How To Turn Fresh Garlic Into Homemade Garlic Powder

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If you've ever found yourself tossing out sprouting garlic or scrambling to find a clove when all you have is the dregs of a supermarket spice jar, there's a better way to get that garlic flavor you crave: make your own garlic powder. It's easier than you think, and the result is a rich, punchy seasoning that blows the store-bought stuff (which isn't a pure substance, but a mixture) out of the water. Pre-ground garlic powder is notorious for tasting stale or faintly metallic, and although we don't think garlic powder deserves its bad reputation, homemade versions pack a cleaner, more complex flavor. They're warmer, slightly sweet, and still carry that signature savory kick, without the additives or anti-caking agents that dull commercial blends.

To make garlic powder at home, start by peeling your garlic cloves and slicing them into thin, even pieces. Thinner slices will dry faster and more evenly, which is key to avoiding bitterness. Spread them out in a single layer on a dehydrator tray or baking sheet. If you're using an oven, keep the temp low at around 135 to 150 degrees Fahrenheit, and expect the drying process to take several hours. You'll know they're ready when the pieces snap cleanly and feel dry all the way through. Once your cloves are completely dry, grind the garlic using a spice grinder, like this Cool Knight Electric Herb Grinder on Amazon, a high-speed blender, or even a mortar and pestle. You can also sift the powder if you want a finer texture.

Once the grinding process is complete, transfer your homemade garlic powder to an airtight container. Stored in a cool, dark cabinet, homemade garlic powder can stay fresh for up to a year, but its peak flavor usually lasts for about 6 to 8 months. If you want to take it up a notch, you can toast the dried garlic slices slightly before grinding to coax out deeper, nuttier notes, or blend with a pinch of sea salt for your own garlic salt mix.

Making your own garlic powder is a great way to extend the shelf life of the garlic you already have on hand. Plus, because homemade garlic powder packs a ton of flavor, you don't have to play the guessing game of how much garlic powder is equal to a clove if you're out of the fresh stuff and need it for a recipe. If you cook with garlic regularly — or love making your own pantry staples — this is one of those DIY upgrades that's actually worth it. Not to mention, it's quite satisfying to turn humble cloves into a seasoning that can last for months.