Why make this recipe
Homemade garlic knots are a delightful treat that brings warmth and comfort to any meal. They are soft, chewy, and bursting with flavor, making them a perfect side dish for pasta or just a snack on their own. Making garlic knots at home allows you to control the ingredients and add your personal touch, ensuring a fresh and delicious outcome every time.
How to make Best Homemade Garlic Knots
Making homemade garlic knots is easier than you might think! Follow these simple steps to create a batch of irresistible knots that will impress your family and friends.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup water (warm to the touch, about 110°F)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 1/4 teaspoons salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 3 1/3 cups bread flour (plus 1-2 tablespoons if needed for tackiness)
- 6 tablespoons salted butter, melted
- 4 garlic cloves, freshly minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/3 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 3 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
Directions:
- In a large bowl, combine the warm water, active dry yeast, and honey. Let this sit undisturbed for 5 minutes until it becomes foamy. This bloom ensures your yeast is alive and active.
- Stir in the olive oil, salt, and garlic powder. Add half the bread flour (about 1 2/3 cups) and mix until combined. Gradually add the remaining flour while mixing on low speed for about 2 minutes. The dough should come together into a shaggy mass.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough feels too sticky, add 1-2 tablespoons more flour as needed.
- Place the kneaded dough into an oiled bowl. Cover with a damp kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise at room temperature for about 2 hours, or until doubled in size.
- While the dough rises, prepare your garlic butter mixture by combining the melted salted butter, freshly minced garlic, dried Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and crushed red pepper flakes in a small bowl. Set aside.
- Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Once the dough has doubled, punch it down gently and divide it into 16 equal pieces. Roll each piece into an 8-inch rope and tie each rope into a knot.
- Place the tied knots onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each one. Cover them loosely with a damp towel or plastic wrap and let them rest for 30-45 minutes until puffy.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F. Brush the knots generously with half of the garlic butter mixture from Step 5. Bake for 20-23 minutes until golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and immediately brush with the remaining garlic butter mixture. While still warm, sprinkle with freshly grated parmesan cheese and finely chopped fresh parsley.
How to serve Best Homemade Garlic Knots
Serve your garlic knots warm as a side dish with marinara sauce for dipping. They are also great on their own, or you can pair them with a fresh salad or pasta for a complete meal. The garlicky aroma and cheesy topping will leave everyone wanting more!
How to store Best Homemade Garlic Knots
Store any leftover garlic knots in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, consider freezing them. Place the cooled knots in a freezer bag and they will last for up to a month. Reheat in the oven for a few minutes to enjoy them warm again.
Tips to make Best Homemade Garlic Knots
- Ensure your water is the right temperature (about 110°F) to help the yeast activate properly.
- Knead the dough until smooth; this helps develop the gluten for the perfect chewy texture.
- Don’t skip the resting time for the knots; it allows them to puff up, giving you airy, soft rolls.
- Feel free to experiment with toppings like fresh herbs or different cheeses to customize your garlic knots.
Variation
You can easily turn these garlic knots into a cheesy variant by adding shredded mozzarella inside the knots before tying them. For a spicy twist, add diced jalapeños to the garlic butter mixture.
FAQs
1. Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?
Yes, you can use all-purpose flour, but the texture may be slightly different. Bread flour gives a chewier consistency.
2. Can I freeze unbaked garlic knots?
Absolutely! You can freeze the knots after shaping them. Just place them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
3. What can I serve with garlic knots?
Garlic knots pair well with marinara sauce, chili, soup, or a fresh salad, making them a versatile side for any meal.
