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| Garlic Parmesan Knots |
What are Garlic Parmesan Knots?
Garlic Parmesan Knots are a delightful snack or side dish made from soft, buttery dough twisted into a knot, brushed with a savory mixture of garlic, parmesan, and herbs, then baked until golden. They’re an irresistible blend of garlicky flavor and cheesy goodness, perfect for pairing with pasta, salad, or enjoying on their own as a quick snack.
Ingredients Needed for Garlic Parmesan Knots
Dough Options – Homemade vs. Store-Bought
You can make garlic knots with homemade dough or use store-bought pizza dough for convenience. Homemade dough brings a fresher, softer texture, while store-bought dough saves time and still delivers tasty results.
Fresh Garlic – Essential for Flavor
Garlic is the star of this dish, lending a bold, aromatic kick. Using fresh garlic rather than garlic powder ensures each bite has the rich, authentic garlic taste that makes these knots irresistible.
Parmesan Cheese – Adding a Rich, Nutty Taste
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| Parmesan Cheese |
Parmesan adds a savory depth to the knots, giving them a slightly sharp, nutty flavor that complements the garlic perfectly. Grated parmesan is best for easy mixing and even distribution.
Fresh Herbs – Parsley, Basil, or Thyme
Fresh herbs bring color and a hint of freshness to the buttery topping. Parsley is a classic choice, but you can also experiment with basil or thyme for a unique twist.
Butter and Olive Oil – For Richness and Texture
A mix of butter and olive oil gives these knots their rich, soft texture. Butter adds a creamy taste, while olive oil keeps the knots from becoming too heavy and adds a Mediterranean flair.
Seasonings – Salt, Pepper, and Red Pepper Flakes
A dash of salt and pepper balances out the flavors, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds a subtle heat for those who enjoy a bit of spice.
Making the Dough for Garlic Parmesan Knots
Simple Ingredients for Homemade Dough
Homemade dough requires only a few basic ingredients: flour, yeast, water, salt, and a little sugar. These ingredients create a simple, fluffy base for the garlic knots.
Mixing and Kneading the Dough
Combine the ingredients in a large bowl, kneading for about 8-10 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. Kneading is essential for developing the gluten, which gives the dough its structure.
Letting the Dough Rise
Once kneaded, let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size. This step ensures the knots are light and airy when baked.
Prepping the Garlic Parmesan Mixture
Melting Butter and Mixing with Olive Oil
Melt the butter in a small pan and combine it with olive oil. This mixture serves as the base for the garlic parmesan coating.
Minced Garlic – How Much is Just Right?
For a strong garlic flavor, use at least three cloves of minced garlic. Adjust based on your preference, but remember, garlic is the star ingredient here!
Adding Parmesan and Herbs
Stir grated parmesan and fresh herbs into the butter and olive oil mixture. The herbs and cheese blend together, creating a delicious topping that seeps into every crevice of the knot.
Forming the Knots
Dividing the Dough into Portions
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into small portions, usually about the size of a golf ball. This size makes each knot bite-sized and easy to enjoy.
Rolling Dough Strips
Roll each portion into a strip about 6 inches long. The strips are then ready to be tied into knots, which gives these treats their signature look.
Tying Dough into Knots
Tie each strip of dough into a simple knot, tucking the ends under to create a neat shape. The knots should be snug but not too tight, allowing room for the dough to expand while baking.
Coating the Knots with Garlic Parmesan Butter
Brushing with Butter Mixture
Brush each knot generously with the garlic parmesan butter mixture, making sure to coat every side. The more butter, the better the flavor and moisture of the knots.
Adding Extra Parmesan on Top
For an extra cheesy finish, sprinkle a little more parmesan on top of each knot before baking. This step adds a golden, crispy topping that’s hard to resist.
Baking the Garlic Parmesan Knots
Preheating the Oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure even baking. Preheating is essential for the knots to cook consistently.
Choosing the Right Temperature
Baking at 375°F keeps the knots soft inside while allowing the exterior to develop a golden, slightly crispy crust.
Baking Time for Perfect Texture
Bake the knots for 15-20 minutes or until they’re golden and puffed up. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-browning.
Finishing Touches
Adding Fresh Herbs after Baking
Once out of the oven, sprinkle the knots with fresh herbs for added color and flavor. The fresh herbs add a burst of color that makes the knots visually appealing.
A Final Brush of Butter for Shine
Brush a little extra butter on top of the warm knots. This final step adds a beautiful shine and extra flavor.
Garnishing with Extra Parmesan
Finish with an extra sprinkle of parmesan for a touch of elegance and a little more cheesy goodness.
Serving Suggestions
Pairing with Marinara or Garlic Dip
Serve garlic parmesan knots with a warm marinara sauce or a creamy garlic dip. These dips complement the knots perfectly, adding a new layer of flavor.
Serving with Pasta or Salad
These knots make a delicious side dish for pasta dishes or a crisp, fresh salad. They’re great for soaking up sauces and adding a bit of garlic flavor to any meal.
Variations on Garlic Parmesan Knots
Cheesy Garlic Knots with Mozzarella
For a gooey twist, add a little shredded mozzarella to the center of each knot. As they bake, the cheese melts, creating a delicious surprise in the middle.
Spicy Garlic Knots with Red Pepper Flakes
If you like a kick of heat, add extra red pepper flakes to the garlic butter mixture. This adds a bit of spice to balance out the rich, garlicky flavor.
Vegan Garlic Knots with Dairy-Free Cheese
For a vegan version, use dairy-free butter and vegan parmesan or nutritional yeast. These substitutions create a similar savory flavor without any animal products.
Health Benefits of Garlic and Parmesan
Nutritional Benefits of Garlic
Garlic is known for its immune-boosting properties and is packed with antioxidants that benefit overall health.
Parmesan Cheese as a Good Protein Source
Parmesan cheese is high in protein and calcium, making it a nutritious addition to your diet in moderation.
Health Benefits of Fresh Herbs
Fresh herbs like parsley and basil contain vitamins and antioxidants that add flavor and a nutritional boost.
Tips for Perfect Garlic Parmesan Knots
Avoiding Dough That’s Too Tough
To keep the dough soft, don’t over-knead it. Overworked dough can become tough and chewy instead of light and fluffy.
Getting the Perfect Knot Shape
For the best-looking knots, roll each piece of dough evenly and tie it gently. This creates uniform shapes that bake evenly.
Keeping Knots Soft and Fluffy
Avoid over-baking and be generous with the butter mixture to ensure that the knots stay soft and fluffy.
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| Garlic Parmesan Knots: The Perfect Snack or Side Dish |