Garlic Parmesan Knots are soft, fluffy bread knots covered in a delicious mixture of garlic and Parmesan cheese. They are perfect as a side dish or tasty snack!
These knots not only smell amazing while baking, but they also vanish quickly from the table. When I make them, I always keep some extra garlic butter on hand—because who can resist more flavor? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pizza Dough: You can use homemade dough for a fresh taste or store-bought for quick prep. If you’re gluten-free, consider gluten-free pizza dough or even biscuit dough for a different twist.
Butter: Unsalted butter is my go-to for controlling the salt content. If you’re dairy-free, use olive oil or a plant-based butter alternative. It won’t be quite the same, but it’ll still be delicious!
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds the best flavor. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can work too—just use about 1 teaspoon for every clove of fresh garlic.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan gives a nice salty kick. If you want something stronger, use Pecorino Romano. For a vegan option, try nutritional yeast mixed with a little salt.
Fresh Herbs: I love adding fresh parsley, but you could swap in basil or even chives for a unique flavor. Dried herbs can work too; just use a little less, as they’re more concentrated.
How Do You Get the Knots to Turn Out Fluffy and Soft?
To achieve those delightfully fluffy knots, the dough needs to be properly shaped. Here’s how to ensure they stay light and airy:
- **Knead Well**: If you’re making dough from scratch, knead it until it’s smooth. This develops gluten, giving the knots structure.
- **Let It Rise**: After kneading, let the dough rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size. Patience is key. If it’s too cold, the yeast won’t activate well.
- **Don’t Overwork the Dough**: When shaping, be gentle. Overworking it can lead to tough knots.
- **Keep Them Spaced**: When placing knots on the baking sheet, give them space to rise and expand while baking.
Follow these tips, and you’ll have soft, fluffy Garlic Parmesan Knots every time!
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Knots
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 batch pizza dough (approximately 2 1/4 cups flour, or use store-bought)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and 12-15 minutes to bake. You might want to allow extra time for the dough to rise if you’re making it from scratch. So, overall, plan for about 30-45 minutes for everything, plus rising time if applicable.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
If you’re making your dough from scratch, follow your favorite recipe and let it rise until it doubles in size. If you’re using store-bought dough, simply let it come to room temperature so it’s easier to work with.
2. Preheat Your Oven:
Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or grease it lightly to prevent sticking.
3. Shape the Knots:
On a floured surface, roll the dough out into a rough rectangle about 12×8 inches. Cut the dough into 12 strips, each about 1 inch wide. Take each strip and loosely tie it into a knot, tucking the ends underneath for a neat appearance. Place each knot on the baking sheet, leaving a little space between them.
4. Bake the Knots:
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes. You’re looking for them to turn golden brown and be cooked through. The aroma will fill your kitchen—enjoy it!
5. Prepare the Garlic Butter Topping:
While the knots are baking, mix the melted butter with the minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, pepper, and half of the Parmesan cheese in a bowl. Give it a good stir to combine all the flavors.
6. Brush the Knots:
As soon as the knots come out of the oven, brush them generously with the garlic butter mixture. Toss the knots gently in any remaining butter in the bowl to ensure they’re well coated.
7. Add the Final Touch:
Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese on top of the knots—it will melt slightly and make them extra tasty.
8. Serve Warm:
These knots are best enjoyed warm right out of the oven. Serve them alongside marinara sauce for dipping, or as a delightful side to your favorite pasta or soup. Enjoy your delicious Garlic Parmesan Knots!
These knots will come out soft and fluffy, with a delightful golden color and tons of flavor from the garlic butter and cheesy Parmesan topping. Happy cooking!
Can I Use Store-Bought Dough for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought pizza dough is a great time-saver and will still yield delicious knots. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature before shaping your knots.
How Can I Store Leftover Garlic Parmesan Knots?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them fresh longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Reheat in the oven for a few minutes to restore their fluffy texture.
Can I Freeze These Knots?
Yes, you can freeze the baked knots! Allow them to cool completely, then place them in a freezer bag or container. They will last for about 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw and reheat in the oven until warmed through.
What Other Herbs Can I Use Instead of Parsley?
Feel free to experiment with other fresh herbs! Basil, chives, or even thyme would work wonderfully. If using dried herbs, remember to reduce the amount since they’re more concentrated in flavor.
