Garlic knots are a delicious Italian-American appetizer or side dish that can be found in many pizzerias and bakeries, especially in New York. They are simple to make at home too. These soft dinner rolls are topped with olive oil, garlic, and herbs for a mouthwatering flavor. Follow this easy recipe to learn how to make authentic New York bakery-style garlic knots.
Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you will need to make a batch of New York bakery garlic knots:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Bread flour | 3 1/2 cups |
| Instant yeast | 1 1/2 teaspoons |
| Granulated sugar | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | 1 1/2 teaspoons |
| Water | 1 1/4 cups |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons + more for brushing |
| Garlic powder | 2 teaspoons |
| Dried parsley | 1/4 cup |
| Grated Parmesan cheese | 1/4 cup (optional) |
This recipe makes 16-20 garlic knots.
Equipment
You will need the following equipment:
- Large mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon
- Plastic wrap
- Rolling pin
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Pastry brush
Instructions
Follow these step-by-step instructions to make authentic New York bakery garlic knots from scratch:
Make the Dough
1. In a large bowl, stir together the bread flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt until well combined.
2. Make a well in the center and pour in the water and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Using a wooden spoon, mix until a shaggy dough starts to form.
3. Turn out the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for about 10 minutes, until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. Add a little more flour if it sticks.
4. Place the dough in a large greased bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Let rise for 1-2 hours at room temperature until doubled in size.
Shape the Knots
1. Punch down the risen dough to release air bubbles. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface.
2. Divide the dough into 16-20 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope about 8 inches long.
3. Tie each rope into a simple knot, pinching the ends together firmly to seal.
4. Arrange the knots 1 inch apart on a parchment lined baking sheet. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes until slightly puffed up.
Bake the Knots
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2. Stir together the garlic powder, dried parsley, 2 tablespoons olive oil, and Parmesan cheese in a small bowl for the topping.
3. Brush the risen knots with olive oil and sprinkle the garlic seasoning mixture evenly over the top.
4. Bake for 18-22 minutes until golden brown. The knots are ready when they sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
5. Remove from oven and brush with any remaining oil and seasoning mixture. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Tips for Making Perfect Garlic Knots
Follow these tips for the best, most authentic garlic knots:
- Use bread flour instead of all-purpose for the chewiest texture.
- Knead the dough well to develop the gluten.
- Let the shaped knots rise again before baking for light, airy knots.
- Make sure the knots are tightly sealed so the filling doesn’t leak out.
- Brush with plenty of olive oil before and after baking for flavor.
- Bake at a high temperature until deeply golden brown.
- Serve warm right out of the oven for the best flavor and texture.
Garlic Knot Variations
There are many ways to customize garlic knots to your taste:
Cheese Garlic Knots
– For cheesy garlic knots, knead 1/2 cup grated Parmesan or mozzarella into the dough before the first rise. Sprinkle more on top before baking.
Herb Garlic Knots
– Mix up the topping by using dried oregano, rosemary or basil instead of parsley.
Pepper Garlic Knots
– For spicy garlic knots, add 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes to the topping.
Buttery Garlic Knots
– Brush the baked knots with melted butter instead of olive oil for extra richness.
Pizza Garlic Knots
– Top with pizza sauce, mozzarella and pepperoni before baking for a pizza-inspired twist.
How to Serve Garlic Knots
Here are some ideas for serving garlic knots:
- As an appetizer – Serve garlic knots alongside dips like marinara sauce, cheese sauce or creamy pesto.
- With soup or salad – Garlic knots pair well with minestrone, tomato soup, Caesar salad or antipasto salad.
- As a side dish – Serve garlic knots alongside Italian dishes like pasta, chicken parmesan or shrimp scampi.
- For bread service – Offer garlic knots in place of regular bread before an Italian meal.
- As a snack – Keep baked garlic knots on hand for a delicious anytime snack.
- For parties – Garlic knots make a great addition to an Italian-themed party spread.
Storing and Freezing Garlic Knots
Garlic knots are best fresh but here are some storage tips:
- Room temperature – Leftover garlic knots will keep at room temperature in a bread basket or zip top bag for 2-3 days.
- Refrigeration – Store garlic knots in a zip top bag or airtight container for 4-5 days.
- Freezer – Freeze baked garlic knots up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen in the oven.
- Dough – The unbaked dough can be refrigerated 1-2 days or frozen up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before shaping and baking.
Conclusion
With a little bit of time and effort, you can easily recreate those irresistible garlic knots from your favorite New York bakery or pizzeria. The secret is in the soft, chewy dough, generous brushings of olive oil, and zesty garlic herb topping. Serve these knots warm from the oven as an appetizer or snack and be prepared for requests for more. They make a great addition to any Italian-style spread.