Garlic knots are a delightful twist on the traditional garlic bread that you may be accustomed to enjoying alongside your favorite pasta dishes or soups. What makes garlic knots particularly alluring is their simplicity and versatility. With crescent rolls as your base, you can whip up a batch of buttery, garlicky knots that are sure to impress guests or treat yourself to an easy, yet satisfying culinary creation.
Using crescent roll dough saves you time, but doesn’t skimp on flavor or quality. You can find this dough in most supermarkets, and it offers a shortcut that allows for the garlic knots to emerge fluffy and tender on the inside, with a slight crisp on the outside. The steps involve rolling out the dough, adding a generous layer of garlic butter, and then skillfully tying them into knots before baking. The result is a quick and delicious side that pairs wonderfully with a myriad of main courses.
Gathering Necessary Ingredients
Before you start twisting and baking those delightful garlic knots, you’ll need to make sure your kitchen is stocked with the right ingredients. Here is what you’ll require:
- Crescent Rolls: Grab a tube of pre-made crescent roll dough. This is the base of your garlic knots, providing a soft and flaky texture. One tube typically makes about 8 knots.
- Unsalted Butter: You’ll need a quarter cup. This butter is going to be melted and used to infuse the garlic flavor into the knots.
- Fresh Garlic: Get 2 to 3 cloves (or more, if you’re a garlic lover). You’re going to mince these to mix into the butter for that unmistakable garlic punch.
- Olive Oil: Just a tablespoon will do. This helps keep the butter mixture from burning and adds a subtle, fruity richness.
- Parsley: Fresh is best! You’ll need about 2 tablespoons once chopped, for a fresh and herby sprinkle over the finished knots.
- Parmesan Cheese: Half a cup of grated Parmesan will add a savory, cheesy crust to your knots.
Here’s a simple checklist formatted for easy shopping:
Shopping List:
- 1 tube crescent roll dough
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 2-3 cloves of fresh garlic
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Make sure you’ve got all these items ready, and you’re well on your way to delicious homemade garlic knots!
Preparing the Dough
Creating delicious garlic knots from crescent roll dough is simpler than you might think. You’ll begin by preparing a base that will give your knots the perfect texture after baking, then form them into the classic knot shape, and finally season them with garlic and herbs for that irresistible flavor.
Mixing the Base Ingredients
To start, you’ll need pre-packaged crescent roll dough. This will save you time without sacrificing the quality of your garlic knots. Open the dough and gently unroll it onto a lightly floured surface, being careful to keep the triangular sections intact. If you prefer from-scratch dough, mix one package of active dry yeast with a cup of warm water (around 110°F), a pinch of sugar, and let it rise until it’s frothy. Then, combine it with all-purpose flour to create your pizza dough base.
| Base Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Crescent roll dough | 1 package |
| Active dry yeast | 1 packet (optional) |
| Warm water | 1 cup (optional) |
| All-purpose flour | As needed (optional) |
Creating the Knot Shape
Once your dough is ready, whether it’s the crescent roll dough or your own pizza dough, separate it into 1-inch wide strips. Take each strip and roll it into a rope. To form the knot, cross the ends of the rope, loop them around, and pull them through the center, creating a neat knot. Arrange the knots on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, giving them space to expand as they bake. If your room is cool, let the knots rest at room temperature to ensure a good rise.
Seasoning with Garlic and Herbs
Now for the flavorful part! Mix minced garlic with melted butter—this will be both your glue and taste booster. Brush this mixture generously over your knots. Then, sprinkle on your herbs: either fresh parsley, dried parsley, or Italian seasoning. This will give you that signature garlic bread aroma and taste.
| Seasoning | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Minced Garlic | 2 tablespoons |
| Butter, melted | 4 tablespoons |
| Parsley, fresh or dried | 2 tablespoons |
| Italian seasoning | 1 tablespoon (optional) |
Before you start seasoning, preheat your oven to the temperature indicated on the crescent roll package, usually between 375°F and 400°F. Once preheated, your knots will be ready to bake until golden brown, exuding that warm, garlicky scent that turns a simple roll into a mouthwatering treat.
Baking and Serving
Once your garlic knots are shaped and ready, it’s essential to bake them to golden perfection and serve them warm, ensuring they complement any Italian dinner beautifully. Follow these steps for ideal results.
Preparing the Oven and Baking Sheet
Before you start baking, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures a consistent temperature for even baking. Take a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and to make cleanup easier. Lightly grease the parchment with a bit of oil to ensure the knots come off smoothly after baking.
Baking to Golden Perfection
Place your garlic knots on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they have space to rise and bake evenly. Put them into the preheated oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes or until they turn golden brown. The aroma of baked dough and garlic will fill your kitchen as the cheese becomes deliciously melted and slightly crispy.
Serving Suggestions
Immediately after baking, sprinkle a generous amount of Parmesan cheese on top of your warm garlic knots. The residual heat will help the cheese stick. For added flavor, you may also sprinkle a touch of sugar for a subtle sweetness. Serve the garlic knots as a side with your favorite salad, marinara sauce for dipping, or as a hearty appetizer before Italian main courses like pasta dishes. Remember, serving them warm will always enhance their flavor and complement the overall nutrition and enjoyment of your meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some specific tips and methods to help you make delicious garlic knots and variations using different types of dough.
What’s the best type of pre-made dough for garlic knots?
The best pre-made dough for garlic knots is usually a fresh or refrigerated bread dough. However, crescent roll dough is a convenient and suitable option that yields tender and flaky knots.
Can you make garlic knots in an air fryer and if so, how?
Yes, you can make garlic knots in an air fryer. Roll the dough into knots, place them in the air fryer basket without touching, and cook at 350°F for about 6-8 minutes or until they are golden brown.
How can you turn crescent roll dough into garlic knots?
To turn crescent roll dough into garlic knots, separate the dough into triangles along the perforations, roll each triangle into a strip, tie into a knot, and bake as directed after seasoning with a garlic mixture.
What are the steps to making garlic pull-apart bread?
To make garlic pull-apart bread, cut the dough into small pieces, toss them in a garlic and butter mixture, layer in a loaf pan, and bake until golden. This creates a bread that you can easily tear into portions.
How do you properly reheat garlic knots to keep them soft and flavorful?
Reheat garlic knots by covering them with foil and warming in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. This method helps retain their softness and flavor.
Is it possible to make garlic bread using pie crust, and what would the method be?
You can make garlic bread using pie crust by spreading butter mixed with minced garlic and herbs onto the pie crust, cutting it into strips, and baking until crisp. This will give you a flaky and savory twist on traditional garlic bread.