Oh my goodness, let me tell you about cheese filled garlic knots! These little bundles of joy are soft, fluffy knots of dough bursting with gooey cheese and slathered in garlic butter—seriously, is there anything better? I vividly remember the first time I made these with my grandma on a chilly Sunday afternoon. The kitchen filled with that heavenly aroma of garlic, and I couldn’t wait to dive in. Trust me, once you pop one of these warm knots into your mouth, you’ll understand why they’re so irresistible! They’re perfect for parties, movie nights, or just as a cozy snack after a long day. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and get ready to make the best cheese filled garlic knots ever!
Ingredients List
Gather these simple ingredients to create your delicious cheese filled garlic knots:
- 1 cup warm water (about 110°F or 43°C)
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
Make sure to have everything measured out and ready to go; it makes the process so much smoother and more enjoyable!
How to Prepare Cheese Filled Garlic Knots
Alright, let’s get into the fun part—making those scrumptious cheese filled garlic knots! Start by combining your warm water, sugar, and yeast in a mixing bowl. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it’s all frothy and bubbly. It’s like a little magic show! Then, add the flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Mix it all together until it forms a shaggy dough.
Next, it’s time to knead! Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead it for about 5 minutes. You want it to be smooth and elastic. Once you’ve got the perfect texture, place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour. This is when the dough gets all puffy and delightful!
While your dough rises, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once the hour is up, punch the dough down gently to release any air bubbles. Now, divide the dough into about 12 equal pieces. Flatten each piece into a small circle—just enough to hold a nice spoonful of cheese. Place that cheesy goodness right in the center and pinch the dough closed, shaping it into a knot. It doesn’t have to be perfect, just make sure that cheese is securely tucked away!
Place your knots on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. In a small saucepan, melt the butter and stir in the minced garlic and chopped parsley. Brush this aromatic garlic butter generously over each knot. Now, pop them in the oven for about 15-20 minutes or until they’re golden brown and smell absolutely irresistible. Once they’re done, let them cool for a few minutes before diving in. You’ll want to savor that gooey cheese inside! Enjoy!
Tips for Success
To ensure your cheese filled garlic knots turn out perfectly every time, here are my top tips! First, make sure your water is warm, not hot—around 110°F (43°C) is ideal. This helps activate the yeast without killing it. When kneading, the dough should be smooth and slightly tacky but not sticky. If it’s too sticky, sprinkle in a little more flour until you reach the right consistency.
Don’t skip the rising time! Letting the dough rise for a full hour is key to getting those fluffy knots. And when baking, keep an eye on them towards the end—every oven is different, so check for that beautiful golden brown color at around 15 minutes. Trust me, you want to catch them just right for the ultimate cheesy, buttery experience!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutrition of these cheesy delights! Each cheese filled garlic knot is estimated to have about 150 calories, with 7 grams of fat and 5 grams of protein. You’ll also find around 18 grams of carbohydrates in each knot. Keep in mind that these values are approximate and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. But hey, a little indulgence now and then is totally worth it, right?
FAQ Section
Got questions about cheese filled garlic knots? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries that might pop up while you’re making these tasty treats:
Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely! While mozzarella gives that gooey texture we all love, feel free to mix it up with cheddar, pepper jack, or even a blend of cheeses for a unique flavor.
How should I store leftovers?
If you have any knots left (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to get that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste again.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and let it rise, then refrigerate it overnight. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking your knots.
What can I serve with these knots?
Cheese filled garlic knots pair wonderfully with marinara sauce for dipping, or you can serve them alongside a fresh salad or pasta dish for a complete meal.
Can I freeze them?
Definitely! You can freeze the unbaked knots on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag once frozen. Bake them directly from the freezer, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make with simple ingredients that come together quickly.
- Deliciously cheesy and garlicky—what’s not to love?
- Perfect for gatherings, as they’re a crowd-pleaser!
- Versatile with fillings—try different cheeses or add herbs for a twist.
- Ideal for snacking, appetizers, or alongside your favorite pasta dish.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your cheese filled garlic knots fresh and tasty, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay good for about 3 days—if they last that long! When you’re ready to enjoy them again, the best way to reheat is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), then place the knots on a baking sheet for about 5–7 minutes until they’re warmed through and the cheese is nice and gooey again. You can also pop them in the microwave for a quick fix, but they won’t have that lovely crispiness. So, if you can, stick with the oven for that freshly baked taste!
Serving Suggestions
Cheese filled garlic knots are so versatile and pair beautifully with a variety of dishes! Serve them alongside a fresh, zesty salad for a light meal or with a warm bowl of marinara sauce for dipping—trust me, it’s heavenly! They also complement pasta dishes perfectly, like spaghetti or fettuccine Alfredo, adding that extra touch of comfort. Enjoy them at your next gathering, and watch them disappear!
Z nadrukami
Cheese Filled Garlic Knots: 5 Irresistible Tips for Perfection
- Całkowity Czas: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Ustępować: 12 knots 1x
- Dieta: Wegańskie
Opis
Cheese filled garlic knots are soft, fluffy knots of dough stuffed with gooey cheese and coated in garlic butter.
Składniki
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
Instrukcje
- In a bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
- Add flour, salt, and olive oil. Mix to form a dough.
- Knead the dough for 5 minutes until smooth. Let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Divide the dough into small pieces and flatten each piece.
- Place a spoonful of cheese in the center and pinch to seal.
- Shape each piece into a knot and place on a baking sheet.
- Melt butter and mix in garlic and parsley.
- Brush the knots with the garlic butter.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
Uwagi
- Serve warm for the best flavor.
- Can use any cheese of your choice.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Czas Przygotowania: 15 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 20 minutes
- Kategoria: Appetizer
- Sposób: Baking
- Kuchnia: Italian
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 knot
- Kalorie: 150
- Cukier: 1g
- Sód: 250mg
- Kwasy: 7g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 4g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 2g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 18g
- Włókno: 1g
- Białko: 5g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Słowa kluczowe: cheese filled garlic knots, garlic knots, cheese knots, Italian appetizer
