How To Make Garlic Powder

This is how to make garlic powder from scratch. Homemade garlic powder has a rich garlic flavor and a fresh taste that works so well in soups, pasta, roasted vegetables, marinades, and meat dishes. Making your own garlic seasoning at home is simple and only takes fresh garlic cloves and a dehydrator. You also get a finer texture and stronger flavor compared to some store bought jars sitting on grocery shelves for months. Once you try homemade garlic powder, it becomes one of those pantry staples you reach for all the time.

If you cook dinner most nights, having garlic powder ready to use makes life so much easier. There are days when peeling and chopping fresh garlic feels like one more thing to do, especially during busy evenings. A small jar of homemade garlic powder can save time while still adding that bold garlic flavor everyone loves. I also like knowing exactly what is in my seasoning blend with no extra ingredients mixed in. After making it once, you will probably start looking at extra garlic on the counter in a whole new way.

How To Make Garlic Powder

Why you will love this recipe

This recipe is a great way to use extra garlic before it starts drying out on the counter. Making garlic powder at home also gives you control over the texture, so you can blend it as fine or as coarse as you like.

Ingredients For This Recipe

You will need about 1 cup of dried garlic to make 1/2 cup of garlic powder, depending on the size of the bulbs. The garlic bulbs I used were about medium size and gave me almost exactly 1/2 cup of powder when I used 6 bulbs.

• 1 cup dried garlic

How To Make This Recipe

If you have never dehydrated garlic pieces before, don’t worry, it’s really simple once you know the steps. I have a full tutorial that walks you through how to dehydrate garlic. It’s a great starting point if you are new to dehydrating and want a little extra help before making the powder.

Step 1

Peel the garlic bulbs and then cut them in very thin slices about 1/8 inch thick. Line your trays with parchment paper and lay the garlic slices in a single layer.

Step 2

Dry the garlic slices until they are completely crisp. Set your dehydrator it at 130F and dry them for about 10-12 hours. Check the slices after several hours and rotate trays if needed. The slices should easily snap apart once fully dried. Let the dried garlic completely cool before grinding.

Step 3

Add the dried garlic pieces to a spice grinder or food processor and blend until you get a fine powder. I’m using a Cuisinart Spice Grinder for this and it really works fantastic for garlic powder. You can blend the dried garlic into a fine powder for smooth seasoning or leave it a little chunky for more texture.

Step 4

Use right away or transfer the garlic powder to an airtight jar. Before storing your powder long term, it’s a good idea to condition it for a few days first. Add the powder to a clean jar with a lid and give it a shake once or twice a day to help distribute any remaining moisture.

Make sure the garlic powder is fully dry before storing it since any leftover moisture can lead to mold forming in the jar. The powder should feel light, free flowing, and never damp or sticky when you press it between your fingers.

Tips For Making Garlic Powder

Slice the garlic into thin, even pieces so it dries at the same pace throughout. Spread it out in a single layer on a baking tray or dehydrator tray so the air can move freely around each piece. Keep the heat low and steady so the garlic keeps its natural aroma and does not brown too quickly. Let it cool fully before blending so it turns into a smooth powder without clumping.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does garlic take to dry?

The drying time can change depending on how thick the slices are and how much moisture is in the garlic. Thin slices usually become ready faster than thicker ones. It is helpful to check them along the way so they feel crisp and snap easily when touched. Mine usually take between 9-10 hours.

Can I use an oven instead of a dehydrator?

Yes, an oven works well for drying garlic when a dehydrator is not available. But a dehydrator makes things so much easier. They have the proper low temperature settings and are made specifically for drying food.

How should I store homemade garlic powder?

Store the finished garlic powder in a clean, dry jar with a tight fitting lid. A glass container works well because it keeps out extra moisture from the air. Place it in a cool cupboard away from steam and heat from cooking areas. This helps keep the texture light and easy to sprinkle.

How do I know the garlic is ready to grind?

The garlic should feel crisp and break easily when you press it between your fingers. If it bends or feels soft, it needs more time to dry. Fully dried garlic will blend smoothly into powder or stay slightly coarse if you prefer more texture. Let it cool completely before grinding so it stays free flowing.

Uses For Garlic Powder

• Sprinkle over roasted carrots, potatoes, or green beans for added flavor.
• Mix into melted butter or olive oil for bread or flatbreads.
• Stir into soups or broths for deeper savory taste.
• Add to marinades for chicken, beef or seafood.
• Blend into salad dressings for a gentle garlic kick.
  Stir into scrambled eggs or omelets for extra taste.

More recipes to try

• How to make lime powder with a dehydrator
• Easy pumpkin spice recipe
• How to make DIY lemon pepper
• Dijon mustard vinaigrette recipe