This fluffy, creamy Trader Joes Garlic Spread Dip Recipe is made with fresh garlic and neutral oil and ready in 15 minutes. Watching the harsh raw ingredients suddenly whip into a cloud-like white spread feels like magic. I find myself making a fresh batch every week.
The Secret To Getting It Right
When I first tried making this spread, my mixture completely separated into a greasy pool. I realized that patience is the single most important factor.
You have to pour the oil in a slow, steady stream while the food processor runs. If you rush the process, the emulsion breaks immediately.
Jump to RecipeTrader Joes Garlic Spread Dip Recipe Ingredients
- 1 cup peeled fresh garlic cloves
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 3 cups neutral oil (canola or avocado)
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons ice water
How To Make Trader Joes Garlic Spread Dip Recipe
- Process the garlic: Add the peeled garlic cloves and kosher salt to a food processor. Pulse until finely minced, scraping down the sides as needed.
- Start the emulsion: Turn the processor on and slowly add one tablespoon of oil, drop by drop. Wait until fully absorbed before adding more.
- Alternate liquids: Once you have added half a cup of oil, begin alternating pouring a thin stream of oil with small splashes of lemon juice.
- Finish and fluff: Continue this process until all the oil and lemon juice are incorporated. Add the ice water at the very end to make it fluffy.
Recipe Tips
- Use fresh garlic: Older garlic with green sprouts will make the spread taste bitter and overly sharp.
- Control the temperature: Cold ingredients help the emulsion hold together, which is why ice water is crucial.
- Take your time: Pouring the oil too fast is the number one reason this recipe fails.
What To Serve With Garlic Spread Dip
This pairs incredibly well with grilled chicken skewers or warm pita bread. I also use it as a robust sandwich spread instead of standard mayonnaise. It adds a massive punch to crispy roasted potatoes.
How To Store
Keep the spread in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one month. The garlic flavor actually mellows and improves after the first two days. Do not freeze this dip, as the emulsion will break when thawed.
FAQs
Why did my garlic spread turn liquid?
You likely poured the oil in too quickly, causing the emulsion to break. You can try blending a fresh egg white and slowly streaming the broken mixture into it to fix it.
Can I use olive oil?
Extra virgin olive oil is too heavy and bitter for this recipe. You must use a completely neutral oil like canola or safflower.
Do I have to peel fresh garlic?
Yes, pre-peeled garlic in bags often lacks the moisture needed for a proper emulsion.
Nutrition
- Calories: 120
- Total Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 65mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 2g
- Protein: 0g
Trader Joes Garlic Spread Dip Recipe
24
servings15
minutes15
minutesTrader Joes Garlic Spread Dip Recipe yields a fluffy, creamy spread using fresh garlic, lemon juice, and neutral oil in 15 minutes. This bright condiment is ideal for casual weekend meals or quick daily snacking.
Ingredients
1 cup peeled fresh garlic cloves
1 teaspoon kosher salt
3 cups neutral oil (canola or avocado)
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons ice water
Directions
- 1. Process the garlic: Add the peeled garlic cloves and kosher salt to a food processor. Pulse until finely minced, scraping down the sides as needed.
- 2. Start the emulsion: Turn the processor on and slowly add one tablespoon of oil, drop by drop. Wait until fully absorbed before adding more.
- 3. Alternate liquids: Once you have added half a cup of oil, begin alternating pouring a thin stream of oil with small splashes of lemon juice.
- 4. Finish and fluff: Continue this process until all the oil and lemon juice are incorporated. Add the ice water at the very end to make it fluffy.
