Garlic Herb Knots

$- 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast - 3/4 teaspoon salt - 1 tablespoon sugar - 3/4 cup warm water (110°F) - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 tablespoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried basil - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) In this recipe, the main ingredients form the base of our tasty knots. The flour gives the dough structure. The yeast helps it rise. Salt and sugar enhance the flavor. Warm water activates the yeast, which is key for a good rise. For flavor, we add olive oil to keep the knots moist. Garlic powder gives that great garlic taste. Oregano and basil bring in a hint of the garden. Black pepper adds a bit of warmth. Finally, we top our knots with Parmesan cheese for a rich flavor. Chopped parsley adds a fresh touch and makes the knots look nice. Each ingredient plays an important role in making these garlic herb knots a hit. First, gather your warm water, sugar, and yeast. Combine these in a small bowl. Use water that is about 110°F. This warms the yeast and wakes it up. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes. You want it to look frothy on top. This means your yeast is active and ready to help your dough rise. Next, grab a large mixing bowl. In this bowl, whisk together your flour, salt, garlic powder, oregano, basil, and black pepper. Mixing these dry ingredients well helps spread the flavors evenly. The garlic powder will add a nice kick. The herbs give it a fresh taste. Now it's time to combine everything. Pour the yeast mixture and olive oil into the bowl with your dry ingredients. Stir these together until a dough starts to form. This step is crucial; you want every bit of the dry mix to be moistened. Once it forms, knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes. You should feel it become smooth and elastic. This texture is key for soft, fluffy knots later on. To know if your dough is elastic, stretch a small piece. If it pulls without breaking, you are good. Aim for a soft and smooth texture. Kneading is key. Use your palms to push the dough. Fold it over and repeat. Knead for about 5-7 minutes. This builds gluten, giving it strength. For the best rise, find a warm spot in your kitchen. The ideal temperature is about 75°F to 80°F. If it's too cold, the dough may not rise well. Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel. This keeps moisture in and prevents it from drying out. Check for doneness by tapping the bottom of a knot. If it sounds hollow, it’s ready. For a golden-brown finish, brush with butter and cheese before baking. This adds flavor and color. Bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes, keeping an eye on them. Enjoy watching those knots turn golden! {{image_2}} You can make these knots even better by adding cheese. Mozzarella or cheddar works great. To do this, roll out your dough and place a small piece of cheese in the center of each knot. Then, fold the dough around the cheese and shape it into a knot. The cheese melts while baking, giving you a gooey surprise inside. This extra step adds a rich flavor and creamy texture that everyone will love. Using fresh herbs instead of dried herbs can make your knots taste even fresher. Try adding fresh parsley, basil, or oregano. Chop them finely and mix them into the dough. You can also use them as a garnish after baking. Fresh herbs bring a bright taste and a lovely pop of color to your garlic herb knots. This simple change can elevate your dish and impress your family or friends. For a little kick, try adding red pepper flakes. Mix them into your dough or sprinkle them on top before baking. Adjust the amount based on your spice preference. This twist adds heat and depth to the flavor. It’s a fun way to change the taste and make your garlic knots exciting. Serve them with marinara sauce for a spicy dip that will make your taste buds dance. To keep your garlic herb knots fresh in the fridge, follow these steps. First, let them cool completely. Then, place them in an airtight container. You can also wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. They will stay fresh for 2 to 3 days. Be sure to store them away from strong odors in the fridge. This keeps their flavor intact. If you want to save garlic herb knots for later, freezing is a great option. Place the cooled knots in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. You can freeze them for up to 3 months. When you're ready to eat, simply reheat them. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for about 10-15 minutes until warm. This method keeps them tasty and soft. Garlic herb knots shine when served with marinara sauce. The rich tomato flavor pairs well with the herbs. You can also enjoy them alongside your favorite pasta dishes. They add a delightful touch to any meal. Try dipping them in olive oil with herbs for a fun twist! Yes, you can use instant yeast. It works well in most bread recipes. Instant yeast does not need to be dissolved in warm water. You can mix it directly with dry ingredients. Use the same amount as active dry yeast, so 2 1/4 teaspoons will do. The dough may rise a bit faster with instant yeast, so watch it closely. To make garlic knots vegan, swap out the butter and cheese. Use plant-based butter instead of regular butter. For cheese, try using nutritional yeast or vegan cheese that melts well. You can also use almond or oat milk in place of dairy if needed. This way, you keep the flavor while making it plant-based. To prevent soggy knots, store them properly. Let them cool completely before covering. Use an airtight container or wrap them in foil. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F. This helps restore their crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them chewy. This blog post covered everything you need to make delicious garlic herb knots. We discussed the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for success. You learned how to store them and even explore fun variations. Remember, using fresh herbs or adding cheese can elevate your knots. Follow these steps for perfect results every time. Enjoy your homemade garlic knots!$

Get ready to impress with these delicious Garlic Herb Knots! Perfect for any meal or as a tasty snack, these fluffy knots are packed with flavor from garlic, oregano, and Parmesan cheese. Follow the simple steps to create the ultimate bread side dish that everyone will love. Don't miss out—click through to explore the full recipe and bring warmth to your table with homemade goodness!

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Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast

3/4 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon sugar

3/4 cup warm water (110°F)

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried basil

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, salt, garlic powder, oregano, basil, and black pepper.

Add the yeast mixture and olive oil to the dry ingredients. Stir until a dough forms.

Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm area for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope, then tie it into a knot.

Place the knots on a greased baking sheet, spacing them apart.

Melt 2 tablespoons of butter and mix in the grated Parmesan. Brush the mixture generously over each knot.

Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.

Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Prep Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes | Servings: 12 knots

- Serving Suggestions: Serve warm with a side of marinara sauce for dipping or alongside your favorite pasta dish.