Baking can be a wonderfully creative endeavor—one where savory flavors shine just as brightly as sweet ones. If you’ve ever ventured into making savory shortbread or crackers, you know that a good buttery biscuit can elevate a cheese board or stand on its own as a snack. Today, we’re taking things up a notch with an unexpected yet enticing ingredient: black garlic.

Black garlic might sound mysterious, but it’s simply fresh garlic that has been fermented under controlled heat and humidity. The result? Soft, molasses-like cloves bursting with sweet, earthy, and slightly tangy flavors. The deep color and complex taste of black garlic can transform a standard savory biscuit or cracker dough into something truly remarkable.

Why Black Garlic?

Black garlic isn’t just a trend; its subtle, sweet-and-savory balance can bring out the best in buttery doughs. The sweetness complements a touch of salt, and the umami flavors enhance other seasonings. When you bite into these shortbread or crackers, you’ll get a sophisticated taste that pairs beautifully with cheeses, soups, or simple spreads like goat cheese or herb butter.

Recipe Overview

  • Dish: Savory Shortbread or Crackers

  • Star Ingredient: Black Garlic

  • Texture: Buttery, crispy edges, tender center (like shortbread) or thinner and crispier (like crackers)

  • Flavor Profile: Earthy, slightly sweet, subtly garlicky, and deeply savory

Ingredients

(Makes approximately 20–30 pieces, depending on the size and shape you choose)

  • 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened

  • 2 tablespoons black garlic, mashed into a paste (roughly 4–5 cloves of black garlic, depending on size)

  • 1 ½ cups (190 g) all-purpose flour

  • ½ cup (60 g) whole wheat flour (optional, for extra nuttiness—can replace with all-purpose flour if preferred)

  • ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (or to taste)

  • Optional herbs or spices: A teaspoon of fresh thyme or rosemary, or a pinch of smoked paprika, can complement the black garlic beautifully.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prep the Black Garlic

    • Peel the black garlic cloves (if not already peeled).

    • Use a fork or small mortar and pestle to mash the cloves into a paste. Black garlic is quite soft, so it should mash easily.

  2. Cream the Butter and Black Garlic

    • In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and mashed black garlic.

    • Beat the mixture on medium speed (using a hand mixer or stand mixer) or mix with a wooden spoon until the garlic is well-incorporated and the butter takes on a slightly darker hue.

  3. Combine the Dry Ingredients

    • In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour (if using), salt, and black pepper.

    • Add any optional herbs or spices to this mixture.

  4. Make the Dough

    • Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter and black garlic mixture.

    • Mix until just combined; be careful not to overwork the dough. You want everything fully incorporated but still tender.

  5. Form the Dough

    • Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface.

    • Gently shape it into a log or a disk, depending on how you plan to cut or roll it out later.

    • For shortbread-style biscuits, rolling the dough into a log (about 1½ inches in diameter) can make it easy to slice.

    • For crackers, flatten the dough disk slightly, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for about 30 minutes to an hour. Chilled dough is easier to roll and cut thinly.

  6. Chill

    • Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to an hour). This helps the butter firm up and makes shaping/slicing more manageable.

  7. Shape or Slice

    • If making shortbread-style biscuits: Unwrap the chilled log, slice rounds about ¼-inch thick.

    • If making crackers: Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about ⅛-inch thickness. Cut into squares, circles, or any fun shape you like.

  8. Bake

    • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

    • Place the rounds (shortbread) or shapes (crackers) onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

    • Bake for 12–15 minutes (shortbread) or 8–10 minutes (crackers), checking for a light golden color on the edges.

    • Remove from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack. They’ll crisp up further as they cool.

  9. Serve and Enjoy

    • Once cooled, serve your savory shortbread or crackers on a cheeseboard, pair them with a hearty soup, or savor them as a standalone snack.

    • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to a week—if they last that long!

Tips for Success

  1. Don’t Skip the Chill

    • Chilling the dough keeps the butter firm, ensuring a tender, flaky texture.

  2. Experiment with Seasoning

    • Black garlic brings its own unique flavor. You can play around with dried herbs like oregano, sage, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

  3. Thin = Crispier

    • The thinner you roll the dough, the crispier your crackers will be. If you prefer a more shortbread-like texture, slice thicker rounds.

  4. Pay Attention to Salt

    • Black garlic is naturally sweet, so be mindful with the salt. Adjust seasonings according to your taste buds.

  5. Storage

    • These savory biscuits or crackers keep well in an airtight container. If they soften, you can warm them in a low oven for a few minutes to crisp them up.

Serving Suggestions

  • Cheese Pairings: Soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese highlight the sweet, mellow notes of black garlic.

  • Spreads: Hummus, roasted pepper dip, or a dab of spicy harissa can bring new layers to your snack time.

  • Soups and Salads: Crumble them into soups or serve alongside hearty stews for extra crunch and flavor.

Final Thoughts

Using black garlic in a savory shortbread or cracker recipe is a fun and delicious adventure that elevates a simple snack to gourmet territory. The rich, caramelized flavor of black garlic sings against the backdrop of buttery dough. Whether you’re hosting a get-together or simply treating yourself, these snacks will surely intrigue and satisfy.

Happy baking—and enjoy discovering new flavors in your next batch of savory treats!