Freshly baked homemade garlic knots with herbs and garlic butter

Homemade Garlic Knots

ByJOHN
Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe
Spread the love

Homemade Garlic Knots

introduction
Garlic knots are delicious and easy-to-make bread rolls perfect for snacking, sharing, or serving as a side dish. With their soft, buttery texture and irresistible garlic flavor, they can brighten up any meal. Whether you’re planning a family dinner, a cozy gathering with friends, or simply craving something warm and tasty, homemade garlic knots are sure to hit the spot.

why make this recipe
Making garlic knots at home is not only a fun activity but also extremely rewarding. You control the ingredients, ensuring they are fresh and delicious. These knots are made from scratch, which means you can customize them to your liking. Plus, there’s nothing quite like the scent of fresh bread and garlic wafting through your kitchen. By making garlic knots at home, you eliminate any preservatives found in store-bought options and create a dish that brings comfort and joy. They’re also great for snacking or served alongside pasta dishes, salads, and soups.

how to make Homemade Garlic Knots

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 packet instant yeast
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 cups warm water
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Directions:

  1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt. Make sure they are well mixed to ensure even distribution of ingredients.

  2. Add Water: Gradually add the warm water to the dry mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until a sticky dough begins to form. You may need to add a little more water or flour, but the dough should generally be soft and slightly tacky.

  3. Knead the Dough: Place the dough onto a floured surface. Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes. You want to work it until it becomes smooth and elastic. Kneading develops the gluten, which gives the knots their nice chewy texture.

  4. First Rise: Transfer the kneaded dough into a greased bowl. Cover the bowl with a damp towel or plastic wrap. Let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour. It should roughly double in size.

  5. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is important so that the knots bake evenly and come out golden and delicious.

  6. Shape the Knots: Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Divide the dough into small pieces (about the size of a golf ball). Roll each piece into a long rope, then twist the rope into a knot.

  7. Place on Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the knots on the sheet, giving them a little space to rise.

  8. Prepare Garlic Butter: In a separate bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, and chopped parsley. This mixture will give the knots their wonderful flavor.

  9. Brush Knots: Using a pastry brush, generously brush the garlic butter mixture over each knot, ensuring they are well coated.

  10. Sprinkle Seasoning: Sprinkle the Italian seasoning evenly over the knots for added flavor.

  11. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the knots are golden brown and slightly crisp on the outside.

  12. Finish with Garlic Butter: When the knots are done baking, remove them from the oven and brush them with any leftover garlic butter mixture. This extra step enhances the flavor and keeps them moist.

how to serve Homemade Garlic Knots

Homemade garlic knots are best served warm right out of the oven. You can serve them on a large platter, garnished with extra chopped parsley for a fresh look. They pair wonderfully with marinara sauce, making them perfect for dipping. They can also accompany pasta dishes, salads, or hearty soups. For an extra touch, you can sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top just before serving.

how to store Homemade Garlic Knots

If you have leftovers (though they tend to disappear quickly), you can store them in an airtight container. At room temperature, they will stay fresh for about 2-3 days. If you’d like to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Wrap the garlic knots in aluminum foil or place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to three months. When you want to enjoy them again, just thaw and reheat them in the oven for about 10 minutes at 350°F (175°C) to restore their freshness.

tips to make Homemade Garlic Knots

  • Kneading is Key: Make sure to knead the dough well. This helps in developing the gluten which gives the knots their chewy texture.
  • Don’t Rush the Rise: Allowing the dough to rise completely is important. A longer rise often results in a better texture.
  • Temperature Matters: Check that your warm water isn’t too hot. Ideally, it should be about 110°F (43°C). If it’s too hot, it can kill the yeast, affecting rising.
  • Flavor Variations: Experiment with adding different herbs or spices based on your preference. Oregano, basil, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes can add a nice twist.
  • Make Ahead: You can prepare the dough ahead of time. After kneading, store the dough in the fridge for a day before shaping it into knots. This can enhance the flavor as it ferments.

variation (if any)

While the classic garlic knot recipe is loved by many, you can also try variations to keep things interesting. For instance:

  • Cheese-Stuffed Knots: Place a small piece of mozzarella or cheddar cheese in the middle of each knot. Seal the dough well to ensure the cheese stays inside while baking.
  • Herbed Garlic Knots: Add a mix of your favorite herbs to the dough or the garlic butter for a more aromatic experience. Rosemary, thyme, or even cilantro can offer different flavor profiles.
  • Spicy Garlic Knots: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for an extra kick. You can even incorporate some buffalo sauce into the mix for a unique flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
Yes, you can use active dry yeast. However, it needs to be activated in warm water with a little sugar before mixing it into the dry ingredients. Wait until it’s frothy before incorporating it into the flour.

2. How can I make my garlic knots more flavorful?
To enhance flavor, consider adding some cheese, fresh herbs, or spices to the dough. You can also let the knots rise longer and experiment with the garlic butter mixture by adding some lemon zest or other seasonings.

3. What can I serve with garlic knots?
Garlic knots go well with marinara sauce for dipping. They are also great alongside pasta, salads, or even just a simple soup. They make an excellent appetizer or snack for any occasion!

4. Can I make these knots gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend. Just be aware that the texture may vary slightly, but they should still come out delicious.

5. What should I do if my dough doesn’t rise?
If the dough doesn’t rise, it may be due to the yeast being inactive. Ensure your yeast is fresh, and that the water temperature is not too hot. You might try placing the dough in a warmer area to encourage rising.

6. How do I reheat leftover garlic knots?
To reheat, wrap the garlic knots in aluminum foil and place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. This keeps them warm without drying them out. You can also microwave them for a quick option, but they may become a bit soggy.

Creating homemade garlic knots is an enjoyable process that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas. These knots are perfect for family gatherings, parties, or simply as a treat for yourself. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can impress your loved ones with fresh, warm garlic knots that are not only tasty but also made with love. Enjoy the experience and the delightful taste of your homemade creation!

Print

Homemade Garlic Knots

Print Recipe

Delicious and easy-to-make bread rolls with a soft, buttery texture and irresistible garlic flavor, perfect for snacking or serving as a side dish.

  • Author: hbibamine1980
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 12 knots 1x
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 packet instant yeast
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 cups warm water
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt. Mix well.
  2. Gradually add the warm water to the dry mixture. Stir until a sticky dough forms.
  3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  4. Transfer the kneaded dough to a greased bowl. Cover and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour.
  5. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  6. Punch the risen dough down and divide into small pieces. Roll each into a rope and twist into a knot.
  7. Place the knots on a parchment-lined baking sheet with space in between.
  8. In a bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, and chopped parsley. Brush over each knot.
  9. Sprinkle the Italian seasoning over the knots.
  10. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
  11. Brush with any leftover garlic butter after baking.

Notes

Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping. Can be stored in an airtight container for 2-3 days at room temperature or frozen for up to three months.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 knot
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 360mg
  • Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 26g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 15mg

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!

Similar Posts