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If you are a fan of warm, buttery bread that’s bursting with fragrant garlic and fresh herbs, this Garlic Knot Rolls Recipe is going to become your new obsession. These soft, tender rolls are tied into charming little knots, giving them a perfect texture with just the right amount of chew and a crispy golden crust. Infused with a heavenly garlic butter glaze and finished with flaky sea salt and Parmesan cheese, these knots make a show-stopping addition to any meal or a delightful snack on their own.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Garlic Knot Rolls Recipe uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that each bring their own magic to the table. Every element works together to create tender dough, a rich buttery flavor, and that unmistakable garlic punch you’ll love.
- Unsalted butter: Used twice, once melted with milk for the dough and again for the flavorful garlic coating, butter creates richness and helps the knots brown beautifully.
- Whole milk: Adds moisture and tenderness to the dough, giving the rolls a soft crumb.
- Large eggs: Eggs lend structure and richness, making the dough a little more substantial and luxurious.
- Granulated sugar: A touch of sweetness that feeds the yeast for a lively rise and balances the garlic’s savory notes.
- Fine salt: Essential for flavor enhancement and controlling yeast activity.
- Instant yeast: The star that makes these knot rolls rise and become wonderfully fluffy.
- Bread flour: High-gluten flour ensures a chewy texture and great elasticity for shaping knots.
- Garlic cloves: Freshly minced for an authentic bold garlic flavor in the buttery coating.
- Fresh parsley: Brightens the garlic butter with a pop of herbaceous freshness.
- Garlic powder: Adds an extra layer of garlic flavor that lingers beautifully.
- Fine sea salt: Balances the garlic butter and helps flavor penetrate every bite.
- Egg wash: Gives the knots a glossy, golden-brown finish when baked.
- Flaky sea salt: A final sprinkle for texture and bursts of salty crunch.
- Parmesan cheese: Finely grated for a savory, nutty topping that perfectly complements the garlic.
- Marinara sauce (optional): Ideal for dipping and adding a tangy contrast.
How to Make Garlic Knot Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Begin by melting 4 tablespoons of butter and mixing it with the whole milk, then allow this mixture to cool to lukewarm. Combining this warm buttery milk with eggs, sugar, salt, and yeast creates a rich dough base. Add half of the bread flour to the mixer first, then gradually incorporate the rest while kneading for 7 to 8 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic—a perfect sign that your knots will be soft and chewy.
Step 2: Let the Dough Rise
Transfer your dough to a greased bowl and cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size, about 90 minutes. This rise is crucial for developing flavor and achieving that light texture we all crave in a Garlic Knot Rolls Recipe.
Step 3: Shape the Knots
Spray a 9×13-inch pan lightly with oil to prevent sticking. After punching down the risen dough to release excess air, divide it into 15 equal pieces, roughly 70 grams each. Roll each piece into a 9-inch rope and tie it into a neat knot. Carefully place the knots in the pan, cover them, and allow another rise for 45 to 60 minutes—this second rise ensures the knots bake up puffed and delightful.
Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter Coating
While the knots are rising, melt 1 stick of butter in a saucepan and add the minced garlic. Sauté gently until the garlic is fragrant but not browned. Stir in fresh parsley, garlic powder, and sea salt for a lush, aromatic butter that will soak into the warm rolls, amplifying their flavor to irresistible heights.
Step 5: Bake the Knots
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Before popping your knots in the oven, brush them with a lightly beaten egg for that glossy, golden finish everyone will adore. Bake for 18 minutes or until they turn a beautiful golden brown. This step seals in moisture while giving you that crunchy outer crust everyone loves.
Step 6: Finish with Garlic Butter and Toppings
Once out of the oven, immediately brush your garlic knot rolls generously with the prepared garlic butter. The warmth helps the butter soak in deeply. Then sprinkle flaky sea salt along with finely grated Parmesan cheese for a savory, cheesy finish. Serve the knots warm with marinara sauce on the side if you want to add a tangy, traditional dipping option.
How to Serve Garlic Knot Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a dusting of extra Parmesan cheese can add inviting color and enhance the herbaceous notes in your Garlic Knot Rolls Recipe. For a little extra indulgence, try a drizzle of olive oil or a pinch of chili flakes for subtle heat.
Side Dishes
These garlic knots are perfect companions to hearty Italian meals like spaghetti Bolognese, lasagna, or a creamy tomato basil soup. Their buttery, garlicky goodness can also complement grilled chicken or salad bowls beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your garlic knots piled high on a rustic wooden board for a cozy gathering or arrange them in a circle around a bowl of warm marinara for a striking appetizer centerpiece. For a fun twist, tuck slices of mozzarella or pepperoni into the knots before baking, adding a surprise melty filling inside each bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers from your Garlic Knot Rolls Recipe, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them soft but ensures they don’t dry out. For longer storage, refrigeration is an option though it might slightly toughen the crust.
