Oh my goodness, let me tell you about garlic knots! They’re like little pillows of soft, chewy goodness, drizzled with that heavenly garlic butter that makes your taste buds dance. I remember the first time I made them for a family gathering; the aroma filled the whole house, and everyone came running to the kitchen! They just couldn’t resist. Garlic knots are the perfect appetizer – they disappear faster than you can say “delicious!” Whether you’re serving them with pasta, soup, or just on their own, they’re always a hit. Trust me, once you master this recipe, you’ll be making them for every party and cozy night in. Get ready to impress your friends and family with these irresistible bites!
Ingredients for Garlic Knots
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making the best garlic knots! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound pizza dough: You can either make your own or pick up a ready-made dough from your favorite pizzeria. It’s soft and stretchy, perfect for creating those chewy knots!
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter: This will be melted and mixed with garlic and herbs, giving your knots that luscious flavor. Unsalted is best here so you can control the saltiness.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic is a must! It brings the vibrant flavor that makes these knots irresistible. Don’t skimp on this; the more garlic, the better!
- 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped: Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness. If you don’t have fresh, you can use dried, but I highly recommend fresh for the best taste!
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Just a pinch to enhance all those delicious flavors. Adjust to your taste, especially if your butter is salted.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle kick. You can always add more if you like a bit of heat!
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): If you want to spice things up, toss in some red pepper flakes for a little extra warmth!
With these ingredients, you’re all set to create some scrumptious garlic knots that everyone will love!
How to Make Garlic Knots
Making garlic knots is a fun and straightforward process, and I promise you’ll be delighted with the results! Let’s dive into the steps to create these delicious bites.
Preparing the Dough
First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is crucial, so don’t skip it! While that’s heating up, take your pizza dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces. I like to roll each piece into a ball first to make it easier. Then, roll each ball into a long rope, about 8-10 inches long. Once you have your ropes, simply tie them into a knot. It doesn’t have to be perfect; a little charm adds to their homemade appeal! Place your knots on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, giving them some space to rise and expand.
Making the Garlic Butter Mixture
Now, let’s create that irresistible garlic butter! In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Once it’s all melted, add in the minced garlic right away, along with the chopped parsley, salt, black pepper, and those optional red pepper flakes if you’re feeling adventurous! Stir it all together and let the garlic cook for just a minute until it’s fragrant. Be careful not to let it brown, as we want that fresh garlic flavor to shine!
Baking the Garlic Knots
Brush the garlic butter mixture generously over each knot, making sure to coat them well. Pop them into your preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until they turn a lovely golden brown. Keep an eye on them – I like to check around the 15-minute mark. You’ll know they’re done when the tops look crispy and golden, and your kitchen smells absolutely amazing. Once baked, serve them warm, and watch them disappear!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Honestly, garlic knots are a game-changer in the appetizer world! Here’s why you’ll absolutely adore making these little bites of joy:
- Quick Preparation: With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip these up in about 35 minutes. Perfect for unexpected guests!
- Easy to Customize: Want to add some cheese? Go for it! Feel like experimenting with herbs? The sky’s the limit! You can tweak the flavors to match your taste.
- Perfect Pairing: These knots complement almost any meal – serve them with pasta, soup, or even a fresh salad for a delightful twist. They fit right in at any dinner table!
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike can’t resist these tasty treats. They’re fun to eat and make for a great family cooking activity!
- Impressive Presentation: Freshly baked garlic knots look beautiful on a platter, making them a showstopper at parties or gatherings.
Trust me, once you try making these garlic knots, they’ll become a staple in your home!
Tips for Success
To make sure your garlic knots turn out perfectly every time, here are some of my favorite pro tips that I’ve learned along the way:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh garlic and herbs! They make a huge difference in flavor. Dried herbs can work in a pinch, but fresh brings the most vibrant taste.
- Don’t Overwork the Dough: When you’re rolling the dough into knots, be gentle. Overworking can lead to dense knots instead of the soft, airy texture we love.
- Let the Dough Rest: If your dough feels too elastic while rolling, let it rest for a few minutes. This helps relax the gluten and makes it easier to shape.
- Watch Your Baking Time: Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on your knots as they bake. You want that beautiful golden brown color, but you don’t want them to burn!
- Brush Generously: Don’t be shy with the garlic butter! Make sure each knot gets a good coating for that rich flavor. And feel free to drizzle any leftover butter over them once they’re out of the oven!
- Serve Immediately: Garlic knots are best served warm. If you can, gather everyone around the table right after they come out of the oven. The aroma is irresistible!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be a garlic knot pro in no time! Enjoy the process and happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to garlic knots, it’s always nice to know what you’re indulging in, right? Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional values per garlic knot:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keep in mind that these numbers are estimates and can vary depending on the specific ingredients you use. For example, if you opt for a different type of dough or adjust the butter, the values will change. But don’t worry too much about the numbers; just enjoy every gooey, garlicky bite!
FAQ About Garlic Knots
Can I use store-bought dough?
Absolutely! Using store-bought dough can save you time and effort, especially on a busy day. It’s super convenient and often yields great results. However, if you have the time and want that homemade touch, making your own dough can be fun and rewarding. The flavor and texture may be a bit more customized to your liking, plus you can control the ingredients. But if you’re in a pinch, don’t hesitate to grab some pre-made dough — it’ll still make delicious garlic knots!
How do I store leftovers?
If you happen to have any garlic knots left over (though I doubt it!), you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, pop them in the fridge where they’ll last for about a week. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until warmed through. This way, they’ll regain that delightful chewiness and garlic flavor — just like fresh out of the oven!
Can I freeze garlic knots?
You bet! Freezing garlic knots is a fantastic way to have a quick snack or side dish on hand. To freeze them, let the knots cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, you can bake them directly from the freezer; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time. They’ll be just as tasty as when you made them fresh!
Serving Suggestions
Garlic knots are incredibly versatile and can elevate any meal! I love serving them alongside a rich marinara sauce for dipping – it’s a match made in heaven! Pair them with a fresh garden salad drizzled with a tangy vinaigrette for a light and refreshing contrast. They also shine next to classic Italian dishes like spaghetti and meatballs or creamy fettuccine Alfredo. And let’s not forget about enjoying them with a warm bowl of soup, like minestrone or tomato basil. Trust me, whatever you choose to serve them with, these garlic knots will steal the show and leave everyone craving more!
For more delicious recipes, check out our Garlic Butter Recipe and Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta!
Print
Garlic knots: 5 Irresistible Bites to Delight Your Tastebuds
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 garlic knots 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Garlic knots are soft, chewy bread knots coated in garlic butter and herbs.
Ingredients
- 1 pound pizza dough
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Divide the pizza dough into 12 equal pieces.
- Roll each piece into a long rope, then tie into a knot.
- Place knots on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic, parsley, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to the butter.
- Brush the garlic butter mixture over the knots.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Reheat in the oven for a few minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 garlic knot
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: garlic knots, bread, appetizer, garlic bread
