Homemade Garlic Knots

Looking for the best homemade garlic knots recipe? These garlic knots are soft, fluffy, and bursting with irresistible garlic flavor. Made with simple ingredients like bread flour, active dry yeast, and a garlic butter coating, these knots are the perfect side dish or snack. Whether you’re serving them with pasta, pizza, or enjoying them on their own, these homemade garlic knots are sure to be a hit at any meal. Easy to make and full of flavor, they’re an ideal choice for dinner parties, family gatherings, or a comforting treat. Discover how to make these delicious garlic knots with this step-by-step recipe!

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 3 and 3/4 cups bread flour
• 1 and 1/2 teaspoons granulated sugar
• 1 envelope active dry yeast
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 and 1/2 cups warm water (110-115°F)
• 2 tablespoons + 2 teaspoons olive oil (divided)

For the Garlic Coating:

• 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/3 cup fresh parsley, minced
• 1 and 1/2 teaspoons garlic salt or garlic powder
• 1/3 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

For the Dough:

1. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine the bread flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Whisk gently to mix.
2. With the mixer running on low speed, add the warm water and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Continue mixing until the dough forms a ball around the hook.
3. If the dough is too sticky, gradually add flour, 1 tablespoon at a time, until it comes together. If it’s too dry, add water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the dough is smooth and firm.
4. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead gently into a smooth ball.
5. Grease a large bowl with the remaining 2 teaspoons of olive oil, then place the dough inside. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 90 minutes or until doubled in size.
6. Once risen, turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and divide it into 2 equal pieces. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap and let it rest for 10 minutes.
7. Lightly flour the top of each dough round and, using a sharp knife, slice each into 4 quarters. Then, slice each quarter in half to get 16 pieces.
8. Dust each piece with flour and roll them into balls. Shape each ball into a long rope and tie it into a knot. Place the knots on a prepared baking sheet, loosely covered with plastic wrap, and let them rest for 30 minutes for a final rise.
9. Preheat the oven to 450°F. Remove the plastic wrap from the knots. Optionally, brush them with a little garlic butter before baking.
10. Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown and firm. Let them cool for 5 minutes.

For the Garlic Coating:

1. Melt the butter in a small pan over medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant (do not let it burn).
2. Stir in the parsley and garlic salt, then taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
3. Remove from heat and set aside until ready to brush on the knots.

Once the garlic knots are baked, brush them with the garlic coating and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Serve warm and enjoy!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These homemade garlic knots are irresistibly soft, buttery, and packed with flavor. The combination of fresh garlic, parsley, and Parmesan cheese creates a mouthwatering garlic coating that perfectly complements the warm, fluffy dough. They’re the ultimate snack, appetizer, or side dish for any meal!

Tips, Variations, and Substitutions

• Tips: Be sure to let the dough rise in a warm spot, like near a heater or in an oven with just the light on, for the best texture. If you don’t have a stand mixer, you can also knead the dough by hand.
• Variations:
  • Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
  • Use fresh basil instead of parsley for a different twist.
  • Swap the Parmesan for mozzarella for a cheesy, gooey interior.
• Substitutions:
  • If you’re gluten-free, you can substitute bread flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
  • Use dairy-free butter to make this recipe vegan-friendly.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the dough and let it rise overnight in the fridge. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature before shaping.

How can I store leftover garlic knots? Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to regain their crispiness.

Can I freeze garlic knots? Yes! After baking, allow the garlic knots to cool completely, then freeze them in a single layer. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag and store for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven to enjoy.

Serving Suggestions

These garlic knots are perfect alongside pasta dishes, salads, or as a delicious snack on their own. Pair them with marinara sauce for dipping, or serve them as a flavorful accompaniment to your favorite Italian meal.