Sourdough Garlic Knots: A Cozy Delight for Any Occasion
There’s something genuinely magical about the smell of dough rising in the kitchen, especially on a cool evening when cozy blankets and warm drinks are calling your name. I remember the first time I made these Sourdough Garlic Knots; it was a chilly fall afternoon, and the sun peeked through my kitchen window as I kneaded the dough. Every twist and turn brought me back to the weekends spent at my grandmother’s house, where the aroma of freshly baked bread filled the air, wrapping around us like a warm, loving hug.
These logs of golden, tender bread are the perfect addition to your easy weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends. Whether served alongside pasta or enjoyed on their own, they are a treat that’s hard to resist. You’ll find yourself reaching for just one more knot, savoring the buttery goodness mixed with a burst of garlicky flavor.
This is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Easy to Make: With just a handful of basic ingredients, these Sourdough Garlic Knots come together effortlessly, making them the perfect baking project for beginners and seasoned bakers alike.
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Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re hosting a cozy get-together or a family dinner, these knots are sure to be a hit. Their fluffy texture and savory garlic aroma will draw everyone in!
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Versatile Treat: These delightful knots can be served as an appetizer, a side dish, or even a simple snack. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauce or enjoy them straight from the oven.
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Perfect for Leftovers: The knots reheat beautifully, maintaining their tender texture and buttery goodness. They also freeze well, so you can enjoy them long after baking.
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Made with Love: The hand-rolled preparation makes these knots special. They are filled with nostalgia and warmth that store-bought bread simply can’t compete with.
What You’ll Need
Gather These Simple Ingredients
- 125 g filtered water
- 100 g sourdough starter, at its peak
- 325 g bread flour
- 10 g sea salt
- 50 g butter, melted
- 2 tbs olive oil
- 4-6 cloves garlic, minced (see notes for substitution)
- 5 tbs butter, unsalted
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 tbs parsley (optional)
Let’s Make It Together
Here’s how to create these delightful Sourdough Garlic Knots, step by step:
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Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the filtered water and sourdough starter. Stir until well mixed. Gradually add the bread flour and sea salt. Mix until a shaggy dough forms. Pour in the melted butter and olive oil, mixing until everything is well incorporated.
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Strengthen the Dough: Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. You can also use the stretch and fold technique; just stretch the dough and fold it over itself to build strength.
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Bulk Ferment: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for 4 to 6 hours or until doubled in size.
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Shape and Second Rise: Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a floured surface. Divide it into equal pieces (about 12). Roll each piece into a rope and then tie it into a knot. Place the knots on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and cover. Let them rise for another hour.
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Bake and Brush: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the knots for about 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. In the meantime, melt the unsalted butter with minced garlic and salt. Brush generously over the warm knots as soon as they come out of the oven. For an extra touch of color and flavor, sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired.
Delicious Variations to Try
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Cheesy Garlic Knots: Add shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese into the knots before baking for a gooey, indulgent surprise.
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Herbed Variation: Mix in your favorite herbs, like rosemary or thyme, into the dough for an aromatic twist that’s utterly delightful.
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Spicy Kick: For those who like a bit of heat, toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for a zesty flavor!
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Sweet Twist: Swap the garlic for a cinnamon-sugar mixture for a sweet version that’s perfect for brunch.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
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Make-Ahead Magic: You can prepare the knots the night before, let them rise in the refrigerator overnight, and bake them fresh in the morning!
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Ingredient Swaps: If you don’t have fresh garlic on hand, garlic powder can be a great substitute—just adjust to taste.
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Storage Suggestions: Keep leftover knots in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze them for longer storage—simply reheat in the oven for about 10 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
Nutrition Information per Serving
Servings: 12 Garlic Knots
Calories: 150 | Carbs: 18g | Sugar: 1g | Fat: 8g | Protein: 3g | Sodium: 200mg
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I make this ahead? Absolutely! Prepare the knots the night before, let them rise in the fridge, and bake fresh in the morning!
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Can I use different ingredients? Yes! Feel free to substitute any herbs, or swap out butter for olive oil if you’re looking for a dairy-free option.
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How do I store leftovers? Store any uneaten knots in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days or freeze for longer storage.
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How long does it last? When kept properly, these knots will last up to 3 days at room temperature or up to a month in the freezer.
A Cozy Closing Note
Sourdough Garlic Knots are not just food; they carry a warmth that nourishes both body and soul. This recipe brings together memories of family gatherings, comforting moments, and the joy of sharing something homemade with loved ones. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion or just because, every bite will fill your heart with cozy happiness.
Save this Sourdough Garlic Knots recipe to your comfort food board so it’s ready when you need a cozy treat!
Sourdough Garlic Knots
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 125 g filtered water
- 100 g sourdough starter, at its peak
- 325 g bread flour
- 10 g sea salt
- 50 g butter, melted
- 2 tbs olive oil
Garlic Butter Topping
- 4-6 cloves garlic, minced See notes for substitution
- 5 tbs butter, unsalted
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 tbs parsley (optional)
Instructions
Making the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the filtered water and sourdough starter. Stir until well mixed.
- Gradually add the bread flour and sea salt. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
- Pour in the melted butter and olive oil, mixing until everything is well incorporated.
Strengthening the Dough
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until it's smooth and elastic.
- Alternatively, use the stretch and fold technique to build strength.
Fermentation
- Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for 4 to 6 hours or until doubled in size.
Shaping and Rising
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Divide it into 12 equal pieces.
- Roll each piece into a rope and shape it into a knot.
- Place the knots on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and let them rise for another hour.
Baking
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the knots for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
- Melt the unsalted butter with minced garlic and salt. Brush generously over the warm knots as soon as they come out of the oven.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired.
