Roasted garlic ice cream may sound a little wild, but it delivers a surprisingly tasty combo of sweet and savory flavors. Roasting garlic brings out its natural sugars, which melt right into a creamy vanilla ice cream base for a flavor that’s both bold and balanced.
This recipe is your ticket to exploring garlic’s softer side—no vampires allowed.
You only need basic ingredients: milk, cream, sugar, and egg yolks, with a generous scoop of roasted garlic for that extra oomph. Gilroy, California—the “Garlic Capital of the World”—has been rocking this flavor at their famous garlic festival for years.
If you’re into surprising your taste buds (or your friends), roasted garlic ice cream is a fun kitchen experiment. For the full recipe and step-by-step instructions, check out Saveur’s guide.
How to Make Roasted Garlic Ice Cream
Making roasted garlic ice cream is all about balancing flavors and making sure it’s silky smooth. The process starts with roasted garlic puree and a rich custard base, followed by careful freezing for that dreamy texture.
Every step—from picking the right garlic to churning—matters if you want a scoop that’s both creamy and crave-worthy.
Ingredients and Substitutions
You’ll need roasted garlic, egg yolks, sugar, whole milk, heavy cream, and a splash of vanilla extract or a vanilla bean for that classic aroma. Sugar sweetens things up, while egg yolks bring richness and help thicken the custard.
If you want to lighten things up, swap in some half-and-half for the heavy cream (just know it’ll be a bit less creamy). When roasting your garlic, use unsalted butter for extra smoothness. Don’t even think about garlic powder—only fresh, whole cloves will do.
Roasting the Garlic for Ice Cream
Roasting garlic is basically a spa day for your cloves. Preheat the oven to 350°F and slice a whole head of garlic in half horizontally.
Set it cut-side up on foil, drizzle with olive oil and a splash of water, then wrap it up like a cozy garlic burrito. Roast for 1 to 1.5 hours until it’s soft and caramelized.
Once cooled, squeeze out the cloves and blend them into a smooth puree. This dreamy paste blends right into your custard for a mild, sweet garlic flavor that won’t knock you over.
Step-by-Step Custard Base Preparation
Start by whisking egg yolks, sugar, and a pinch of salt until the mixture looks pale and slightly thick. While you’re flexing those whisking muscles, heat the milk and cream in a saucepan until just about to simmer.
Slowly pour the warm milk mixture into the yolks while whisking—no scrambled eggs allowed! Return everything to the saucepan and cook gently, stirring, until the custard thickens enough to coat a spoon.
Strain the custard through a fine sieve into a bowl. Blend some of the custard with your roasted garlic puree and vanilla, then mix it all back together. Cover with plastic wrap (pressed right onto the surface) and chill thoroughly.
Churning and Freezing for Perfect Texture
Once your custard is nice and cold, pour it into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Churning adds air and keeps things smooth—no icy chunks here.
When it’s done, transfer to an airtight container, seal it up, and freeze for at least 4 hours. This gives you scoopable, dreamy ice cream.
A good ice cream maker and a properly chilled base are the keys to creamy success. That way, the roasted garlic flavor stays mellow and the texture stays luscious.
For a visual walkthrough, check out this roasted garlic ice cream recipe.
Tips, Variations, and Serving Ideas
The secret to great roasted garlic ice cream is all in the roasting, the balance, and maybe a little creativity. Small tweaks can really change the final scoop.
You can also get wild with your ingredients and serving ideas—garlic ice cream is nothing if not a conversation starter.
Expert Tips for Creamy Garlic Ice Cream
Roast your garlic slowly at 350°F for about an hour to coax out the sweetness and tame the bite. Keep the cloves together in the head and add a dab of butter on top to keep things moist.
When mixing your base, heat the cream and sugar gently. Temper the eggs by adding the hot cream slowly—no one wants garlic-flavored scrambled eggs.
Blending the roasted garlic puree with some cream before adding it to the base helps avoid lumps. Let the mixture chill thoroughly before freezing for maximum creaminess.
Creative Flavor Variations
Honey is a match made in heaven with roasted garlic—stir it in while heating the cream or drizzle it on top before serving. For a tangy twist, swirl in some balsamic vinegar or caramelized honey.
Add toasted nuts for crunch or a pinch of black pepper to highlight the garlic’s warmth. Lighter options like half-and-half or whole milk keep things smooth but a bit less rich.
Vanilla extract adds a gentle sweetness that plays nicely with both garlic and honey.
Serving Suggestions and Garnishes
Roasted garlic ice cream loves company—pair it with roasted veggies or grilled meats for an unexpected sidekick.
Garnish with fresh herbs like chives or thyme to amp up the garlic vibes. A drizzle of honey or balsamic reduction adds both flavor and flair.
Serve in small bowls or as a side scoop with a savory entrée. Sprinkle on toasted breadcrumbs or crushed crackers for a little crunch and contrast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to your burning (but not garlicky) questions about making roasted garlic ice cream, where to find it, and why you might want to give it a whirl.
How do you make roasted garlic ice cream with an ice cream maker?
Roast the garlic until it’s soft and caramelized. Blend it with milk, cream, sugar, egg yolks, salt, and vanilla until smooth.
Cook the mixture gently to thicken, then chill it completely. Churn in your ice cream maker for 20-30 minutes, then freeze for a firmer scoop.
What is the simplest recipe for roasted garlic ice cream?
Just use roasted garlic, whole milk, heavy cream, sugar, egg yolks, and vanilla. Roast the garlic, blend everything, cook and thicken the custard, chill it, then freeze.
No ice cream maker? Freeze the mix and stir every 30 minutes to keep it creamy.
Which recipe is considered the best for making roasted garlic ice cream?
The best recipes nail the balance between sweet ice cream and mellow, caramelized garlic. Roasting the garlic well is key for that sweet, mild flavor.
Whole milk and cream make it extra creamy, and careful cooking keeps things smooth.
Can I purchase garlic ice cream at stores, and if so, where?
Garlic ice cream isn’t a grocery store staple—yet. Look for it at specialty food festivals like the Gilroy Garlic Festival in California.
Sometimes, gourmet shops or local markets in garlic-loving regions will have it as a special treat.
What culinary benefits does garlic ice cream offer?
Roasted garlic ice cream brings together sweet and savory in a way that’s both unexpected and balanced. Roasting tames the garlic and adds a caramelized note.
It’s a conversation starter, a fun dessert, and pairs surprisingly well with savory dishes—or just enjoy it solo if you’re feeling adventurous.
In what regions is garlic ice cream most popular?
Garlic ice cream has found its biggest fanbase in places famous for growing garlic, like Gilroy, California. Gilroy even throws a yearly garlic festival where this chilly treat makes an appearance.
You might also spot garlic ice cream popping up in adventurous restaurants that love to surprise your taste buds with wild flavor combos. Who knew vampires and dessert could have so much in common?
