Garlic Knots are the kind of food that makes your heart do a little happy dance. Imagine biting into warm, fluffy bread twisted into little knots, all smothered in garlic butter and sprinkled with parsley—pure bliss! These delightful bites are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a game night, enjoying a cozy family dinner, or just looking to treat yourself after a long day. The aroma that fills your kitchen while they bake is enough to make you question why you ever thought about ordering takeout.
I remember the first time I made Garlic Knots. I was trying to impress a date, and let’s just say my cooking skills were more ‘instant noodles’ than ‘culinary genius.’ But as those knots puffed up in the oven, filling the air with their intoxicating scent, I knew I was onto something magical. Spoiler alert: I didn’t end up marrying that date, but we did share a laugh over those delicious Garlic Knots. Now every time I whip them up, it brings back those fond memories and makes me feel like a pro in the kitchen.
Why You'll Love This Garlic Knots
- This incredible Garlic Knots transforms simple everyday ingredients into restaurant-quality flavors that will blow your mind completely.
- Foolproof recipe techniques guarantee perfect results every single time, making even novice cooks feel like professional chefs instantly.
- Stunning visual appeal with gorgeous colors and mouthwatering aromas creates the ultimate Instagram-worthy dish for any special occasion.
- Endlessly adaptable for different dietary needs while working beautifully for meal prep, date nights, or entertaining large groups effortlessly.
What You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Garlic Knots:
- All-Purpose Flour: About 4 cups will give you that perfect chewy texture essential for great knots.
- Active Dry Yeast: Look for fresh yeast; it’s key to making your knots rise beautifully.
- Warm Water: This helps activate the yeast; aim for about 110°F (43°C) to get things bubbling!
- Salt: Just a teaspoon enhances all the other flavors without overpowering them.
- Sugar: A tablespoon of sugar balances out the saltiness and helps brown your knots.
- Olive Oil: Use about two tablespoons for richness and flavor; extra virgin is always a winner.
For the Topping:
- Butter: Melted butter (about half a cup) is essential for that garlic buttery goodness!
- Fresh Garlic: Minced garlic cloves bring an aromatic punch—use as much as your heart desires!
- Parsley: Freshly chopped parsley adds color and freshness; feel free to use dried if that’s what you’ve got.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Cooking Instructions
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious Garlic Knots:
Step 1: Activate Your Yeast
In a small bowl, combine warm water (about one cup) with active dry yeast and sugar. Let it sit for about five minutes until foamy—this means your yeast is alive and ready to party!
Step 2: Make the Dough
In a large bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture along with olive oil. Mix until it forms a soft dough. If it’s too sticky, sprinkle in a bit more flour until it feels just right.
Step 3: Knead Away!
Turn your dough out onto a floured surface and knead it for about five minutes until smooth and elastic. This is where you can work off any stress—punching dough is oddly therapeutic!
Step 4: Let It Rise
Place your dough in an oiled bowl and cover it with a damp cloth. Let it rise in a warm place for about an hour or until doubled in size. Go watch an episode of your favorite show while you wait!
Step 5: Shape Your Knots
After rising, punch down the dough and divide it into small pieces (around eight). Roll each piece into a long rope and tie it into a knot. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 6: Bake Them Up
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating up, melt your butter and mix in minced garlic and chopped parsley. Brush this glorious mixture over each knot before placing them in the oven. Bake for about 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Transfer to plates and drizzle with leftover garlic butter for the perfect finishing touch.
There you have it—your very own Garlic Knots! Serve these beauties fresh from the oven alongside marinara sauce or simply enjoy them on their own while basking in their glory (and maybe even dancing around your kitchen). With this recipe under your belt, you’re well on your way to becoming everyone’s favorite home chef—you might even consider starting a fan club!
You Must Know About Garlic Knots
- This showstopping Garlic Knots delivers restaurant-quality results using simple ingredients you probably already have at home.
- The perfect balance of textures and flavors creates an unforgettable dining experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.
