Garlic Knots

Garlic knots are soft, buttery, and packed with irresistible garlic flavor, making them the perfect side dish or snack. These pillowy knots are easy to make with pizza dough, brushed with a flavorful garlic butter, and finished with a sprinkle of parsley and Parmesan cheese. Whether you’re serving them with pasta, soup, or as a party appetizer, garlic knots are always a crowd-pleaser!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Simple to Make: Uses basic ingredients and is ready in under an hour.
  • Versatile: Pairs perfectly with pasta, pizza, or as a standalone snack.
  • Customizable: Add herbs, cheese, or spices to suit your taste.
  • Perfect for Sharing: A great addition to any party or family dinner.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • Pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
  • Unsalted butter
  • Garlic cloves, minced
  • Parsley, finely chopped
  • Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • Salt

Directions

  1. Prepare the Dough:
    • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
    • Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness.
    • Use a pizza cutter or sharp knife to cut the dough into strips about 6 inches long and 1 inch wide.
  2. Form the Knots:
    • Take each strip and tie it into a loose knot. Tuck the ends underneath and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
  3. Bake the Knots:
    • Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the knots are golden brown and puffed.
  4. Prepare the Garlic Butter:
    • While the knots are baking, melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat.
    • Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant. Remove from heat and stir in the chopped parsley and a pinch of salt.
  5. Brush and Serve:
    • Remove the baked knots from the oven and immediately brush them generously with the garlic butter.
    • Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired, and serve warm.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 12 knots
  • Preparation Time: 15 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Variations

  • Herbed Garlic Knots: Add dried Italian seasoning or oregano to the garlic butter for extra flavor.
  • Cheesy Garlic Knots: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the knots before baking.
  • Spicy Garlic Knots: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for a bit of heat.
  • Whole Wheat Version: Use whole wheat pizza dough for a healthier alternative.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Store leftover garlic knots in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
  • Freezing: Freeze baked knots in a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month. Thaw and reheat before serving.
  • Reheating: Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes or in a microwave for 20 seconds.

FAQs

1. Can I make the dough from scratch?

Yes, homemade pizza dough works wonderfully. Simply allow enough time for the dough to rise before shaping the knots.

2. What’s the best way to keep garlic knots soft?

Brush them with garlic butter immediately after baking and store them in an airtight container.

3. Can I use pre-minced garlic?

Fresh garlic is best for flavor, but pre-minced garlic can be used as a shortcut.

4. Can I prepare garlic knots ahead of time?

Yes, you can shape the knots and refrigerate them for up to 8 hours before baking. Let them come to room temperature before baking.

5. What can I serve with garlic knots?

Serve them with marinara sauce for dipping, alongside pasta, or as a side for soups and salads.

6. Can I make these vegan?

Yes, use vegan butter and skip the Parmesan cheese for a plant-based version.

7. How do I prevent the knots from sticking to the baking sheet?

Use parchment paper or lightly grease the baking sheet with olive oil.

8. Can I use flavored butter?

Absolutely! Garlic herb butter, truffle butter, or roasted garlic butter would all work well.

9. Are garlic knots gluten-free?

Not typically, but you can use gluten-free pizza dough to accommodate dietary restrictions.

10. How do I prevent the knots from drying out?

Avoid overbaking and brush with extra garlic butter to keep them moist.

Conclusion

Garlic knots are a delicious, easy-to-make treat that’s sure to elevate any meal. Whether you’re making them for a casual dinner or a festive gathering, their soft texture and savory garlic butter make them an instant hit. Serve them fresh out of the oven with your favorite dipping sauce, and watch them disappear in no time!

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Garlic Knots

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  • Author: clara
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Chill Time: 1.5 hours
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
  • Yield: 12 garlic knots 1x
  • Category: Side Dish, Appetizer
  • Cuisine: Italian

Description

These Garlic Knots are soft, fluffy, and brushed with a buttery garlic topping, making them the perfect appetizer or side dish. Serve them with marinara sauce for dipping or alongside pasta for a restaurant-quality experience!


Ingredients

Units Scale

For the dough:

  • 3 cups (375 g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) instant yeast
  • 1 cup (240 ml) warm water (110°F/45°C)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the garlic butter topping:

  • 1/4 cup (60 g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried parsley)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

Prepare the Dough:

  1. Activate the yeast:
    • In a small bowl, mix the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
  2. Mix the dough:
    • In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix until a dough forms.
  3. Knead:
    • Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 4-5 minutes.
  4. Let it rise:
    • Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.

Shape the Knots:

  1. Divide the dough:
    • Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces.
  2. Shape into knots:
    • Roll each piece into a rope (about 6-8 inches long) and tie it into a loose knot. Place the knots on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between them.
  3. Second rise:
    • Cover the knots with a kitchen towel and let them rise for 30 minutes.

Bake:

  1. Preheat the oven:
    • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Bake:
    • Bake the knots for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.

Prepare the Garlic Butter Topping:

  1. Make the topping:
    • In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, and salt.
  2. Brush the knots:
    • Brush the warm knots generously with the garlic butter topping as soon as they come out of the oven.

Serve:

Serve the garlic knots warm with marinara sauce for dipping or alongside your favorite Italian dishes.


Notes

  • For a cheesy twist, sprinkle the knots with grated Parmesan cheese after brushing them with garlic butter.
  • Leftover knots can be reheated in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.
  • Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.


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