Description
Classic garlic knots from Italian-American kitchens bring irresistible comfort to bread lovers. Crispy exterior and buttery herb coating make these simple appetizers a crowd-pleasing addition to any meal you’ll savor.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups (375 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 ¼ tsps (1 packet) instant yeast
- 1 cup (240 ml) warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 2 tbsps olive oil
- ¼ cup (60 g) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tsps granulated sugar
- 1 ¼ tsps salt
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped (or 1 tsp dried parsley)
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: Dissolve yeast in warm liquid, creating a frothy mixture that will help the dough rise and develop a light texture.
- Create Dough Base: Blend flour and salt in a large mixing bowl, then incorporate the activated yeast liquid and olive oil. Knead until a smooth, slightly tacky dough forms, developing gluten strands for about 6-7 minutes.
- First Rise: Transfer dough to a greased container, cover with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free spot until doubled in volume, approximately 60-90 minutes.
- Shape Knots: Punch down the risen dough and divide into uniform portions. Roll each piece into 6-8 inch ropes, then twist each into a casual knot. Arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet with ample spacing.
- Second Proof: Cover the shaped knots and allow a final rise for 25-35 minutes, enhancing their volume and softness.
- Bake to Perfection: Preheat oven to 400F. Bake the knots until they turn golden brown and achieve a rich, amber exterior, roughly 13-16 minutes.
- Finish and Garnish: Immediately after removing from the oven, generously brush the warm knots with garlic-infused butter, ensuring each knot is thoroughly coated with the aromatic herb-butter mixture.
Notes
- Activate Yeast Carefully: Ensure water temperature is between 100-110°F to perfectly activate yeast without killing it, creating a soft, fluffy texture.
- Knead with Precision: Develop gluten by kneading thoroughly for 6-7 minutes, creating a smooth, elastic dough that prevents dense, heavy knots.
- Control Proofing Environment: Place dough in a warm, draft-free area between 75-85°F to guarantee optimal rising and prevent uneven texture.
- Butter Coating Technique: Brush garlic butter immediately after baking while knots are piping hot to maximize flavor absorption and achieve a glistening, aromatic finish.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 11
- Calories: 175
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 183 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg