How to Easily Peel Garlic

Speed up your prep: You could spring for a garlic peeler like this, or follow these methods from our Test Kitchen. Your garlic will be ready to cook in a flash. (Here’s what to make.)

How to Peel Garlic by Shaking

It sounds hacky, but it really works.

Step 1: Smash the head of garlic.

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Grab two bowls of similar size. Place the head of garlic in one bowl and smash with the bottom of the other bowl. You can also smash between two cutting boards.

Test Kitchen tip: Metal bowls work best because they are hard-sided, lightweight for easier shaking and won’t break if you lose your grip on the bowls.

Step 2: Shake!

Put the whole crushed bulb in one bowl with the other bowl on top. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds to separate the papery outer layer from the garlic clove.

Test Kitchen tips: You can also use a firm plastic food storage container with a lid. A jar works, too, but the process will take longer. This can also be done with just a few garlic cloves rather than the whole bulb, but it will require more shaking to get the peels off.

Step 3: Separate cloves from the peel.

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Pull out the cloves and discard the skin. Now it’s time to cook!

How to Peel Garlic in the Microwave

A quick but slightly risky method for peeling garlic: Microwave it on high for 15-20 seconds and the skin will peel away without much effort. Be careful not to overcook, though, or you’ll end up with cloves that are unpleasantly squishy. Don’t like to peel garlic? Learn if you can eat garlic clove skin.

How to Peel Garlic with a Chef’s Knife

Taste of HomeA tried-and-true technique: Place a cove of garlic under the blade of a chef’s knife. Press down until you hear the peel pop apart. Pull it off.

Psst: Are you treating your knives right?

Must-Know Recipes for Garlic Lovers

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Garlic Lemon Shrimp You'll be amazed that you can make this simple, elegant pasta in mere minutes. Serve with crusty bread to soak up all of the garlic lemon sauce. —Athena Russell, Greenville, South Carolina Go to Recipe

Chicken & Garlic with Fresh HerbsThe key to this savory chicken is the combination of garlic, fresh rosemary and thyme. I like to serve it with mashed potatoes or crusty Italian bread. —Jan Valdez, Lombard, Illinois. Looking for variations? Learn how to make creamy garlic chicken.

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Pasta and Veggies in Garlic SauceBig garlic flavor and a little heat from red pepper flakes help perk up this fresh-tasting pasta dish. It's wonderful with chicken and beef entrees. —Doris Heath, Franklin, North Carolina

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Air-Fryer Garlic and Wine Lamb ChopsThis recipe is special to me because the flavor reminds me of my mother's lamb roast that cooks all day. It's a special meal that doesn't take much time or effort, so you can have it all year. —Dorice Winston, Concord, North Carolina

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Skillet Potatoes with Red Pepper and Whole Garlic ClovesYou'll be surprised that a skillet potato recipe this simple has so much flavor. I love how the whole garlic cloves turn sweet after being caramelized. Yum! —Anita Osborne, Thomasburg, Ontario

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Garlic KnotsThese novel garlic knots are handy because they can be made ahead of time and reheated when needed. —Jane Paschke, University Park, Florida

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Tomato-Garlic Lentil BowlsAn Ethiopian recipe inspired this feel-good dinner that's tangy, creamy and packed with hearty comfort. —Rachael Cushing, Portland, Oregon

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Garlic-Dill Soda BreadIt's amazing how bread can be made in a slow cooker, which is why this recipe is awesome—who knew it could be so simple! Let the inviting aroma of dill and cheese fill your kitchen. —Melissa Hansen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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Garlic Chicken & BroccoliThis simple riff on Chinese chicken proves you can savor the takeout taste you crave while still eating right. —Connie Krupp, Racine, Wisconsin

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Onion & Garlic BiscuitsBake a dozen of these oniony, herby biscuits for a little something new in the holiday bread basket. They're also awesome with a bowl of chili, soup or stew. —L. Dorow, Fairmont, Minnesota

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Greek Garlic ChickenLively flavors of the Greek Isles come through in this mouthwatering chicken entree. I created this dish so my husband and I could have a nice dinner after a busy day out and about. —Margee Berry, Trout Lake, Washington. If you like this, then you must try Chinese chicken with garlic sauce.

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Creamy Roasted Garlic & Spinach OrzoThis side dish brings instant comfort. I first made it without spinach so my husband and daughter would like it. The next time, I added spinach for the extra health benefits. They still devoured it, so in my book that's a win-win. —Dawn Moore, Warren, Pennsylvania

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You can take your dishes to a whole new level by learning how to roast garlic.

