How to Create Buttery Garlic Parmesan Knots
If you’ve ever walked into a restaurant and been greeted by the aroma of warm, buttery garlic bread, you know how comforting and irresistible that smell is. One of the tastiest and easiest ways to recreate that magic at home is by making buttery garlic parmesan knots. These fluffy, golden treats are perfect as appetizers, sides for pasta dishes, or even just a delicious snack. The best part? They’re simple to make, even if you’re new to baking.
In this blog post, I’ll guide you step-by-step through the process of making buttery garlic parmesan knots using simple ingredients and straightforward techniques. So tie on your apron, and let’s get started!
What Are Garlic Parmesan Knots?
Garlic parmesan knots are small, hand-twisted bites of bread, flavored with butter, garlic, and freshly grated parmesan cheese. They’re baked until golden brown and brushed with an herby, garlicky topping for extra flavor. You don’t need fancy equipment or special baking skills—just a love for delicious, homemade bread.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make buttery garlic parmesan knots:
For the Knots:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) instant yeast
- ¾ cup warm water (not too hot, just slightly warm to the touch)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Garlic Butter Topping:
- 4 tablespoons butter (unsalted)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (optional)
- Pinch of salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough
Start by mixing your dry ingredients in a large bowl. Combine the flour, salt, sugar, and instant yeast. Next, add the olive oil and warm water to the mixture. Stir everything together until a shaggy dough forms.
Once the dough starts coming together, transfer it to a clean surface and knead it for about 8-10 minutes until smooth. If the dough feels too sticky, sprinkle a small amount of flour over the surface. When it has a soft, elastic consistency, shape it into a ball.
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour. It should double in size during this time.
2. Shape the Knots
Once your dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Roll the dough out into a rectangle, about ½ inch thick. Then, use a knife or pizza cutter to slice the dough into strips that are about 6 inches long and 1 inch wide.
To create the knots, take a strip of dough, gently stretch it out (but don’t pull too hard), and tie it into a simple knot. Tuck the ends underneath to keep the shape even.
Place the knots on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one. Cover them with a kitchen towel and let them rest for another 15-20 minutes. This will allow them to puff up slightly before baking.
3. Bake the Knots
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once your knots are ready to bake, brush them lightly with olive oil or melted butter. Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the knots are golden brown and smell incredible.
4. Prepare the Garlic Butter Topping
While the knots are baking, it’s time to make the star of the show: the garlic butter topping. In a small saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, just until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn!
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the grated parmesan cheese, dried parsley (if using), and a pinch of salt. Mix everything together until smooth.
5. Coat the Knots
As soon as the knots come out of the oven, brush them generously with the garlic butter topping. Make sure every inch is covered in the buttery, cheesy goodness. If you want extra parmesan flavor, sprinkle a bit more grated cheese on top while the knots are still warm.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Now comes the best part—eating! Serve your buttery garlic parmesan knots warm and watch them disappear in seconds. They’re perfect with marinara sauce for dipping, alongside pasta, or on their own. You can even make a double batch for parties or family dinners because they’re guaranteed to be a hit.
Tips for Success
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and high-quality parmesan cheese make all the difference in flavor. Pre-shredded cheese can work in a pinch, but freshly grated parmesan tastes better.
- Don’t Skip the Rise Time: Allowing the dough to rise properly ensures your knots will be light and fluffy.
- Experiment with Herbs: Feel free to use fresh parsley, basil, or rosemary to give your garlic butter topping a unique twist.
- Freeze for Later: These knots freeze well! After baking, let them cool completely, then store them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to eat, warm them up in the oven and add a fresh coat of garlic butter.
Garlic parmesan knots are one of those recipes that feel special but don’t require hours in the kitchen. With a handful of simple ingredients and a little love, you can create buttery knots that taste like they came from a fancy restaurant. So go ahead and give this recipe a try—you might just find yourself making them all the time!
Happy baking! 🥖✨
