Homemade Garlic Knots

Ingredients

For the dough:

3 and 3/4 c. bread flour

1 and 1/2 tsp. granulated sugar

1 envelope active dry yeast

2 tsp. salt

1 1/2 c. warm water (110 – 115 degrees F)

2 tbsp. plus 2 tsp. olive oil, divided

For the garlic coating:

1 stick unsalted butter

6 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 c. fresh parsley, minced

1 and 1/2 tsp. garlic salt

1/4 c. Parmesan cheese, grated

Instructions

To make the dough:

Using a stand mixer combine 3 ¾ cups of bread flour, 1 ½ teaspoons of granulated sugar, 1 envelope of yeast and 2 teaspoons of salt.

Add 1 ½ cups of water (between 110 and 115 degrees F) and 2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons of olive oil.

Mix the ingredients until they form a ball.

Adjust with flour or water if needed.

Knead the mixture until it becomes a ball.

For rising time:

Grease a bowl using 2 teaspoons of olive oil.

Place the dough, in the greased bowl cover it with plastic wrap and let it rise for 90 minutes or until it doubles in size.

Shaping the knots:

Divide the dough into 16 pieces.

Roll each piece into a ball. Then shape it into a rope before tying it into a knot.

Place the knots on a baking sheet. Let them rest for around 30 minutes.

Baking:

Preheat your oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C).

Remove the plastic wrap from the knots. Bake them in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until they turn golden brown and become firm.

For the garlic coating:

While the knots are baking, melt one stick (cup) of unsalted butter in a pan.

Add six cloves of chopped garlic, half a cup of chopped fresh parsley and one and a half teaspoons of garlic salt. Stir until it becomes fragrant and season it according to your taste.

For the touch after taking them out of the oven brush the knots with the mixture, sprinkle them with a quarter cup of grated Parmesan cheese and serve them while they are still warm! Enjoy your delicious homemade Garlic Knots!

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 16 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?

You can use all-purpose flour if you don’t have bread flour on hand, but the texture may be slightly different.

Bread flour typically results in a chewier texture.

If using all-purpose flour, the dough might be a bit softer, so you may need to adjust the liquid slightly.

How do I know if the dough has risen enough?

The dough should double in size during the rising time.

To check, press two fingers into the dough; if the indentations remain, it’s ready.

If they bounce back, it needs more time to rise.

Can I freeze the Garlic Knots for later use?

Yes, you can freeze the garlic knots after baking.

Allow them to cool, then store them in an airtight container or zip-top bag in the freezer.

To reheat, thaw and warm them in the oven until they’re crisp and heated through.

What’s the best way to tie the knots for uniform shapes?

To achieve consistent knot shapes, roll each dough piece into a rope and tie a simple knot.

Cross one end over the other and tuck it through the center hole.

Practice will help you get the desired shape.

Can I adjust the level of garlic flavor in the coating?

Yes, you can adjust the amount of minced garlic and garlic salt in the coating to suit your taste preferences.

If you love garlic, you can add more, and if you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount accordingly.

It’s a flexible aspect of the recipe.

How do I convert dry yeast to instant yeast, and vice versa?

If a recipe calls for one type of yeast, but you only have the other, you can usually make a substitution.

For example, if the recipe asks for active dry yeast and you have instant yeast, you can typically use 25% less instant yeast.

Conversely, if the recipe calls for instant yeast and you have active dry yeast, you can use 25% more active dry yeast, but you’ll need to dissolve it in warm water first.

How can I tell if the dough has risen enough for any bread recipe?

Dough typically needs to double in size during the rising time.

You can check by pressing a finger into the dough; if the indentation remains, it’s ready.

If it bounces back, it needs more time to rise.

What’s the best way to adjust seasoning in a recipe?

To adjust the seasoning in a recipe like garlic knots, you can start with a small amount of the ingredient (e.g., garlic, salt, or spices) and add more gradually while tasting until it reaches the desired flavor.

Can I make substitutions for fresh herbs in recipes?

If fresh herbs are unavailable, you can often substitute with dried herbs.

Dried herbs are more concentrated, so use about one-third the amount of dried herbs as you would fresh.

For example, if a recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of fresh parsley, you can use 1 teaspoon of dried parsley.

How can I keep baked goods warm and fresh for serving later?

To keep your garlic knots warm and fresh, you can wrap them in aluminum foil and place them in an oven set to its lowest temperature (usually around 170°F or 77°C) or use a warming drawer if you have one.

This will help keep them warm without overcooking them.