Introduction: Garlic knots are the perfect combination of soft, chewy dough, aromatic garlic, and melted butter, with the added richness of Parmesan and fresh herbs. They make for an irresistible snack or side dish that’s sure to impress any crowd. This homemade recipe lets you control the flavor and texture, creating a fresh, flavorful version that outshines store-bought alternatives.
Ingredients:
For the dough:
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon sugar
1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
¾ cup warm water (about 110°F)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
For the garlic butter topping:
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried parsley)
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
For the garnish:
Extra Parmesan cheese, for sprinkling
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions:
Activate the yeast: In a bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
Make the dough: In a large mixing bowl, add flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until the dough begins to come together. Then, knead on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic.
Let it rise: Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Shape the knots: Punch the dough down and divide it into 10-12 equal portions. Roll each portion into a rope about 6-8 inches long. Tie each rope into a knot, tucking the ends underneath to form a round shape. Place the knots on the prepared baking sheet.
Prepare the garlic butter topping: In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, Parmesan cheese, and red pepper flakes (if using). Brush the garlic butter mixture generously over the knots.
Bake: Bake the garlic knots for 15-18 minutes, or until they are golden brown.
Garnish and serve: Once out of the oven, immediately brush the knots with any leftover garlic butter and sprinkle with more Parmesan and fresh parsley.
Enjoy! Serve warm, and enjoy the soft, buttery, garlicky goodness!
Description:
These homemade garlic knots are soft, fluffy, and bursting with flavor. The freshly made dough gives them a perfect texture that’s chewy on the inside with a lightly crispy exterior. The garlic butter glaze enhances the knots with a rich garlicky taste, and the Parmesan adds a savory, umami kick. Finished off with fresh parsley for color and an extra burst of freshness, these knots are the ideal side dish to any meal or a savory snack for any occasion.
Tips:
For an extra garlicky flavor, let the garlic infuse in the melted butter for a few minutes before brushing it over the knots.
If you don’t have fresh parsley, dried parsley works just as well in the garlic butter mixture.
You can freeze the unbaked garlic knots for later use. Just place the shaped knots on a baking sheet, freeze them until firm, and then transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, let them thaw and rise before brushing with garlic butter and baking.
If you want to make them extra cheesy, add mozzarella cheese to the inside of the knots before tying them.
These garlic knots can be reheated by wrapping them in foil and baking at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.
Variations:
Cheese Stuffed Knots: Add a small piece of mozzarella cheese inside the dough before knotting for a cheesy surprise.
Herb Variation: Try using thyme, rosemary, or oregano instead of parsley for a different flavor profile.
Spicy Garlic Knots: Add more red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for a spicier version, or drizzle with a little hot sauce after baking.
Corrections:
If your dough doesn’t rise properly, ensure that your yeast is active and that the water is at the correct temperature (around 110°F). Too hot or too cold water can kill the yeast.
If your garlic knots are too hard or dry, check the baking time. Overbaking can cause them to become tough, so make sure to keep an eye on them during the last few minutes.
Enjoy:
Serve these garlic knots with marinara sauce for dipping or enjoy them on their own as a savory treat. Perfect for gatherings, dinners, or as a simple snack, these garlic knots are guaranteed to be a hit!