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Garlic Knots

 

Garlic Knots are the perfect combination of warm, soft dough and a flavorful garlic butter coating. These bite-sized delights are ideal for dipping into marinara sauce or enjoying as a side with pasta, pizza, or any Italian dish. With their golden, crispy edges and soft, fluffy centers, garlic knots are a crowd-pleasing snack that will make your kitchen smell like an Italian pizzeria. Easy to make and impossible to resist, they’re perfect for any occasion or just a satisfying treat when you’re craving something savory.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F / 45°C)
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (plus extra for greasing)
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 34 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Ingredient Highlights

  • Active Dry Yeast: The yeast is what helps the dough rise, giving the garlic knots their soft, fluffy texture. Make sure your water isn’t too hot, as that can kill the yeast.
  • Olive Oil: Olive oil helps to keep the dough tender and adds flavor to the knots.
  • Butter and Garlic: The combination of melted butter and garlic creates the signature garlic flavor that makes these knots so irresistible.
  • Fresh Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a mild, fresh flavor that pairs perfectly with the garlic.

Instructions

Prepare the Dough:

  1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until the mixture is frothy.
  2. Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until a dough begins to form. If needed, add more flour, a little at a time, until the dough comes together and is no longer sticky.
  3. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic.
  4. Let the Dough Rise: Grease the bowl with a little olive oil and place the dough back in the bowl. Cover with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.

Shape the Knots:

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Shape the Dough: Punch down the risen dough and turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll the dough into a long rope, about 12 inches (30 cm) in length. Cut the rope into 12 even pieces. Take each piece and tie it into a knot, tucking the ends underneath to form a little bundle.
  3. Place on the Baking Sheet: Arrange the garlic knots on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each one for expansion.

Bake the Knots:

  1. Bake: Bake the knots in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
  2. 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 until fragrant. If you like extra garlic flavor, add a pinch of garlic powder or red pepper flakes at this stage.
  3. Coat the Knots: Once the garlic knots are baked, remove them from the oven and brush them immediately with the garlic butter mixture. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.

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