Irresistible Homemade Garlic Knots with Herb Butter

Garlic Knots Recipe

Overview

A classic snack that’s perfect for gatherings or a cozy family meal, these Garlic Knots are soft, buttery, and bursting with flavor. They combine a fluffy homemade dough with a rich garlic-herb butter, making them a delightful treat you can enjoy on their own or paired with your favorite dips.

Recipe Details

• Cuisine: Fusion
• Course: Snack
• Diet: Vegetarian
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Rise Time: 2 hours
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
• Servings: 4

Ingredients

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Yeast Mixture
   In a small bowl, combine the active dry yeast, sugar, and lukewarm water or milk. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5–10 minutes. The mixture will turn into a thick, creamy paste and, within a few more minutes, start to look bubbly and frothy, indicating that the yeast is active and ready to use.

2. Make the Garlic Butter Spread
   While the yeast mixture is activating, prepare the garlic butter spread. In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, minced garlic, dried parsley, dried basil, and red chili flakes. Stir until well combined, and set this aside.

3. Prepare the Dough
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder. Stir to ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed. Pour the activated yeast mixture into the bowl with the flour and start kneading the dough. Add a couple of teaspoons of olive oil if the dough feels too dry. Continue kneading until the dough is smooth and elastic.

4. Allow the Dough to Rise
   Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and set it aside in a warm place to rise for about 2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

5. Shape the Garlic Knots
   After the dough has risen, dust your work surface lightly with flour. Punch down the dough to remove any air bubbles, then knead it gently for a couple of minutes. Flatten the dough using your hands or a rolling pin to form an 8-inch wide circle, about ½ inch thick. Cut the dough into strips approximately 6–8 inches long.

6. Form the Knots
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Take each dough strip and tie it into a loose knot. With the excess dough on either side, tuck one end over and through the knot, pressing gently to secure it. Repeat with the other end. Place each formed knot onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

7. Brush with Garlic Butter
   Use a pastry brush to generously coat each garlic knot with the prepared garlic butter spread. Ensure each knot is well-covered, as this will give them a delicious golden-brown color and enhance their flavor.

8. Bake the Garlic Knots
   Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the garlic knots are golden brown and cooked through. The aroma of garlic and herbs will fill your kitchen as they bake.

9. Serve
   Serve these warm, soft, and buttery garlic knots straight from the oven for the best flavor. These knots are delicious on their own or can be served with dips like a Low Fat Vegetable Dip with Herbs or a Pepper and Olive Cottage Cheese Dip. For a heartier option, pair them with Spinach Corn Pasta in Whole Wheat White Sauce for a comforting dinner.

Serving Suggestions

Garlic Knots are perfect as an afternoon tea-time snack, alongside a hot cup of Masala Chai and a side of Linzer Cookies. These versatile knots also make a fantastic accompaniment to soups, salads, or as a side for pasta dishes.

Enjoy this recipe as part of a cozy family meal, or prepare it as a crowd-pleasing snack for your next gathering.