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To make Garlic Parmesan Knotted Breadsticks, gather the following ingredients: - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast - 3/4 cup warm water (about 110°F) - 1 tablespoon sugar - 1 teaspoon salt - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning - 1 tablespoon melted butter - Additional grated Parmesan and chopped parsley for garnish These simple ingredients create a delightful treat. The flour gives structure, while the yeast makes them rise. Warm water helps the yeast wake up. Sugar feeds the yeast, helping it grow. Salt adds flavor, and olive oil keeps the bread soft. Garlic and Parmesan provide that tasty kick. Italian seasoning brings in a blend of herbs. Finally, melted butter adds richness, and the parsley makes it look fresh. Each ingredient plays a role in the final flavor and texture. {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, you need to activate the yeast. In a small bowl, pour 3/4 cup of warm water. You want the water to be around 110°F. Add 1 tablespoon of sugar and the packet of active dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. When it’s frothy, the yeast is ready. This means it will help the dough rise well. Next, you will make the dough. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon of salt. Create a small well in the center. Pour in the 2 tablespoons of olive oil and the frothy yeast mixture. Mix everything until it forms a cohesive dough. If the dough feels too sticky, add a little more flour. Now, it's time to knead the dough. Place it on a floured surface. Knead it for about 5-7 minutes. You want the dough to be smooth and elastic. If it sticks, sprinkle more flour. Once kneaded, shape it into a ball and place it in a greased bowl. Cover it with a damp cloth. Let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, until it doubles in size. While the dough rises, prepare the garlic mixture. In a small pan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Once the butter melts, add 4 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until it smells great, but be careful not to brown the garlic. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly. After the dough has risen, gently punch it down. This releases air. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope about 8-10 inches long. Tie each rope into a knot. This gives them their fun shape. Place the knotted breadsticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Make sure to space them apart. Cover them lightly with a cloth and let them rise for another 20-30 minutes. While they rise, preheat your oven to 375°F. Once puffed, brush the breadsticks with the garlic butter. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan and Italian seasoning. Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown and aromatic. Enjoy these warm treats! To get soft and chewy breadsticks, knead the dough well. Kneading mixes the flour and yeast, making gluten. This helps your breadsticks rise and hold their shape. Knead for about 5-7 minutes. If the dough sticks to your hands, add a little flour. Don’t be afraid to use your body weight. A firm push will help. You can add more flavor to your breadsticks. Try adding herbs like rosemary or thyme. These herbs give a nice twist to the garlic and cheese mix. You can also mix in sun-dried tomatoes or olives for extra taste. If you love heat, add some red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. Some mistakes can ruin your breadsticks. If your dough is too dry, they may turn out hard. Always check the water temperature. It should be warm, not hot. Also, don’t skip the second rise. This step makes your breadsticks light and fluffy. Lastly, avoid opening the oven door too soon. This can cause them to collapse. Follow these tips to enjoy perfect breadsticks every time. Pro Tips Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic will provide a more robust flavor compared to pre-minced or jarred options. Perfecting the Knot: For a uniform look, try to make each knot about the same size, ensuring they bake evenly. Let Them Rise: Don't rush the rising process; allowing the dough to rise adequately will result in fluffier breadsticks. Extra Seasoning: Feel free to customize the seasoning by adding red pepper flakes or other herbs to the melted butter for added flavor. {{image_4}} You can switch up the cheese to make these breadsticks even better. Try using mozzarella for a gooey inside. You can also mix in cheddar for a sharp bite. For a fancy twist, use feta or goat cheese. Mixing different cheeses can bring new flavors to your breadsticks. Just keep the total amount of cheese similar to the original recipe. Adding fresh herbs can really boost the taste. You can mix in chopped basil or parsley for a fresh touch. Thyme and rosemary work well too. Just chop the herbs finely and add them to the dough. You can also sprinkle herbs on top before baking for an extra flavor layer. To make these breadsticks gluten-free, use gluten-free flour. Look for a blend that can replace all-purpose flour. You might need to adjust the liquid a bit. Also, check that your yeast is gluten-free. Follow the same steps in the recipe, and enjoy warm breadsticks that fit your diet. To keep your garlic Parmesan knotted breadsticks fresh, store them in a sealed bag or container. Place a piece of parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking. Keep them at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, refrigerate them, but this may change their texture. Reheat breadsticks in the oven for the best results. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the breadsticks on a baking sheet and cover them with foil. Heat for about 10 minutes. This keeps them soft and warm. You can also use a microwave, but this may make them chewy. If using a microwave, heat for 10-15 seconds at a time until warm. Freezing breadsticks is easy and great for meal prep. Allow them to cool completely. Wrap each breadstick in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. This keeps them fresh and prevents freezer burn. They can last up to three months in the freezer. To enjoy, thaw them in the fridge overnight, then reheat as mentioned above. Yes, you can use instant yeast. Instant yeast works faster than active dry yeast. You do not need to activate it in warm water. Just mix it with flour and other dry ingredients. This saves you some time, making the process quicker. Garlic Parmesan knotted breadsticks stay fresh for about 2 days at room temperature. Keep them in a sealed bag or a container. For longer storage, place them in the fridge for up to 5 days. They may lose some crispness but will still taste great. Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time. Prepare the dough and let it rise. After the first rise, you can store it in the fridge. Cover it well to prevent drying out. Use it within 24 hours for the best results. Serve these breadsticks with marinara sauce or garlic butter for dipping. They also pair well with soups or salads. You can even enjoy them with your favorite pasta dishes. The flavors complement each other well. The breadsticks are done when they turn golden brown. The edges should look crisp and the center should be soft. You can also check by tapping them; they should sound hollow. This means they are perfectly baked and ready to enjoy. You learned how to make delicious garlic Parmesan knotted breadsticks. We covered ingredients, methods, and tips for perfecting texture. Remember to activate your yeast well and knead properly for the best results. You can tailor the flavors with different cheeses or herbs. Proper storage keeps them fresh longer. Enjoy baking this recipe, serving it with your favorite dishes, or simply snacking on warm breadsticks. You now have the tools to impress friends and family. Happy baking!

