Garlic Parmesan Knots Delight

Golden-brown garlic Parmesan knots, freshly baked and brushed with rich, savory garlic butter. Save
Golden-brown garlic Parmesan knots, freshly baked and brushed with rich, savory garlic butter. | recipesbyleticia.com

Enjoy soft, golden knots crafted from a fluffy dough brushed generously with fragrant garlic butter. These knots are baked until golden and finished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, making them a perfect savory addition to any Italian meal. The dough involves simple ingredients like yeast, flour, and olive oil, with a careful rising period to achieve an airy texture. The garlic butter blend, enriched with minced garlic and parsley, delivers a rich, aromatic finish that complements the slight saltiness of Parmesan. Ideal for sharing as an appetizer or side dish.

I still remember the first time I tried making these Garlic Parmesan Knots—they were a delightful surprise, turning my kitchen into an Italian bakery for an afternoon. The smell of garlic butter mingling with freshly baked dough instantly made the whole house feel cozy and inviting.

One unforgettable evening, spontaneous guests showed up and these knots saved the day. I whipped up the dough quickly, and by the time they settled in, these warm, garlicky bites were ready to impress without any last-minute stress.

Ingredients

  • Active dry yeast: I always measure carefully and bloom it in warm water to get that perfect rise
  • Warm water: Around 110°F feels just right to activate the yeast without killing it
  • Granulated sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness to balance the savory elements
  • All-purpose flour: The backbone of the dough, I keep extra nearby for dusting so the dough doesn't stick
  • Salt: Enhances every flavor in the knot, never skip it
  • Olive oil: Gives the dough a tender texture and a hint of fruitiness
  • Unsalted butter: Melted and rich, it’s the star for the garlic butter brushing
  • Garlic cloves: Freshly minced for that fragrant, pungent punch that fills the kitchen
  • Fresh parsley: Chopped finely to add a fresh, herbaceous lift
  • Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated for maximum flavor and a salty finish

Instructions

Get Everything Ready:
Gather your ingredients and preheat your oven. Mixing the warm water, sugar and yeast is like watching a tiny life begin as it starts to foam gently.
Make the Dough:
When you add flour, salt and olive oil, the dough begins to come together with a pleasantly sticky feel. Knead it on a floured surface until it's smooth and elastic; it’s so satisfying to feel it transform under your hands.
Let It Rise:
Covering the dough and letting it rise in a warm spot is the true magic moment. You can almost see the dough puffing up, soft to the touch and smelling slightly yeasty.
Shape and Knot:
Dividing and rolling the dough into ropes before tying them into loose knots is like crafting little edible gifts, each about 8 inches long and ready for the oven.
Create Garlic Butter:
Mixing the melted butter with garlic, parsley and salt fills the kitchen with a heady aroma that hints at the deliciousness to come.
Brush and Bake:
Brushing half of the garlic butter over the knots before baking sets the stage for a golden crust, and the oven’s warmth browns them beautifully in about 15 to 18 minutes.
Final Touch:
Right out of the oven, a second brush of garlic butter makes them glossy and irresistible. A generous sprinkle of Parmesan finishes them perfectly, adding that salty bite.
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| recipesbyleticia.com

This dish quickly became a symbol of comfort in my home; sharing these knots at family dinners brought smiles and stories across the table — food that creates memories, not just fills stomachs.

Keeping It Fresh

I always find that storing leftover knots in an airtight container keeps them soft for days. When reheating, a gentle toast in the oven brings back their crisp exterior and gooey inside, just like fresh.

Serving Ideas That Clicked

We love serving these knots with a warm marinara for dipping or alongside a fresh salad. They also make a great side to pasta or grilled veggies for a complete meal without fuss.

A Time This Recipe Saved the Day

When guests dropped in unexpectedly, having this recipe on hand meant I could offer something homemade and impressive within the hour. It’s a lifesaver for easy entertaining.

  • Don’t rush the rising time—it really makes all the difference
  • Feel free to experiment with adding crushed red pepper for a spicy kick
  • Always sprinkle Parmesan just before serving for the best texture
Warm, pull-apart garlic Parmesan knots sprinkled with Parmesan, perfect for any Italian dinner. Save
Warm, pull-apart garlic Parmesan knots sprinkled with Parmesan, perfect for any Italian dinner. | recipesbyleticia.com

Thanks for hanging out in the kitchen with me. Wishing you many cozy, flavorful moments with these Garlic Parmesan Knots!

Common Questions

Allow the dough to rise fully until doubled in size, knead well for elasticity, and avoid overbaking to keep them soft.

Yes, mixing the garlic, parsley, and melted butter in advance enhances flavor and saves time when brushing.

Roll each dough piece into an 8-inch rope and tie a loose knot to allow expansion during baking.

Keep leftovers in an airtight container and reheat gently in a low oven to preserve texture and flavor.

Adding a pinch of crushed red pepper to the garlic butter adds a spicy kick that complements the Parmesan well.

Garlic Parmesan Knots Delight

Soft golden knots brushed with fragrant garlic butter and topped with Parmesan cheese.

Prep 20m
Cook 20m
Total 40m
Servings 12
Difficulty Easy

Ingredients

Dough

  • 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • 1 cup warm water (about 110°F)
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, plus additional for dusting
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Garlic Butter

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Topping

  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1
Activate Yeast: Combine warm water, granulated sugar, and active dry yeast in a large bowl. Stir gently and let sit for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy.
2
Form Dough: Add all-purpose flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Mix until a soft dough forms.
3
Knead Dough: Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead for 5 to 7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4
First Rise: Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 45 to 60 minutes until doubled in size.
5
Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
6
Shape Knots: Punch down dough and divide into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into an 8-inch rope and tie into a loose knot. Arrange knots on the prepared baking sheet.
7
Prepare Garlic Butter: Mix melted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and salt in a small bowl.
8
Brush Knots: Brush half of the garlic butter mixture over the knots.
9
Bake: Bake knots for 15 to 18 minutes until golden brown.
10
Finish with Garlic Butter: Remove knots from oven and brush with remaining garlic butter while still warm.
11
Add Parmesan: Sprinkle knots generously with freshly grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
Additional Information

Equipment Needed

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Pastry brush
  • Small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl
  • Knife or bench scraper

Nutrition (Per Serving)

Calories 150
Protein 4g
Carbs 20g
Fat 6g

Allergy Information

  • Contains wheat (gluten) and milk (butter, Parmesan). May contain traces of eggs or nuts depending on ingredient sources.
Leticia Fernández

Sharing easy, flavorful meals and practical cooking tips for home cooks and food lovers.