All it takes is a nice rub of garlic.

What’s so special about a clove of garlic?

It’s not about the ingredient per se, it’s about how the garlic is used.

Martha Stewart cut out on a blue and yellow background next to a photo of potato casserole

Simply Recipes / Adobe Stock / Getty Images

Garlic is an aromatic ingredient with incredible flavor and aroma, but it can sometimes be overpowering.

Rub the sides and bottom of your casserole dish with the clove.

Save the clove to chop or mince for use in another dish and proceed with your recipe.

Potato casserole in a red baking dish

Simply Recipes / Mark Beahm

Its subtle but perfect for dishes like Marthas potato casserole.

One of my favorite ways is using a sliced or smashed clove to brush slices of bread before toasting.

These garlicky (but not too much) toasts are delicious for everything from bruschetta to tuna melts.

Try the easy trick with other vessels too.

The opportunities to use “garlic essence are limitless!

The Best Potato Casserole Recipes