# Fresh from the Oven Garlic Knots Should Be Considered a Controlled Substance
Garlic knots are a cherished feature of pizza night, frequently overshadowing the main course. These tasty morsels, fluffy inside with a crispy exterior, are soaked in garlic butter, rendering them impossible to resist. Whether savored with sauce, on their own, or even chilled, garlic knots are a dream for carbohydrate enthusiasts.
## What Makes Garlic Knots Special?
Garlic knots represent the essence of comfort food. Their soft texture paired with the robust taste of garlic butter makes for an ideal snack or side. The pleasure of crafting homemade garlic knots is unparalleled, and they can be easily prepared from scratch or with pre-made pizza dough for a quicker option.
## Steps to Create Garlic Knots
Crafting garlic knots is a simple task that can be divided into a few easy steps:
1. **Prepare the Dough**: If opting to create the dough from scratch, mix all ingredients in a stand mixer until a ball is formed. Cover and allow it to proof until it has doubled in size.
2. **Form the Knots**: After the dough has risen, punch it down and shape it into a log. Cut it into strips, roll them out, and tie into knots. Allow them to rest until fluffy.
3. **Bake the Knots**: Coat the knots with garlic butter and bake until they are golden brown.
4. **Add a Butter Bath**: For enhanced flavor, double dip the knots in garlic butter and garnish with Parmesan and parsley.
5. **Savor!**
## Reasons to Go Homemade
Choosing to make homemade garlic knots offers numerous advantages:
– **Fulfillment**: There’s a special joy in crafting dough from scratch.
– **Freezing**: Homemade knots can easily be frozen for future indulgence.
– **Texture**: They are exceptionally soft and airy.
– **Flavor**: Freshly baked knots are golden and dripping in garlic butter.
– **Personalization**: You can modify the amount of garlic and toppings to suit your taste.
## What If I Prefer Not to Make Dough?
No worries! Store-bought pizza dough is an excellent alternative for this recipe. It’s convenient and still yields delicious outcomes.
## Air Fryer Garlic Knots
If you’re thinking about using an air fryer, you’re in for a treat! Prepare the garlic knots as directed, preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes, then air fry at 350°F for 10-12 minutes until they turn golden. Dip them in extra butter once done for that extra burst of flavor.
## Recipe: Garlic Knots
### Ingredients
**For the Garlic Knots:**
– 3/4 cup warm water
– 1 tsp instant dry yeast
– 1/2 tsp sugar
– 2.25 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 tbsp olive oil
**For the Parmesan Garlic Butter:**
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1/4 cup butter
– 6 cloves garlic (crushed)
– Salt (to taste)
– 2 tbsp finely grated Parmesan
– 2 tbsp fresh flat-leaf parsley (chopped)
### Instructions
1. In a stand mixer, combine water, yeast, sugar, flour, salt, and olive oil. Knead until a ball is formed. Allow it to proof until doubled (1-2 hours).
2. Punch down the dough, shape it into a log, and cut it into 8 strips. Roll each strip into a rope and tie into knots. Dust with garlic powder and let rest for 30 minutes.
3. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Melt butter, add garlic, and cook until soft (2-3 minutes).
4. Brush knots with garlic butter and bake for 13-15 minutes until golden. Dunk in remaining butter and sprinkle with Parmesan and parsley.
### Storage
– **Room Temperature**: Store in a container for up to 2 days.
– **Refrigerator**: Keep for up to 1 week.
– **Freezer**: Freeze in a bag for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature and reheat as needed.
### Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
– Calories: 230
– Total Fat: 10.8g (Saturated Fat: 5g)
– Cholesterol: 19mg
– Sodium: 393mg
– Total Carbohydrates: 27.2g (Fiber: 1.1g, Sugars: 0.5g)
– Protein: 5.4g
Garlic knots transcend a mere side dish; they offer a delightful experience. Whether you make them from scratch or utilize store-bought dough, these knots are bound to become a beloved addition to your kitchen. Relish them fresh from the oven for an incredibly enjoyable treat!