Freezing
You can freeze the shaped knots before the second rise by placing them on a baking sheet, freezing until solid, and then transferring to a freezer bag. Defrosting overnight in the fridge and letting them rise again before baking yields excellent results for future cravings.
Reheating
Reheat leftover knots by warming them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 8-10 minutes. To revive that fresh-from-the-oven taste, brush with a little extra garlic butter before reheating. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the crust crisp and texture perfect.
FAQs
Can I make the dough without a mixer?
Absolutely! While a mixer makes kneading easier, you can knead by hand on a lightly floured surface for about 10-12 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. It’s a wonderful way to connect with the dough and unwind.
What if I don’t have instant yeast?
You can substitute with active dry yeast but you will need to proof it first in warm water with a pinch of sugar before adding it to the dough ingredients. Adjust the rising time accordingly since it might take a bit longer.
Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
Fresh garlic provides the best bold flavor and aroma, but if you only have garlic powder, you can increase the amount slightly in the butter coating. However, the flavor won’t be quite as vibrant or fresh.
How do I get the knots to brown nicely?
Brushing the knots with an egg wash before baking is key to getting that rich golden color and shiny crust. Baking at 400°F also helps ensure a beautifully browned exterior while keeping the inside soft.
Are these rolls vegan or can they be made vegan?
Traditionally, this Garlic Knot Rolls Recipe uses dairy butter, milk, and eggs. To make it vegan, substitute plant-based butter and milk, and omit the egg wash or use a plant-based alternative like almond milk or aquafaba for brushing.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try this Garlic Knot Rolls Recipe, it’s going to become a staple in your kitchen repertoire. There’s something so comforting about warm garlic bread brought to life in these charming knotted shapes, perfect for sharing or indulging on your own. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and create some unforgettable garlic knot magic!
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Garlic Knot Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 53 minutes
- Yield: 15 garlic knot rolls
- Category: Bread, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Delicious homemade garlic knot rolls with a soft, airy texture, coated in a flavorful garlic butter mixture, sprinkled with Parmesan and flaky sea salt, perfect as an appetizer or side dish with marinara sauce.
Ingredients
Dough
- 4 tablespoons (57 grams) unsalted butter
- 1 1/4 cups (296 grams) whole milk
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 2 tablespoons (25 grams) granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons fine salt
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) instant yeast
- 4 1/2 cups (572 grams) bread flour
Garlic Butter Coating
- 1 stick (113 grams) unsalted butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup fresh parsley, minced
- 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
Additional
- 1 egg, lightly beaten (for egg wash)
- Flaky sea salt (such as Maldon), for sprinkling
- 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated
- Marinara sauce (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter and mix it with whole milk, then cool the mixture to lukewarm. In a stand mixer bowl, combine the lukewarm milk and butter mixture with 2 lightly beaten eggs, granulated sugar, fine salt, and instant yeast. Add half the bread flour and mix to incorporate, then add the remaining flour and knead the dough for 7 to 8 minutes using the dough hook attachment until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 90 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.
- Shape the Knots: Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking pan. Punch down the risen dough to release air, then divide it into 15 equal pieces, approximately 70 grams each. Roll each piece into a 9-inch rope, tie each into a knot, and place them in the prepared pan. Cover the pan and allow the knots to rise again for 45 to 60 minutes until puffy.
- Make Garlic Butter: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 1 stick of unsalted butter. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the minced fresh parsley, garlic powder, and fine sea salt. Set aside.
- Preheat and Bake: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Brush the risen garlic knots with the lightly beaten egg to create a glossy finish. Bake in the preheated oven for 18 minutes or until the rolls are golden brown and cooked through.
- Finish and Serve: Upon removing the garlic knots from the oven, immediately brush them with the prepared garlic butter mixture, then sprinkle with flaky sea salt and finely grated Parmesan cheese. Serve the garlic knots warm, optionally accompanied by marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Ensure the milk and butter mixture is lukewarm before adding the yeast and eggs to prevent killing the yeast.
- Knead the dough thoroughly for a soft and elastic texture, which contributes to fluffy rolls.
- Allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free place for best results.
- Use fresh minced garlic in the butter for the most intense flavor; adjust garlic quantity for milder or stronger taste.
- Sprinkling flaky sea salt after baking adds a nice crunch and enhances the garlic flavor.
- Serving with marinara sauce adds a savory complement but is optional.
