Garlic Knots Recipe

All-purpose flour: The base of the dough, providing structure and texture.

Active dry yeast: Helps the dough rise and gives it a light, airy texture.

Warm water: Activates the yeast and helps form the dough.

Sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds a touch of sweetness.

Salt: Enhances the flavor of the dough.

Olive oil: Adds moisture and richness to the dough.

Melted butter: Used for brushing the knots, adding a rich, buttery flavor.

Garlic: Minced and mixed with butter for a robust, aromatic topping.

Parsley: Chopped and added to the garlic butter for a fresh, herbal note.

When kneading the dough, ensure you achieve a smooth and elastic texture. This can be done by pressing the dough with the heel of your hand, folding it over, and repeating the process. Proper kneading develops the gluten structure, which is crucial for the knots to have a light and airy texture. If the dough feels too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour on your work surface, but be careful not to add too much as it can make the dough tough.

• all-purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour adds a nutty flavor and more fiber, though it may make the knots denser.

• active dry yeast - Substitute with instant yeast: Instant yeast can be mixed directly with dry ingredients and doesn't need to be activated in water first.

• warm water - Substitute with milk: Milk can add a richer flavor and make the dough softer.

• sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey adds a different sweetness and can help with browning.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can provide a slightly different mineral content and flavor.

• olive oil - Substitute with canola oil: Canola oil is a neutral-flavored oil that can be used in place of olive oil.

• melted butter - Substitute with margarine: Margarine can be used as a non-dairy alternative to butter.

• minced garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used in place of fresh garlic, though it will have a slightly different flavor profile.

• chopped parsley - Substitute with dried parsley: Dried parsley can be used, but it has a more concentrated flavor, so use less.

• Allow the garlic knots to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make them soggy.

• Place the cooled garlic knots in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. Ensure all air is squeezed out to maintain freshness.

• Store the container or bag at room temperature if you plan to consume the garlic knots within 2 days. For longer storage, place them in the refrigerator, where they can last up to a week.

• For freezing, wrap each garlic knot individually in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. This helps to prevent freezer burn and keeps them fresh.

• Place the individually wrapped garlic knots in a resealable freezer bag or an airtight container. Label the bag with the date to keep track of their freshness.

• When ready to enjoy, thaw the garlic knots at room temperature for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator.

• To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the garlic knots on a baking sheet and bake for 5-10 minutes, or until they are warmed through and slightly crispy on the outside.

• For a quicker option, you can microwave the garlic knots on a microwave-safe plate for 20-30 seconds. However, this method may not retain the crispiness as well as the oven method.

• If desired, brush the reheated garlic knots with additional melted butter and sprinkle with extra parsley for a fresh, flavorful finish.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the garlic knots on a baking sheet.
  3. Cover them loosely with aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out.
  4. Bake for about 10 minutes or until they are heated through.
  5. For an extra touch, brush them with a bit more melted butter and minced garlic before serving.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the garlic knots on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover them with a damp paper towel to keep them moist.
  3. Microwave on medium power for 20-30 seconds.
  4. Check if they are warm enough; if not, continue in 10-second intervals.
  5. Be cautious not to overheat, as this can make them chewy.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a small amount of olive oil or butter to the skillet.
  3. Place the garlic knots in the skillet and cover with a lid.
  4. Heat for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are warmed through and slightly crispy.
  5. Optionally, sprinkle some chopped parsley on top before serving.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C).
  2. Place the garlic knots in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
  3. Heat for 3-4 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even heating.
  4. Once done, brush with a bit more melted butter and minced garlic if desired.

• Mixing bowl: Used to combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast, as well as to mix the dough ingredients together.

• Measuring cups: Essential for accurately measuring the flour, water, and other ingredients.

• Measuring spoons: Necessary for measuring smaller quantities like sugar, salt, and olive oil.

• Wooden spoon: Useful for stirring the yeast mixture and initial dough mixing.

• Stand mixer: Optional, but can be used with a dough hook attachment to knead the dough more efficiently.

• Plastic wrap: Used to cover the dough while it rises.

• Baking sheet: Needed to place the garlic knots on for baking.

• Parchment paper: Lining the baking sheet to prevent the knots from sticking.

• Oven: Preheated to 400°F (200°C) for baking the garlic knots.

• Pastry brush: Used to brush the garlic butter mixture over the hot knots.

• Small bowl: For mixing the melted butter, minced garlic, and chopped parsley.

• Knife: To mince the garlic and chop the parsley.

• Cutting board: Provides a surface for mincing garlic and chopping parsley.

Prepare ingredients in advance: Measure and set out all ingredients before starting to save time during the process.

Use a stand mixer: Knead the dough with a stand mixer to reduce manual effort and speed up the process.

Preheat the oven early: Turn on the oven while the dough is rising to ensure it’s ready when you need it.

Make garlic butter ahead: Prepare the garlic butter while the knots are baking to streamline the final steps.

Double the batch: Make extra garlic knots and freeze them for a quick snack later.