Garlic Knots

These Garlic Knots are the ultimate comfort food, combining fluffy dough with a rich garlic butter sauce. Perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family dinner or a casual gathering with friends, these knots are sure to impress. Their soft texture and buttery flavor make them irresistible, and the delightful aroma wafting through your kitchen will have everyone eagerly waiting to dig in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up these delicious garlic knots in no time.
• Flavor-Packed: The combination of garlic, butter, and Parmesan creates an unforgettable taste that complements any meal.
• Versatile Side Dish: These knots pair wonderfully with pasta, soups, or salads, making them a great addition to any dinner table.
• Great for Sharing: Whether it’s a special occasion or a casual get-together, these knots are perfect for sharing with family and friends.
• Irresistible Aroma: The smell of baking garlic knots is enough to make anyone’s mouth water!

Tools and Preparation

Before you begin making your garlic knots, gather all the necessary tools. Having everything prepared will streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Mixing bowl
• Dough scraper
• Parchment paper
• Baking sheet
• Microwave-safe bowl

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: This tool makes mixing and kneading dough effortless. It ensures that your dough reaches the perfect consistency without much labor.
• Parchment paper: Using parchment paper prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy while giving your garlic knots a beautifully baked bottom.

Ingredients

These homemade garlic knots are soft, buttery, and packed with garlicky goodness. They’re easy to make with a few basic ingredients and are the perfect side for pasta, soup, or salad. Plus, the aroma while they bake is absolutely irresistible!

Ingredients:
– 1 ⅓ cups warm water
– 2 ¼ teaspoons 1 package Instant Yeast
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 3 tablespoons melted butter
– 1 teaspoon salt
– ½ teaspoon garlic powder
– 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
– 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese
– 4 cloves garlic (minced)
– ¼ cup parsley (minced)
– 1 teaspoon sea salt

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Garlic Knots

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). This step is crucial for ensuring even baking.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

In the bowl of a stand mixer:
1. Add the warm water, yeast, sugar, melted butter, salt, and garlic powder.
2. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy.

Step 3: Knead the Dough

1. Add the flour to the mixture.
2. Mix until you achieve a soft texture.
3. Knead the dough for an additional seven minutes using either a dough hook or by hand.
4. Form it into a ball and place it in a greased bowl.
5. Cover it and let it rest in a warm spot for about 1-2 hours until it doubles in size.

Step 4: Shape the Knots

Once the dough has doubled:
1. Cut it into two equal portions.
2. Roll each portion into a cylinder approximately 1½ inches thick.
3. Cut each cylinder into logs about four inches long.
4. Tie each log into a knot and tuck loose ends underneath.

Step 5: Prepare for Baking

Place your shaped knots on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 6: Make Garlic Butter Mixture

In a microwave-safe bowl:
1. Melt five tablespoons of unsalted butter.
2. Whisk in minced garlic, garlic powder, Parmesan cheese, sea salt, pepper (to taste), and minced parsley.

Step 7: Brush Knots

Brush each knot generously with the garlic butter mixture (you’ll have some left over).

Step 8: Bake

Bake in your preheated oven for about twenty minutes or until golden brown.

Step 9: Serve

After baking, brush with any remaining butter before serving warm! Enjoy your delicious homemade garlic knots!

How to Serve Garlic Knots

Garlic knots are versatile and can elevate any meal. Whether you enjoy them as a snack or alongside a main dish, there are countless ways to serve these delicious treats.

With Marinara Sauce

• Pair your garlic knots with warm marinara sauce for a classic Italian touch. The tangy sauce complements the buttery flavor perfectly.

As an Appetizer

• Serve garlic knots as an appetizer at your next gathering. Their soft texture and rich garlic taste will be a hit among guests.

On a Charcuterie Board

• Add garlic knots to a charcuterie board for an exciting twist. They pair well with cheeses, olives, and cured meats.

With Salad

• Enjoy garlic knots alongside a fresh salad. The knots add heartiness to the meal and balance out the freshness of the greens.

As a Snack

• Garlic knots make for an excellent snack on their own. Warm them up and enjoy them with a bit of extra melted butter or garlic dip.

