What To Know
- Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Cover the knots with plastic wrap and let them rise in a warm place for 30 minutes, or until they have doubled in size.
- To reheat, place the frozen or refrigerated knots on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Make-ahead garlic knots are the ultimate culinary lifesaver, offering a hassle-free way to prepare a delectable appetizer that will impress your guests. These fluffy, garlicky knots can be made in advance and reheated when ready to serve, ensuring that you can enjoy stress-free entertaining.
Why Make Ahead Garlic Knots?
- Convenient: Prepare them ahead of time and reheat them when needed, saving you valuable time during your event.
- Versatile: Perfect for parties, potlucks, game days, or as a side dish for dinner.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Their irresistible flavor and texture make them a universal favorite.
- Budget-Friendly: Made with simple and affordable ingredients, they won’t break the bank.
Ingredients for Make Ahead Garlic Knots
For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 1/2 – 3 cups all-purpose flour
For the Garlic Butter:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions for Make Ahead Garlic Knots
1. Proof the Yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let stand for 5 minutes, or until the yeast is foamy.
2. Mix the Dough: Add the salt, olive oil, and 2 1/2 cups of flour to the yeast mixture. Stir until a dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add more flour 1 tablespoon at a time until it becomes manageable.
3. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic.
4. First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
5. Punch Down the Dough: Punch down the dough to release the air bubbles.
6. Shape the Knots: Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope about 12 inches long. Tie each rope into a knot and place it on a greased baking sheet.
7. Second Rise: Cover the knots with plastic wrap and let them rise in a warm place for 30 minutes, or until they have doubled in size.
8. Bake the Knots: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Bake the knots for 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown.
9. Make the Garlic Butter: While the knots are baking, prepare the garlic butter by combining the melted butter, parsley, garlic, and Italian seasoning in a small bowl.
10. Brush with Garlic Butter: Remove the knots from the oven and brush them generously with the garlic butter.
Make Ahead Tips
- Freeze: Once baked, let the knots cool completely and store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months.
- Refrigerate: Store the baked knots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: To reheat, place the frozen or refrigerated knots on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Dipping Sauce Options
- Marinara sauce
- Alfredo sauce
- Pesto
- Olive oil and balsamic vinegar
Serving Suggestions
- As an appetizer at parties or potlucks
- As a side dish for pasta dishes
- As a quick and easy snack
Wrapping It Up: The Ultimate Make-Ahead Garlic Knots
Make-ahead garlic knots are a culinary game-changer, offering the convenience of preparation in advance without sacrificing flavor or texture. Whether you’re hosting a grand event or simply craving a comforting snack, these fluffy, garlicky knots are guaranteed to delight. So next time you’re looking for an effortless and crowd-pleasing appetizer, don’t hesitate to whip up a batch of these make-ahead garlic knots.
What People Want to Know
Q: Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
A: Yes, you can. Use the same amount of active dry yeast and follow the instructions for proofing the yeast.
Q: How can I make the garlic knots vegan?
A: To make the garlic knots vegan, substitute the butter with vegan butter or olive oil and use plant-based milk to make the dough.
Q: Can I make the garlic knots ahead of time and assemble them later?
A: Yes, you can. Prepare the dough and let it rise the first time. Then, divide it into pieces and shape the knots. Cover them with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove them from the refrigerator and let them rise the second time before baking.
Q: How do I store the leftover garlic knots?
A: Store the leftover garlic knots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving.
Q: Can I freeze the garlic knots?
A: Yes, you can. Bake the garlic knots and let them cool completely. Then, transfer them to an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and then warm them in the oven or microwave.
