The first time I whipped these garlic knots up, let’s just say, the kitchen smelled like a garlic paradise! I was a bit nervous, but they turned out pretty great! I mean, how can you go wrong with dough and garlic? But of course, I had a few surprises along the way. I accidentally used way too much garlic powder the first time (note to self: read the recipe!). So I toned down the garlic on my next batch, and they were just perfect. I also added a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top because cheese makes everything better, don’t you agree?
Easy Garlic Knots
Ingredients
- 1 package about 2 ¼ teaspoons of active dry yeast
- ¾ cup of warm water around 110°F / 43°C
- 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour plus some for dusting
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter melted
- 4 cloves of garlic minced or 2 teaspoons of garlic powder)
- 1 tablespoon of parsley chopped, optional
- (Substitutions: You can use any bread flour instead of all-purpose. For vegan options swap butter for olive oil, and water will
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: In a bowl, combine the warm water, granulated sugar, and active dry yeast. Give it a gentle stir and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it’s frothy. This means your yeast is alive and ready to party!
- Mix the Dough: Once it’s frothy, add the salt and half of the flour to the yeast mixture. Stir it until combined, then add the rest of the flour little by little. Mix until it forms a soft dough. If it's too sticky, add a touch more flour!
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Imagine giving it a little love and care; that’s what it needs!
- Let it Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and let it rise for about 1 hour until it doubles in size. Grab a snack while you wait!
- Preheat the Oven: While your dough is rising, go ahead and preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This way, it’s ready for action once your knots are shaped.
- Shape the Knots: After the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a floured surface. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a little rope, about 6 inches long. Then, tie it in a knot! Don’t worry if they’re not perfect; they’ll still taste delicious.
- Prepare the Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, minced garlic (or garlic powder), and chopped parsley. This is the magic potion that’ll make our knots sing with flavor!
- Bake Those Knots: Place the knots on a greased baking sheet, leaving some space in between them. Brush them generously with the garlic butter mixture. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until they are golden brown.
- Enjoy: Once they’re out and smelling fabulous, let them cool for just a minute (if you can wait!). Serve them warm and, if you’re feeling extra, drizzle a bit more garlic butter on top!
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount (per garlic knot) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 120 |
| Fat | 7g |
| Carbohydrates | 11g |
| Protein | 2g |
| Sugars | 1g |
5 Tips for This Recipe
- Don’t rush the rising! Give your dough plenty of time to double in size for that lovely texture.
- Use fresh garlic for that rich flavor. Garlic powder is great, but fresh is the best!
- Make them garlic knots! Don’t just roll; twist them into fun shapes!
- Brush with garlic butter twice! Once before baking and after for an extra garlic punch!
- Experiment with cheese! Add a sprinkle of parmesan or mozzarella to take it to the next level.
5 FAQs for This Recipe
- Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough, shape the knots, and keep them in the fridge for a day before baking. - How do I store leftovers?
Put them in a sealed container at room temperature for a couple of days, or refrigerate for longer! - Can I freeze them?
Yes! Place them in a freezer bag after baking, and they’ll be good for a month. - What can I serve these with?
Marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or just eat them on their own! - What if my dough doesn’t rise?
Ensure your yeast is active! Check expiration dates and use warm, not hot water!
5 Storage Tips
- Use airtight containers to keep them fresh longer!
- Wrap them in parchment paper before putting them in a container to maintain crispness.
- If you freeze them, make sure to label the bag with the date!
- Store them away from moisture! That’ll keep them from getting soggy.
- Freeze uncooked knots! If you plan to enjoy them later, you can freeze the shaped but uncooked knots before baking!
5 Common Cooking Mistakes
- Not using warm water. Too cold won’t activate the yeast; too hot kills it!
- Over-kneading the dough. Just knead until smooth; don’t stress it too much!
- Baking them too long. They should be golden, not brown!
- Rushing the rising time. It’s key for fluffy knots!
- Under-seasoning. Those knots deserve a lot of flavor, so be generous with that garlic butter!
Final Thoughts
Wow, what a journey we’ve been on with these Easy Garlic Knots! From mixing the dough to enjoying the hot, buttery goodness, it’s all about sharing love in the kitchen. We nailed this recipe, and I hope you feel inspired to give it a try too! Remember, garlic is our friend, and these knots are a perfect addition to any meal or just for snacking on their own.
If you’ve made these before, tell me, how did it go? Did you add any fun twists? Let’s keep the kitchen adventures going. These knots are not just food; they’re a great way to connect with those around us and spread joy!
So, don’t hesitate to roll up your sleeves, get your garlic on, and let’s create something delicious together. Happy cooking, friends!
