These Garlic Parmesan Knots are soft, buttery treats made with fluffy dough, covered in delicious garlic and sprinkled with cheesy goodness. Perfect as a snack or side dish!
Honestly, who can resist that garlicky aroma? I always find myself reaching for just one more. They are fun to make and even more fun to eat, especially with marinara sauce!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Active Dry Yeast: Essential for making the dough rise and create that fluffy texture. If you have instant yeast, you can use that instead. Just add it directly to the flour without proofing in water.
Flour: All-purpose flour is perfect for these knots, providing the right balance of chewiness. If you’re looking for gluten-free options, try using a gluten-free all-purpose blend. Just check it contains xanthan gum!
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds the best flavor. Pre-grated cheese works, but it’s often drier. Feel free to substitute with Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste.
Garlic: Fresh garlic provides a punchy flavor, but garlic powder can be used in a pinch. Use about 1 teaspoon of garlic powder instead if fresh is unavailable.
How Do I Get My Dough to Rise Perfectly?
Rising dough can be tricky, but there are simple ways to ensure success!
- Make sure your yeast is fresh. If it doesn’t foam after being mixed with water and sugar, it’s likely expired.
- Use the right water temperature. Water that’s too hot can kill the yeast, while cold water won’t activate it.
- Find a warm spot for rising. An oven with the light on, or a slightly warmed oven, works well. Just cover your dough to prevent it from drying out.
Give it enough time to rise fully until doubled in size for fluffy knots!
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Knots
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 2 ¼ teaspoons (one packet) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra for greasing
For the Topping:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3-4 cloves garlic, finely minced or pressed
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Optional: ½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning or oregano
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of preparation and then about 1 hour 30 minutes for the dough to rise. After that, you’ll spend around 20 minutes baking. In total, you’re looking at about 2 hours from start to finish, including rising and baking time. Worth every minute for these delicious knots!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Activate the Yeast:
In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm water. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This means your yeast is alive and ready to go!
2. Make the Dough:
In a large bowl, mix together the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Stir until a dough forms. It should be a bit sticky but will become easier to handle as you knead it.
3. Knead the Dough:
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 6 to 8 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. If you have a stand mixer, use it with a dough hook for about 5 minutes—so easy!
4. Let It Rise:
Form the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place until it’s doubled in size. This should take about 1 to 1.5 hours.
5. Preheat the Oven:
While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper so the knots won’t stick.
6. Shape the Knots:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Divide it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope about 10 inches long, then tie it into a loose knot, tucking the ends underneath.
7. Second Rise:
Place the knots on the prepared baking sheet, giving them some space to expand. Cover them loosely with a towel and let them rise for another 20 minutes.
8. Prepare the Garlic Butter:
In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and optional Italian seasoning. This will be the delicious topping!
9. Bake the Knots:
Brush the knots generously with half of the garlic butter mixture. Bake them in the preheated oven for about 15 to 18 minutes or until they are golden brown.
10. Finish and Serve:
As soon as they come out of the oven, brush the hot knots with the remaining garlic butter and sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. They’re best served warm, especially with a side of marinara sauce for dipping!
Enjoy your soft, garlicky, cheesy Garlic Parmesan Knots! They’re sure to be a hit!
Can I Use a Different Type of Cheese?
Absolutely! While Parmesan cheese is traditional, you can experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella for a gooey texture or Asiago for a sharper flavor. Just make sure to adjust the amount based on the cheese’s richness!
What Can I Substitute for Olive Oil?
If you don’t have olive oil, you can use melted butter or vegetable oil as a substitute. Both will provide moisture and help achieve that tender texture in your knots!
Can I Prepare the Dough in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and shape the knots, then cover them tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Just make sure to let them rise for about 30 minutes before baking when you’re ready to cook them.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover knots in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven or microwave until heated through!
