There’s something incredibly satisfying about pulling apart warm, buttery garlic knots and dipping them into a rich marinara sauce. Garlic Parmesan knots with marinara aren’t just a side dish—they’re the ultimate comfort food. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or treating yourself to a cozy night in, these homemade knots will bring joy to your table.

Why You’ll Love Garlic Parmesan Knots

These knots are everything you could want in a bread dish:

• Fluffy and Flavorful: Soft on the inside with a golden, garlicky crust.
• Versatile: Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or side dish.
• Easy to Make: Simple ingredients come together in just a few steps.

Ingredients for Garlic Parmesan Knots

For the Dough:

Ingredient	Quantity
All-purpose flour	3 cups (375 g)
Granulated sugar	2 tsp
Salt	1 tsp
Instant yeast	2 1/4 tsp (1 packet)
Warm water (110°F/45°C)	1 cup (240 ml)
Olive oil	2 tbsp

For the Garlic Butter Topping:

Ingredient	Quantity
Unsalted butter (melted)	1/4 cup (60 g)
Garlic (minced)	2 cloves
Fresh parsley (chopped)	1 tbsp (or 1 tsp dried)
Salt	1/4 tsp

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough

Activate the Yeast:

1. In a small bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast.
2. Let it sit for 5 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy.

Mix the Dough:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.
2. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix until a dough forms.

Knead the Dough:

1. Knead on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
2. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 4-5 minutes.

Let It Rise:

1. Place the dough in a greased bowl.
2. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.

2. Shape the Knots

Divide the Dough:

1. Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces.

Shape Into Knots:

1. Roll each piece into a rope about 6-8 inches long.
2. Tie each rope into a loose knot and place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between them.

Second Rise:

1. Cover the knots with a kitchen towel.
2. Let them rise for 30 minutes.

3. Bake the Knots

Preheat the Oven:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Bake:

1. Bake the knots for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.

4. Prepare the Garlic Butter Topping

Make the Topping:

1. In a small bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, and salt.

Brush the Knots:

1. Brush the warm knots generously with the garlic butter topping as soon as they come out of the oven.

5. Serve and Enjoy

1. Serve the garlic knots warm with marinara sauce for dipping or alongside your favorite Italian dishes.

Tips for Perfect Garlic Parmesan Knots

• Use Warm Water: Water that’s too hot can kill the yeast, while water that’s too cool won’t activate it.
• Let the Dough Rise in a Warm Spot: If your kitchen is cold, place the dough near a slightly warm oven or on a sunny windowsill.
• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the knots to ensure they stay soft and fluffy inside.

Creative Variations

1. Add Cheese

• Sprinkle shredded parmesan or mozzarella on top of the knots before baking for an extra cheesy twist.

2. Infuse with Herbs

• Mix dried Italian herbs into the dough for added flavor.

3. Make It Sweet

• Swap the garlic butter for a cinnamon-sugar topping and serve with cream cheese frosting.

Serving Suggestions

• As an Appetizer: Pair with marinara or alfredo sauce for dipping.
• With Soup: Serve alongside tomato soup or minestrone for a cozy meal.
• As a Side Dish: Complement pasta, pizza, or salad.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make these knots ahead of time?

Yes! Shape the knots and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. Let them come to room temperature and rise slightly before baking.

2. How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover knots in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.

3. Can I freeze garlic knots?

Absolutely. Freeze baked knots in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warm.

4. What if I don’t have instant yeast?

You can use active dry yeast. Let it bloom in the warm water for 10 minutes before using.

5. Can I use pre-made dough?

Yes, store-bought pizza dough works well if you’re short on time.

6. How do I make the marinara sauce?

Combine crushed tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and Italian herbs in a saucepan. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, then blend if desired.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Per Knot
Calories	~150
Protein	~3g
Fat	~6g
Carbohydrates	~20g
Fiber	~1g

Bring the Warmth to Your Table

Garlic Parmesan knots with marinara are more than just bread—they’re a way to bring people together over good food. Perfectly soft, bursting with garlic flavor, and paired with a tangy marinara, these knots will quickly become a household favorite.

Ready to bake? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and enjoy the joy of homemade goodness today!

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