How to Make Garlic Powder

5 from 30 votes

How to make garlic powder: Slice garlic cloves, dehydrate until crisp, and grind for a flavorful seasoning ready to add to your favorite recipes!

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Learn how to make garlic powder at home with my simple recipe that doesn’t require a big bulky dehydrator; an oven and a sheet pan are the only things you need! Once you taste the fresh flavor of homemade garlic powder, you’ll never go back to the store-bought version!

Garlic powder made from garlic cloves in a spice jar with more cloves nearby.
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There’s something incredibly fulfilling about creating kitchen staple ingredients right at home and making spice blends and spices, like this garlic powder is one of my favorite things to do! While store-bought versions are convenient, crafting your own homemade garlic powder using just your oven guarantees unmatched freshness and flavor. Not only does this DIY approach allow you to control the quality, but it also ensures there are no added fillers or preservatives. With just fresh garlic and a pinch of patience, you can stock your pantry. Ready to transform your dishes with oven-made garlic goodness and add amazing flavor to everyday meals and various seasoning blends like chili powder and Cajun seasoning? Let’s do it!

Why you should learn how to make garlic powder

  • Control quality and freshness. Don’t settle for conventional garlic powder that sits on store shelves for ages and contains additives and preservatives like anti-caking agents. By making garlic powder at home, you’re guaranteed optimal freshness and the best quality.
  • Great way to preserve garlic. If you have an abundance of fresh garlic, either from a bulk buy, a crazy sale, your garden, or a generous friend, turning it into garlic powder is an excellent way to preserve the harvest. It’s also a great way to avoid food waste and save those garlic heads before they start to sprout.
  • Makes a wonderful gift. A jar of homemade garlic powder can make a thoughtful and personalized gift for friends and family who enjoy cooking. Tie a rustic twine or colorful ribbon and add a handwritten note to make it even more special.

Ingredients to make GARLIC POWDER

  • Garlic: Choose fresh, firm garlic heads, free from mold or sprouting, to ensure the best flavor and potency of the garlic powder.
Bowl full of garlic heads.

How to make GARLIC POWDER In The oven

Garlic powder begins with peeling individual cloves of garlic, but from there, the process requires very little hands-on time. The garlic slices are left to slowly dehydrate in the oven, allowing the flavors to intensity without much effort on your part.

How to dehydrate garlic without a dehydrator

  1. Slice the peeled garlic cloves thinly into even pieces to ensure even drying. Spread the garlic slices in a single layer on a baking sheet.
  2. Roast the garlic in a preheated oven until it is completely dry and crisps and makes a snapping sound when you try to break it.
2 image collage of sliced garlic on a baking sheet before and after dehydrating.

How to make homemade garlic powder

  1. Transfer the dehydrated garlic to a spice grinder, coffee grinder, or food processor.
  2. Pulse until the garlic turns to a fine powder.
  3. Sift the garlic powder to ensure fine consistency.
  4. Separate the garlic granules from the fine garlic powder and reserve them for another use.
  5. Transfer the garlic powder to an airtight container like a spice jar.
  6. Add a teaspoon of uncooked rice to keep the garlic powder from clumping.
6 image collage making spice: 1- dried garlic slices in a food processor, 2- after grinding into powder, 3- sifting powder over a bowl, 4- bowl of garlic powder and garlic granules, 5- spoon adding garlic powder to a spice jar, 6- adding rice to jar.

Tips for making the best GARLIC POWDER AT HOME

  1. Use fresh garlic. Avoid bagged peeled garlic due to its uncertain freshness and potential slimy texture. Opt for fresh garlic bulbs for the best homemade garlic powder.
  2. Dehydrate thoroughly. Ensure the garlic is completely dehydrated to prevent moisture from forming and mold growth.
  3. Cool the garlic before grinding it. To prevent steam buildup and clumping, make sure to let the dried garlic cool completely before adding it to the processor.
  4. Shake the jar to break up any clumps. To ensure that your garlic powder remains loose and easy to use, gently shake the jar occasionally to break up any clumps that may have formed.
  5. Don’t toss the granules. You can regrind them to make more garlic powder or add it to soups, stews, or other dishes and quickly rehydrate them as they absorb moisture.
  • Garlic Salt: Quickly whip up homemade garlic salt by using a 1:2 ratio of garlic powder and salt.
  • Herbed Garlic: Mix in dried herbs like oregano, basil, or thyme to create a quick Italian seasoning.
  • Lemon Garlic Salt: Infuse garlic powder with lemon zest and salt for a citrusy seasoning that’s perfect for seafood, vegetables, and chicken dishes.
  • Celery Garlic Salt: Mix garlic powder with celery salt for a delicious blend that goes great with many soups.

