How To Make Garlic Powder

Save some money and make your garlic powder in bulk with this handy recipe.

Let’s be real—in a household that cooks with garlic every single day, it’s important to keep as much of it on hand as possible. I’ve lost track of how often I use it, and then before I know it, we’re out! But these days, garlic powder can be expensive. So, I’ve taken to making garlic powder from scratch because that way, I can make as much as I want to last me a while. It helps that I have farmer friends who give me their extra garlic for free.

Not only is homemade garlic powder more affordable in the long run, but it also tastes fresher and, in my opinion, more flavorful. A little goes a long way! For those of us who put garlic on nearly everything, it’s a good idea to stock up as much as possible. For every six to eight heads of garlic, one jar of garlic powder is yielded, which usually lasts me about two months.

And if you’re skeptical about the taste of homemade garlic powder, don’t worry. It still has that bright and earthy garlic taste that transforms almost any recipe. I even like to sprinkle some on my avocado toast in the morning, but it’s up to you how you dish it out.

The trick to peeling garlic

If you go straight for peeling, you’ll find that the papery skin sticks quite firmly to the garlic. In my experience, the best way to peel garlic is by crushing each clove with the side of a knife first. This breaks apart the skin, making it easier to peel and discard. If your garlic skin is especially stubborn, try running it under warm water while you peel so that the skins don’t stick to your hands.

How do I store leftovers?

Store your garlic powder in an airtight jar and keep it somewhere cool and dry, like a pantry or cupboard. Like this, garlic powder will last for up to 1 year.

Serving suggestions

Personally, I believe that garlic goes well in any savory dish. But there are some ways to serve it that are more satisfying than others. If I’m in a pinch, then I’ll replace garlic purée with garlic powder in Texas Toast Garlic Bread—one of my housemate’s favorite snacks. For a hearty lunch, incorporate your garlic powder in “Honey” Garlic-Roasted Chickpea Wraps and Garlic-Parmesan Fries. If it’s a dazzling dinner you’re making, then try these easy Garlic Steak And Potato Foil Packets with Smashed Broccoli.