9 Garlic Spread Recipes, From Toum to Aioli

If a recipe calls for one clove of garlic, we’re doubling it. Sometimes, adding an entire head of garlic is the only way to get enough. So when we first tried the Garlic Spread Dip at Trader Joe’s, our eyes lit up with joy. 

This tasty spread finally hit the right ratio of garlic: as in, it’s mostly just garlic. What is this magical spread? It turns out, Trader Joe’s version is actually inspired by a traditional Middle Eastern spread called “toum”—the Arabic word for, you guessed it, “garlic.” 

We wondered if there are other spread recipes out there that have the same level of garlic goodness, and as it turns out, there is something out there for every garlic lover. 

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Spreads for garlic lovers

An easy way to make sure your garlic-loving needs are met is to stock up on Trader Joe’s Garlic Spread Dip. But for those in the know, whenever the grocery store launches something you like, more often than not, it’ll be discontinued by the end of the year. 

As such, keep these nine recipes in your back pocket just in case Trader Joe’s Garlic Spread Dip meets the same fate. 

Feel Good Foodie

1Toum

Let’s start with classic toum (also known as “toom”), which is a traditional Lebanese garlic sauce renowned for its creamy, fluffy texture, and intense garlic flavor. This spread is made from garlic, oil, lemon juice, and salt, and is often served with falafel and shawarma. Try it on crusty bread, grilled tofu, and a creamy element in tacos. 
Ingredients: garlic, oil, lemon juice, salt
Instructions: blend garlic and salt, slowly add oil and lemon juice while blending to create an emulsion
Get the recipe

Loving It Vegan

2Aioli

Aioli is a Mediterranean garlic spread that traditionally combines garlic with mayonnaise. While Trader Joe’s also has a vegan truffle aioli, we’re here for garlic. Vegan versions of aioli can use aquafaba (chickpea brine) or other plant-based substitutes for mayo, which typically includes eggs. It’s creamy and rich, making it a popular choice as a dip or sandwich spread.
Ingredients: garlic, aquafaba, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, olive oil, salt
Instructions: blend garlic and aquafaba, add lemon juice and mustard, then slowly blend in olive oil to emulsify
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A Sprinkle and A Splash

3Roasted garlic spread

Roasted garlic spread is a simple yet flavorful option that involves roasting whole heads of garlic until they become soft and caramelized. The garlic is then mashed and mixed with olive oil and salt, creating a spread that is perfect for bread, mixed into pasta, or as a flavor enhancer for various dishes.
Ingredients: whole garlic heads, olive oil, sea salt
Instructions: slow-roast garlic with olive oil and water, squeeze out the garlic cloves, and mash
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Zardy Plants

4Garlic butter spread

This vegan garlic butter spread uses plant-based butter mixed with minced garlic, fresh herbs, and Violife’s dairy-free Parmesan cheese. It’s versatile and perfect for garlic bread, baked potatoes, or sautéing vegetables.
Ingredients: vegan butter, garlic, fresh oregano, fresh herbs, vegan Parmesan, salt, pepper
Instructions: blend all ingredients in a food processor until smooth
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Eating Well

5Garlic hummus

Garlic hummus is a variation of the classic Middle Eastern chickpea spread that incorporates roasted or raw garlic into the hummus, adding a robust garlic flavor. This spread is perfect as a dip for pita bread, vegetables, or as a sandwich spread. Feel free to up the garlic content to your liking. 
Ingredients: chickpeas, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt
Instructions: blend all ingredients until smooth, adding water to adjust consistency
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It Doesn’t Taste Like Chicken

6Garlic herb cream cheese

This take on cream cheese is made from soaked and blended cashews and combines garlic and herbs to kick up the flavor. This spread is perfect for bagels, crackers, or sandwiches.
Ingredients: vegan cream cheese, garlic, fresh herbs, salt, pepper
Instructions: mix all ingredients until well combined
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Vanilla and Bean

7Garlic scape pesto

Garlic scape pesto utilizes the flower stalks of garlic plants, known as garlic scapes. The garlic flavor here might be a little more nuanced but still vibrant. This spread gets its cheesy flavor from nutritional yeast and a bit of body from walnuts.
Ingredients: garlic scapes, walnuts, nutritional yeast, olive oil, lemon juice, salt
Instructions: blend all ingredients, adding olive oil slowly until incorporated
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Serious Eats/J. Kenji López-Alt

8Garlic tahini spread

This Middle Eastern-inspired spread combines garlic with tahini (sesame seed paste), lemon juice, and spices. It’s creamy and rich, with a nutty flavor from the tahini, making it ideal for grilled vegetables, pita bread, or as a sandwich spread. This recipe calls for an entire head of garlic, because that’s the only way. 
Ingredients: tahini, garlic, lemon juice, cumin, salt, water
Instructions: mix tahini with minced garlic, lemon juice, cumin, and salt. Gradually add water until desired consistency is reached
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Romulo Yanes for The New York Times

9Roasted garlic and white bean dip with rosemary

If you like a little protein with your spread, this recipe combines a whole head of roasted garlic with white beans for a luscious option that’s great as a dip for crudité or an ultra-creamy spread on toast.
Ingredients: white beans (cannellini or navy beans), garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, rosemary, salt, pepper
Instructions: blend cooked white beans with roasted garlic, olive oil, rosemary, and lemon juice until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste
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