- Picture-perfect presentation with vibrant colors makes this dish absolutely Instagram-worthy and guaranteed to impress any dinner guest.
- Incredibly versatile recipe that works beautifully for weeknight dinners, meal prep, special occasions, or even outdoor entertaining sessions.
Perfecting Cooking Process
To achieve the best results with your Garlic Knots, start by preparing the dough first. While it rises, mix your garlic butter and gather your toppings. Once the dough is ready, shape the knots and bake them until golden brown for that perfect texture.
Flavor Your Way
Feel free to customize these Garlic Knots to suit your palate! Swap out the herbs with your favorites like oregano or basil, add cheese within the knots for extra gooeyness, or sprinkle in some red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover Garlic Knots in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To reheat, simply pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-10 minutes until warm and crispy again.
Chef's Helpful Tips for Garlic Knots
- This professional-quality Garlic Knots relies on precise timing and temperature control to achieve restaurant-standard results consistently.
- Master the art of mise en place by prepping all ingredients beforehand, ensuring smooth execution and preventing any last-minute cooking disasters.
- The secret lies in layering flavors throughout the cooking process rather than seasoning only at the end for maximum depth.
- Pro tip: let the finished dish rest for optimal texture and flavor development before serving to hungry guests waiting eagerly.
Nothing beats the joy of sharing these Garlic Knots with friends during our Friday night pizza parties—everyone raved about them, and I secretly basked in my culinary glory!
FAQs
What is Garlic Knots?
Garlic knots are a popular Italian-American appetizer made from pizza dough. They are typically shaped into knots, brushed with garlic-infused butter or olive oil, and then baked to golden perfection. These delightful bites are often sprinkled with parsley and grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor. Garlic knots are perfect for dipping into marinara sauce or enjoying on their own. Their soft, chewy texture and rich garlic taste make them a favorite among many.
How do I store leftover Garlic Knots?
To store leftover garlic knots, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the knots. Wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Can I make Garlic Knots ahead of time?
Yes, you can make garlic knots ahead of time! Prepare the dough and shape it into knots. After shaping, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and cover with plastic wrap. You can refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. Just let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking so they can rise slightly. This makes it easy to serve hot garlic knots fresh out of the oven when your guests arrive.
What dips pair well with Garlic Knots?
Garlic knots pair wonderfully with various dips that enhance their flavor. Classic marinara sauce is a popular choice due to its rich tomato flavor, which complements the garlic perfectly. You can also try garlic aioli for a creamy dip or even ranch dressing for those who enjoy a tangy twist. Additionally, warm melted cheese or pesto makes fantastic accompaniments that elevate your garlic knots experience even further.
Conclusion
In summary, garlic knots are a delicious and versatile appetizer that can enhance any meal or gathering. They are easy to make and customize according to your tastes. Whether served with marinara sauce or enjoyed plain, these tasty bites will surely impress your friends and family. Remember to store leftovers properly or prepare them ahead of time for convenience. Enjoy your homemade garlic knots and savor every flavorful bite!
Garlic Knots
Garlic Knots are the ultimate comfort food that combines warm, fluffy bread with rich garlic butter and fresh parsley. These irresistible bites are perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying solo after a long day. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can create restaurant-quality Garlic Knots right in your own kitchen!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 8 servings (16 knots) 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water (110°F/43°C)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ½ cup melted butter
- 4 minced garlic cloves
- ¼ cup freshly chopped parsley
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar; let sit until foamy (about 5 minutes).
- Make Dough: In a large bowl, whisk flour and salt. Add yeast mixture and olive oil; mix until soft dough forms. Adjust with flour if sticky.
- Knead: On a floured surface, knead dough for about 5 minutes until smooth.
- Rise: Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Shape Knots: Punch down the dough, divide into small pieces, roll into ropes, and tie each into a knot. Place on parchment-lined baking sheets.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Mix melted butter with garlic and parsley; brush over knots before baking for about 15-20 minutes or until golden.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 knots (100g)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
