Ah, garlic knots! Just the mention of these delightful little bites brings back such warm memories. I remember the first time I had them at a cozy little Italian restaurant with my family. Their aroma filled the air, and they disappeared from our table almost as quickly as they arrived. Now, I can’t think of a movie night or casual gathering without whipping up a batch of these irresistible knots! They’re buttery, garlicky, and just a tad crispy on the outside—truly the perfect snack or side.
What I love most about garlic knots is their versatility. You can enjoy them as a side dish, a snack, or even serve them with a delicious marinara dip. Plus, they are super easy to make—trust me, you’ll be surprised at how quickly the dough transforms into this delightful treat that’s sure to impress your guests (or simply satisfy your late-night cravings). Let’s dive into how to make the best garlic knots ever!
What’s in Best Garlic Knots?
– Pizza Dough: You can use either store-bought or homemade pizza dough. I usually grab a pound of pre-made from my local pizzeria for convenience, but if you’re feeling adventurous, making your own can be a fun weekend project!
– Unsalted Butter: The key to that luscious flavor and golden finish. I find that using unsalted allows me to control the overall saltiness since we’re adding some to the mix too.
– Garlic: Four cloves of fresh garlic, minced to create that amazing aroma and flavor. Seriously, can you ever have too much garlic?
– Fresh Parsley: This adds a dash of color and a bit of fresh flavor. I like using flat-leaf parsley for its robust taste.
– Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for enhancing all the flavors in the garlic butter mixture.
– Red Pepper Flakes: This little optional kick can really elevate the flavor profile if you’re into a bit of heat!
– Grated Parmesan Cheese: The finishing touch! It adds a delightful salty bite that complements the garlic butter beautifully.
Is Best Garlic Knots Good for You?
Now, let’s chat about health! While garlic knots are definitely a treat more than a health food, they do have some redeeming qualities.
Garlic: This flavorful bulb is not just delicious but also has numerous health benefits. It has antiviral and antibacterial properties and can even help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels—who knew something so tasty could be a wellness boost?
Parsley: This herb is often overlooked, but it’s rich in vitamins A, C, and K, plus it packs a potently healthy punch of antioxidants.
That said, with the butter and dough, these knots are definitely higher in calories and saturated fats, so moderation is key—unless you’re planning on running a marathon after (which I totally recommend if you have a whole batch waiting for you)!
Ingredients
– 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– Grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
*Yields: Approximately 12 garlic knots*
How to Make Best Garlic Knots?
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. (This makes for easy clean-up!)
2. On a floured surface, divide the pizza dough into 12 equal pieces. Try to keep them uniform for even cooking.
3. Roll each piece into a long rope, about 8-10 inches long. Feel free to ask your family to help with this; it’s a fun group activity! Tie each rope into a knot and tuck the ends underneath to form a knot shape. Place the knots on the prepared baking sheet.
4. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you’re feeling spicy.
5. Brush half of the garlic butter mixture over the knots before baking. It helps to get that buttery flavor right in there from the start.
6. Bake the garlic knots for 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown. Your kitchen will smell absolutely divine!
7. Once out of the oven, immediately brush the remaining garlic butter mixture over the knots, ensuring each is well-covered.
8. Optionally, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving. I usually go heavy on the cheese because, why not?
Garlic Knot Goodies!
Want to take your garlic knots up a notch? Here are a few fun tips:
– Dunk-a-roo: Serve these beauties with marinara or a creamy garlic sauce for a perfect match.
– Freeze for Later: If you somehow have any leftovers (which is rare!), pop them in an airtight container and store them in the freezer. Just reheat them in the oven when you’re ready for another round!
– Dough Variations: If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding herbs like oregano or thyme to your garlic butter for an extra flavor twist!
Now that I’ve shared my secrets, I’m excited for you to make your own batch of these best garlic knots! I can’t wait for you to experience their warm, garlicky goodness. Be sure to let me know how they turn out, and don’t be shy about playing around with the recipe. Happy cooking!