Garlic Parmesan Knotted Breadsticks

Deliciously soft and flavorful breadsticks knotted and topped with garlic and Parmesan.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Italian
Servings 12
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 packet active dry yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons)
  • 3.75 cups warm water (about 110°F)
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 0.25 cups grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon melted butter
  • to taste additional grated Parmesan and chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions
 

  • In a small bowl, pour the warm water and add the sugar along with the yeast. Stir gently, then let the mixture sit undisturbed for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating that the yeast is activated.
  • In a spacious mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. Create a small well in the center, pour in the olive oil, and then add the frothy yeast mixture. Stir everything together until it forms a cohesive dough.
  • Transfer the dough onto a floured surface. Knead it firmly for about 5-7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. If the dough feels too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour as needed.
  • Form the kneaded dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm environment for approximately 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
  • In a small pan over medium heat, melt the tablespoon of butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Remove from heat to let it cool slightly.
  • After the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release air. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope, approximately 8-10 inches in length, and tie each rope into a knot.
  • Arrange the knotted breadsticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced apart. Cover them lightly with a cloth and allow them to rise for an additional 20-30 minutes until puffed.
  • While the breadsticks are undergoing their second rise, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it's hot and ready.
  • Once the breadsticks have puffed up, brush them generously with the prepared melted garlic butter. Sprinkle each knot with grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and beautifully aromatic.
  • After baking, remove the breadsticks from the oven and immediately sprinkle with extra grated Parmesan and some chopped parsley for a fresh finish. Serve warm, and enjoy every delightful bite!

Notes

Serve with marinara or garlic dipping sauce for extra flavor.
Keyword appetizer, breadsticks, garlic, Italian, parmesan