How to Perfect Garlic Knots

To ensure your homemade garlic knots turn out soft, buttery, and full of flavor, follow these tips:

• Use fresh ingredients – Fresh yeast and high-quality flour will enhance the flavor and texture of your garlic knots.
• Knead properly – Kneading the dough for at least 7 minutes helps develop gluten, giving your knots the right structure.
• Let it rise – Allow the dough to rise in a warm spot until doubled in size. This step is crucial for achieving fluffy knots.
• Brush generously – Don’t skimp on brushing the garlic butter mixture on top before and after baking; it’s what gives the knots their delicious flavor.
• Bake until golden – Keep an eye on them in the oven; they should be golden brown before you take them out for that perfect texture.
• Serve warm – Garlic knots are best enjoyed fresh from the oven while they’re still warm and fragrant.

Best Side Dishes for Garlic Knots

Garlic knots can complement various dishes, making them a delightful addition to any meal. Here are some side dishes that pair wonderfully with them:

1. Spaghetti Aglio e Olio – This simple pasta dish with garlic and olive oil enhances the garlicky goodness of your knots.
2. Caesar Salad – The crispness of romaine lettuce topped with Caesar dressing balances nicely with soft garlic knots.
3. Minestrone Soup – A hearty vegetable soup provides warmth and comfort alongside freshly baked garlic knots.
4. Caprese Salad – Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil create a refreshing contrast to the richness of the knots.
5. Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal roasted veggies add color and nutrition, making for a well-rounded meal when paired with garlic knots.
6. Pasta Primavera – The vibrant flavors of sautéed vegetables over pasta harmonize beautifully with these buttery treats.
7. Garlic Butter Shrimp – For seafood lovers, this dish adds another layer of garlicky delight that pairs perfectly with your garlic knots.
8. Stuffed Peppers – Hearty stuffed peppers can act as a satisfying main course alongside your fluffy garlic bites.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Homemade garlic knots can be a delightful addition to any meal, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for. Here are some mistakes you may encounter and how to avoid them.

• Using cold water: Always use warm water for activating the yeast. Cold water can prevent the yeast from blooming properly, affecting the dough rise.
• Skipping the resting time: Allowing the dough to rest is crucial. If you rush this step, your garlic knots may turn out dense instead of soft and fluffy.
• Over-kneading the dough: Kneading is important, but too much can lead to tough knots. Aim for about 7 minutes of kneading for the perfect texture.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Precision is key in baking. Use a kitchen scale or proper measuring cups to ensure you have the right amounts for each ingredient.
• Ignoring oven temperature: Make sure your oven is preheated to 350°F (180°C). Baking at an incorrect temperature can result in uneven cooking and burnt bottoms.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store garlic knots in an airtight container.
• They will keep well for up to 3 days in the fridge.
• Place parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking.

Freezing Garlic Knots

• Freeze garlic knots in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag.
• They can last up to 3 months when frozen.
• Label containers with dates for easy tracking.

Reheating Garlic Knots

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and bake for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat on a microwave-safe plate in short intervals (15-20 seconds) until warm. This may make them less crispy.
• Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes, covered, for a softer texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make garlic knots from scratch?

To make garlic knots from scratch, follow the recipe provided above, ensuring you properly mix and knead the dough before shaping it into knots.

Can I use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder?

Yes! Fresh garlic adds amazing flavor. Just be sure to adjust the amount according to your preference.

How long do homemade garlic knots last?

When stored correctly, homemade garlic knots will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator or up to 3 months in the freezer.

Are these garlic knots suitable for freezing?

Absolutely! You can freeze them after baking or even freeze raw shaped knots before baking them later.

What can I serve with garlic knots?

Garlic knots pair wonderfully with pasta dishes, soups, salads, or even as a standalone snack with marinara sauce for dipping.

Final Thoughts

These homemade garlic knots are not only easy to prepare but also incredibly versatile. Their buttery and garlicky goodness makes them an irresistible side dish that complements many meals. Feel free to customize by adding herbs or cheese based on your taste preferences! Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the delightful aroma of fresh-baked garlic knots filling your kitchen.