Garlic Parmesan Knots: Irresistibly Soft, Cheesy, and Flavor-Packed
The scent of garlic sizzling in butter, mingled with the savory richness of Parmesan, is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. Garlic Parmesan Knots are the ultimate comfort food — soft, chewy, and bursting with flavor in every bite. Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or side for pasta and soups, these little knots elevate any meal with their golden, buttery charm.
Making garlic knots at home is a rewarding experience. Unlike store-bought versions that can be dry or overly processed, homemade knots let you control the texture, the flavor, and the quality of ingredients. The dough is soft and pillowy, while the garlic-Parmesan topping melts into every crevice, ensuring that each bite is perfectly savory.
Ingredients Needed
Below is a list of ingredients to make about 12 garlic Parmesan knots:
| Ingredient | Quantity | Approx. Calories |
|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 ½ cups (300g) | 1,050 kcal |
| Warm water (110°F / 45°C) | ¾ cup (180ml) | 0 kcal |
| Active dry yeast | 2 ¼ tsp (7g) | 21 kcal |
| Granulated sugar | 1 tbsp | 49 kcal |
| Salt | 1 tsp | 0 kcal |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp | 240 kcal |
| Unsalted butter (for brushing) | ¼ cup (56g) | 400 kcal |
| Garlic (minced) | 4 cloves | 18 kcal |
| Fresh parsley (chopped) | 2 tbsp | 2 kcal |
| Grated Parmesan cheese | ½ cup (50g) | 210 kcal |
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
1: Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This indicates the yeast is active and ready to work its magic.
2: Make the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the activated yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix until a rough dough forms.
3: Knead the Dough
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. The dough should be soft but not sticky.
4: First Rise
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours, until doubled in size.
5: Shape the Knots
Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope about 6 inches long, then tie it into a loose knot. Place the knots on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet.
6: Second Rise
Cover the shaped knots and let them rise for another 20–30 minutes.
7: Prepare Garlic Butter
While the knots rise, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in chopped parsley and remove from heat.
8: Bake
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the knots for 12–15 minutes, or until golden brown.
9: Brush with Garlic Butter
Immediately brush the warm knots with the garlic-parmesan butter. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor. Serve warm.
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
- Cheesy Variation: Add shredded mozzarella or cheddar inside the knots before tying for a melty surprise.
- Herb Twist: Mix in dried oregano, basil, or rosemary to the garlic butter for a more aromatic flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes on top along with the Parmesan.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking blend and adjust water slightly for dough consistency.
- Make-Ahead Option: Shape knots and refrigerate overnight; bake fresh the next day.
Nutritional Information (Per Knot)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~165 kcal |
| Protein | 4g |
| Carbohydrates | 18g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Fat | 9g |
| Saturated Fat | 4g |
| Sugar | 1.5g |
| Sodium | 140mg |
Serving Suggestions
- Serve as an appetizer with marinara, Alfredo, or garlic dipping sauce.
- Pair with soups like tomato basil, minestrone, or creamy potato.
- Enjoy as a side dish for pasta dinners, salads, or pizza nights.
- Make them part of a brunch spread with cheeses, cured meats, and fresh vegetables.
Garlic Parmesan Knots: Irresistibly Soft, Cheesy, and Flavor-Packed
Course: Recipes12 knots
servings20
minutes15
minutes165
kcalIngredients
IngredienttQuantity
All-purpose flourt2 ½ cups (300g)
Warm water (110°F / 45°C)t¾ cup (180ml)
Active dry yeastt2 ¼ tsp (7g)
Granulated sugart1 tbsp
Saltt1 tsp
Olive oilt2 tbsp
Unsalted butter (for brushing)t¼ cup (56g)
Garlic (minced)t4 cloves
Fresh parsley (chopped)t2 tbsp
Grated Parmesan cheeset½ cup (50g)
Directions
- Activate Yeast: Combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
- Make Dough: Mix flour and salt in a bowl. Add yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until a rough dough forms.
- Knead Dough: Knead on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise 1–1.5 hours until doubled.
- Shape Knots: Punch down dough, divide into 12 pieces, roll into ropes ~6 inches long, and tie into loose knots. Place on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Second Rise: Cover and let rise 20–30 minutes.
- Prepare Garlic Butter: Melt butter, add minced garlic, cook 1–2 minutes. Stir in parsley and remove from heat.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake knots 12–15 minutes until golden.
- Brush & Serve: Brush warm knots with garlic butter and sprinkle with Parmesan. Serve immediately.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Yeast Activation: Make sure your water is warm, not hot, to properly activate the yeast. Too hot and it can kill the yeast; too cold and it may not rise.
Dough Consistency: The dough should be soft and slightly tacky but not sticky. Add a little extra flour if needed during kneading.
FAQs
1. What are Garlic Parmesan Knots?
Garlic Parmesan Knots are small, soft bread knots brushed with garlic butter and topped with Parmesan cheese. They are often served as appetizers, sides for pasta, or snacks and are known for their buttery, garlicky flavor and fluffy texture.
2. Can I make Garlic Parmesan Knots ahead of time?
Yes! You can shape the knots and refrigerate them overnight. Bake them fresh the next day for a soft, warm treat. You can also freeze baked knots and reheat in the oven before serving.
3. Can I use store-bought pizza dough?
Absolutely. Store-bought pizza dough works well and can save time. Just roll it into ropes, tie knots, and follow the baking instructions, brushing with garlic butter after baking.
4. How do I keep Garlic Parmesan Knots soft?
Brush them generously with garlic butter while still warm, and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Slightly reheating them before serving will restore softness if needed
5. Can I add other flavors to the garlic butter?
Yes! You can mix in herbs like parsley, oregano, or rosemary. For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes. You can also add finely grated mozzarella for cheesy garlic knots.
Conclusion
Soft, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying, Garlic Parmesan Knots are a versatile addition to any meal or gathering. They bring a comforting aroma and irresistible taste to your kitchen, whether served as a snack, appetizer, or side. Homemade knots offer a freshness and richness that store-bought versions simply can’t match, and they are easier to make than many expect.
