Are you ready to elevate your snack game? In this blog, I’ll share my simple and tasty Parmesan Herb Garlic Knots recipe that combines the flavors of garlic, fresh herbs, and gooey cheese. Perfect for dipping in marinara, these knots are easy to make and are sure to impress your family and friends. Let’s dive into making these delicious bites that will leave everyone craving more!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: These garlic knots are incredibly simple to prepare, making them a perfect appetizer or snack for any occasion.
- Flavorful Twist: The combination of garlic, herbs, and Parmesan cheese creates a deliciously rich flavor that everyone will love.
- Perfect for Sharing: These knots are great for gatherings, allowing everyone to enjoy a warm, cheesy bite, especially when paired with marinara sauce.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the herbs and seasonings to suit your taste or use leftover dough to make them your own.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
– 1 lb pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
Fresh Herbs and Seasoning
– 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
– 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Cheese and Additional Seasoning
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper (to taste)
– Marinara sauce (for dipping)
The main ingredients are simple. You can use store-bought dough or make your own. I often grab a package of pizza dough when I’m in a hurry. The melted butter adds richness, while the minced garlic gives a strong flavor. You need fresh herbs like parsley and basil to brighten the dish. Italian seasoning brings in extra depth.
The key ingredient is Parmesan cheese. It melts beautifully on top of the knots. Adjust salt and pepper to ensure the flavor is just right. Serve these knots with marinara sauce for dipping. The sauce adds a nice touch and balances the garlic flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Oven and Dough
– Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
– Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Start by getting your oven nice and hot. This helps your garlic knots rise well. While the oven heats, prepare your baking sheet. Parchment paper keeps the knots from sticking. It also makes cleanup easy.
Shaping the Garlic Knots
– Roll out the pizza dough to 1/2 inch thick.
– Cut the dough into strips 1 inch wide.
– Tie each strip into a knot, tucking ends underneath.
Now, let’s shape the garlic knots. Take your pizza dough and roll it out flat. Aim for a thickness of about half an inch. Next, cut the dough into strips that are one inch wide. You can use a sharp knife or a pizza cutter for this step. Then, take each strip and tie it into a knot. Be sure to tuck the ends underneath. This keeps them neat and helps them cook evenly.
Applying the Garlic Butter Mixture
– Combine ingredients for garlic butter.
– Brush the knots with the garlic butter.
– Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top.
Next, we make the garlic butter. In a small bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, chopped basil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine. Now, brush this mixture generously over each knot. This adds flavor and moisture. Finally, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the tops of the knots. This will give them a nice cheesy crust.
Baking the Garlic Knots
– Bake in the oven for 12-15 minutes.
– Check for golden brown color before removing.
Now it’s time to bake! Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven. Bake for about 12 to 15 minutes. You want the knots to turn a beautiful golden brown. This color means they are cooked perfectly. Once done, take them out and let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your tasty garlic knots!
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting the Garlic Knots
To make the best garlic knots, use fresh herbs. Fresh parsley and basil add great taste. Dried herbs can work, but fresh gives more flavor. When you mix the butter, garlic, and herbs, make sure the mixture spreads evenly. This way, each knot gets the same yummy taste.
Cooking Recommendations
Every oven works a bit differently. Start by checking your knots after 12 minutes. They should turn golden brown. If they look pale, give them a few more minutes. You want them soft and chewy, not hard and dry. Avoid overbaking by watching closely as they cook.
Serving Suggestions
Garlic knots pair well with marinara sauce for dipping. The rich sauce balances the garlic flavor. For a pretty touch, garnish your knots with chopped parsley before serving. It adds color and makes the dish look nice. Enjoy these knots warm for the best experience!
Pro Tips
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and high-quality butter will elevate the flavor of your garlic knots significantly.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the knots while baking; they should be golden brown but not too dark to avoid a burnt flavor.
- Serve Immediately: Garlic knots are best enjoyed right out of the oven while they are warm and soft.
- Experiment with Cheese: Try mixing different types of cheese, like mozzarella or feta, for a unique twist on the classic garlic knot.
Variations
Cheese Variations
You can switch up the cheese for your garlic knots. Try adding mozzarella for a gooey center. Cheddar also gives a nice sharp bite. If you want to get fancy, use flavored Parmesan. Garlic or herb-infused Parmesan can add an extra layer of taste.
Dough Alternatives
Not a fan of traditional pizza dough? You can use breadsticks dough for a softer knot. For those with gluten issues, gluten-free pizza dough works great, too. This way, everyone can enjoy these tasty bites.
Flavor Enhancements
Want to spice things up? Add red pepper flakes to the garlic butter mix for a kick. If you crave something sweet, drizzle honey on top after baking. This sweet garlic knot version is a fun twist!
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Parmesan Herb Garlic Knots fresh, let them cool completely first. This step prevents moisture build-up. Once cool, place them in airtight containers. This helps maintain their taste and texture.
Freezing Instructions
You can freeze garlic knots for later use. First, let them cool down. Then, pack them in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible. To thaw, simply leave them in the fridge overnight. When ready to eat, reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. This keeps them warm and soft.
Shelf Life
In the fridge, these garlic knots last about 3 to 4 days. If you freeze them, they can last up to 3 months. For best taste, try to eat them within this time frame. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating.
FAQs
How can I make garlic knots without dough?
You can use breadsticks or biscuit dough. These options create a tasty twist. You can also try using puff pastry for a flaky texture. Just cut and shape them like garlic knots.
What can I use instead of Parmesan cheese?
Try using Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste. Grana Padano is another good option. For a non-dairy choice, use nutritional yeast. It gives a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
Can I reheat leftover garlic knots?
Yes, you can! To reheat, use an oven at 350°F (175°C). Place the knots on a baking sheet for about 5-10 minutes. This keeps them warm and crispy.
How do I make homemade pizza dough for garlic knots?
Making pizza dough is easy! Mix 2 cups of flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 packet of yeast. Add 3/4 cup of warm water and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Knead until smooth, then let it rise for 1 hour.
Making garlic knots is simple and fun. You start with dough and mix in garlic butter, fresh herbs, and cheese. After baking, you get tasty pieces perfect for dipping! Remember to store leftovers properly and experiment with flavors for variety.
With a little care, your garlic knots can shine at any meal. Enjoy every bite and share them with others! You now have all you need to impress friends and family. Happy cookin
