Top 10 Dishes You Need To Create After Experiencing The Gilroy Garlic Festival

Going to festivals is an excellent way to spend the weekend. The atmosphere is always so cheerful and friendly. There are always interesting people to meet. Overall, it’s just a great way to experience a place, like California. But out of all the possible festivals you could go to — from film festivals to music festivals — the best one has to be a food festival.

When you’re in California, specifically the lovely and southernmost city of the Santa Clara County, you cannot miss the Gilroy Garlic Festival. The three-day festival is known as the “Ultimate Summer Food Fair” and its history goes back 36 years. There is a lot to see and do in this three-day celebration, highlighting the aromatic and nutritious seasoning. You’ll enjoy live entertainment. You’ll see arts and crafts. And, of course, you’ll sample some of the outstanding dishes in the region.

But instead of ending your garlic “love affair” in Gilroy, why not continue the gastronomic experience by firing up the stove in your own home, and cooking up these 10 delectable garlic dishes?

1. Garlic Fries
It’s more than likely this variation on French Fries has been done at the Garlic Cook Off, and you will be able to eat at the Gourmet Alley at the festival. But instead of frying, why not put it through the oven? It’ll be healthier but still be flavorful with minced garlic and chopped parsley.

2. Roasted Garlic and Goat Cheese
Cheese. Roasted garlic. What’s not to like? You can drizzle a bit of honey to add a sweet element. Serve it as a spread for whole wheat crackers, crostinis, or baguettes.

3. Sautéed Spinach and Garlic Chips
Eat like the Californians: light and healthy. You can start by making this light and fresh entrée. It could also be a side dish.

4. Spicy Garlic Shrimp
Perfect for the summer picnic. Rachael Ray’s recipe calls for red pepper flakes, steak seasoning, four cloves of crushed garlic — and a cooking time of four minutes.

5. Walnut Garlic Tart
Nothing starts off a meal like a savory entrée. This dish has actually been featured in the Garlic Cook Off. You’ll need to roast the garlic and toast the walnuts to give the dish its layer of deep flavors.

6. Sopa de Ajo
Garlic, eggs, bread, and paprika. This is one dynamite soup you’ll keep making and eating.

7. Popcorn Chicken Stuffed with Garlic Puree
It’s savory, salty, sweet — and just right for family lunches.

8. Foil-Baked Lemon and Garlic Fish
If you wine and dine around the hotels near Gilroy Garlic Festival, you may enjoy quite a bit of fresh seafood. Take inspiration from this light, herby dish and you’ll be surprised by its full flavor.

9. Mussels in White Wine and Garlic
It takes all of 10 minutes to cook this classic Belgian dish. Just throw everything together in a stockpot and be prepared to mop up the garlicky soup with crusty bread.

10. Whole Roasted Garlic
Finally, add some sweet flavor to every vinaigrette and spread by roasting whole garlic. You can store this in a closed jar in your refrigerator for about a week.