Garlic-Ginger Turkey TenderloinsThis good-for-you entree can be on your dinner plates quicker than Chinese takeout—and for a lot less money! Ginger and brown sugar flavor the sauce that spices up the turkey as it bakes. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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Garlic Green Beans with GorgonzolaI updated this green bean holiday side dish by adding a touch of white wine, fresh thyme and green onions. It's delicious, easy to make and my family loves it! —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada

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Mozzarella Mushrooms with Garlic ToastI came up with this dinner using ingredients I had on hand. It turned out to be so delicious, my wife and I now make it for special occasions. —Marc Bushee, Moorhead, Minnesota

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Garlic Salmon LinguineThe garlic-seasoned main dish calls for handy pantry ingredients, including pasta and canned salmon. I serve it with asparagus, rolls and fruit. —Theresa Hagan, Glendale, Arizona

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Lemon & Garlic New PotatoesThis is a simplified version of a dish my Costa Rican host sister used to make when I was in the Peace Corps. It has become a favorite side dish at my house. —Katie Bartle, Parkville, Missouri

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Gingered Short Ribs with Green RiceI love the flavors of Korean cuisine, so I created short ribs for the slow cooker. The dish is beautiful, too! —Lily Julow, Lawrenceville, Georgia

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Garlic-Mashed Rutabagas & PotatoesMy family absolutely loves mashed potatoes. I created this recipe to lighten up the calories and sneak in a serving of rutabagas. If you have the time, boil the potatoes in chicken broth to add even more flavor. —Rosemary Tatum, Sterlington, Louisiana

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Garlic Lover’s ChickenThe garlic and lemon are great together on this breaded chicken. I've served this several times for special-occasion dinners. —Janice Steinmetz, Somers, Connecticut

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Onion-Garlic Bubble BreadI've relied on this bread recipe often over the years. Frozen dough hurries along the golden pull-apart loaf. It's wonderful with Italian dishes, especially spaghetti and lasagna. —Charlene Bzdok, Little Falls, Minnesota

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It may also be a nice side to these tasty San Francisco style Vietnamese American garlic noodles.

Garlic-Apple Pork RoastThis is the meal I have become famous for, and it is so simple. The garlic and apple flavors really complement the pork. It's especially good with steamed fresh asparagus and roasted red potatoes. —Jennifer Loos, Washington Boro, Pennsylvania

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Garlic Tortellini SoupI like to top bowls of this tasty soup with a little grated Parmesan cheese, and serve it with crusty bread to round out the meal. —Donna Morgan, Hend, Tennessee

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Au Gratin Garlic PotatoesCream cheese and a can of cheese soup turn ordinary sliced potatoes into a rich side dish that's a perfect accompaniment to almost any meal. —Tonya Vowels, Vine Grove, Kentucky

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Garlic-Cheese Crescent RollsUpgrade your basic crescent roll recipe! Here's a recipe that just couldn't be much quicker or easier and is sure to add a nice touch to any dinner. The garlic and Parmesan flavors really come through. Enjoy! —Lori Abad, East Haven, Connecticut

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Garlic-Chive Baked FriesYes, you do want fries with that—especially these crispy, golden fries, full of garlic flavor and just a little bit of heat. —Steve Westphal, Wind Lake, Wisconsin

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Garlic-Butter SteakMade in a skillet, this quick-and-easy garlic butter steak is restaurant-quality and sure to become a staple at your house, too! —Lily Julow, Lawrenceville, Georgia

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Lemon-Garlic Cream FettuccineI've been making this lemony pasta for the family for years. It's both simple and indulgent enough to make it a go-to recipe. —Anne Miller, Glenfield, New York

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Honey-Garlic Glazed MeatballsMy husband and I raise cattle on our farm here in southwestern Ontario, so it's no surprise that we're fond of these saucy meatballs. I know your family will like them, too. —Marion Foster, Kirkton, Ontario

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Garlic Shrimp & Orzo SaladI enjoy cold pasta salads and rice salads, so I decided to make one with orzo, a rice-shaped pasta. Feel free to add other favorite veggies—like asparagus and green beans—and serve with rolls or pita bread. —Valonda Seward, Coarsegold, California

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Garlic Lemon ButterThis tangy flavored butter offers a nice change from plain butter and gives a refreshing new taste to an ear of corn. When I serve this on the side during fresh corn season, the same question always gets asked—"What's in the butter that makes it so delicious?" —Margie Wampler, Butler, Pennsylvania

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