What to make with GARLIC POWDER

How to store GARLIC POWDER

To keep your garlic powder fresh and clump-free, store it in an airtight container like a spice jar, away from direct sunlight or any source of moisture. When stored properly, garlic powder can last up to a year.

How long will GARLIC POWDER last in the fridge?

Avoid refrigerating garlic powder, as that can introduce moisture and cause it to clump.

Can i freeze GARLIC POWDER?

I don’t recommend freezing garlic powder for the same reason as refrigeration. It can cause condensation and introduce moisture into the powder, leading to clumping and loss of flavor and texture.

Frequently asked questions

Do you need a dehydrator to make garlic powder at home?

Not at all! This tutorial shows you how to make garlic powder without a dehydrator. Simply set your oven to the lowest setting, dry your peeled and sliced garlic, and grind it to the most flavorful homemade garlic powder. It’s a simple, hassle-free process that doesn’t require a special appliance.

How do I know if the garlic is fully dehydrated and ready for grinding?

When drying garlic for garlic powder, it should become brittle and completely dry. Test a few slices by breaking them between your fingers. If they snap easily and no moisture or softness is left, the garlic is ready for grinding.

What can I do if my garlic powder becomes clumpy after storage?

If your garlic powder develops clumps, gently break them apart with your fingers or the back of a spoon. You can also regrind the powder to restore its loose texture. In the future, consider adding a teaspoon of rice to absorb moisture and prevent clumping.

Homemade garlic powder in a spice jar with a full spoon of garlic powder nearby.

Are you ready to be amazed by the unparalleled freshness and taste of homemade garlic powder? This quick guide shows you how to make garlic powder at home, with just one ingredient and your oven. No special tools are needed!

More seasoning recipes:

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How to Make Garlic Powder from Garlic Cloves

How to make garlic powder: Slice garlic cloves, dehydrate until crisp, and grind for a flavorful seasoning ready to add to your favorite recipes!
5 from 30 votes
Servings 48 servings
Calories 5
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 25 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 6 garlic heads peeled

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to the lowest possible temperature setting, 150°F if possible.
  • Slice the peeled garlic cloves thinly into even pieces to ensure even drying. Transfer the garlic slices in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 2 hours until the garlic is completely dry and crisp and makes a snapping sound when you try to break it.
  • Allow the garlic to cool completely. Then transfer to a spice grinder or coffee grinder and pulse until the garlic turns into a fine powder. Sift the garlic powder to ensure it’s fine and keep the larger garlic granules for another use.
  • Store the garlic powder in an airtight container with a teaspoon of uncooked rice to keep the garlic powder from clumping or a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid for up to 6 months.

Notes

Storage: To keep your garlic powder fresh and clump-free, store it in an airtight container like a spice jar, away from direct sunlight or any source of moisture. When stored properly, garlic powder can last up to a year.
Tips:
Use fresh garlic. Avoid bagged peeled garlic due to its uncertain freshness and potential slimy texture. Opt for fresh garlic bulbs for the best homemade garlic powder.
Dehydrate thoroughly. Ensure the garlic is completely dehydrated to prevent moisture from forming and mold growth.
Cool the garlic before grinding it. To prevent steam buildup and clumping, make sure to let the dried garlic cool completely before adding it to the processor.
Shake the jar to break up any clumps. To ensure that your garlic powder remains loose and easy to use, gently shake the jar occasionally to break up any clumps that may have formed.
Don’t toss the granules. You can regrind them to make more garlic powder or add it to soups, stews, or other dishes and quickly rehydrate them as they absorb moisture.

Nutrition

Calories: 5kcal, Carbohydrates: 1g, Protein: 0.2g, Fat: 0.02g, Saturated Fat: 0.003g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.01g, Sodium: 1mg, Potassium: 14mg, Fiber: 0.1g, Sugar: 0.03g, Vitamin A: 0.3IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 6mg, Iron: 0.1mg

Nutrition information provided is an estimate. It will vary based on cooking method and specific ingredients used.

Cuisine American
Course: Spices, Tutorial

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