato Bake

The Spruce / Diana Rattray

Crispy on top and creamy inside, sliced potatoes baked with lots of garlic and Parmesan make a perfect side dish for steak, chops, or chicken. Use fresh pressed garlic for best results, and either red-skinned, Yukon, or russet potatoes. Add some crumbled bacon or diced ham for a smoky flavor and a heartier garlic potato bake.
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Vegetarian Garlic and Parmesan Quinoa

The Spruce

If you get sick of rice and pasta, try quinoa as a fun side dish grain. Cooking quinoa with garlic and Parmesan keeps things interesting. To make it vegan, swap out the Parmesan for nutritional yeast and use vegetable broth instead of chicken. But whatever you do, don't skimp on those cloves.
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Baked Garlic Pesto Chicken

The Spruce / Diana Rattray

Use breasts, legs, or quarters to make this simple and delicious baked chicken recipe. Fresh, homemade pesto tastes even better if you have extra basil on hand. It's easy to make and keeps well in the fridge. Serve it with a simple green salad for a healthy and delicious meal.
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Spanish White Garlic Soup

Lauren Aloise / Spanish Sabores

Garlic lovers will go all in for this traditional cold Spanish soup. It comes together quickly and makes a beautiful starter for a summer dinner party. If you don't want to blanch and peel the almonds yourself, buy blanched, silvered almonds to make it even simpler.

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Whole Roasted Garlic

The Spruce

We won't blame you if you dig into these creamy, toasty heads of roasted garlic with a spoon. Stir them into mashed potatoes, schmear them on a brisket, mash them up and add to sauces and marinades, or use anywhere you'd like a slightly sweeter garlic flavor.

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