These Cottage Cheese Garlic Knots are soft, fluffy bites packed with cheesy goodness and a hint of garlic. Perfect as a snack or side dish!
They’re super easy to make, and the smell while baking is so tempting that you might have to hide some for later! I love dipping them in marinara sauce for an extra treat. 🍕
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cottage Cheese: Full-fat cottage cheese gives the knots a rich texture. If you’re looking for a lower fat option, just use low-fat cottage cheese. You can also swap it with ricotta for a creamier taste.
Active Dry Yeast: This helps the dough rise. If you have fresh yeast, you can use about 2.5 times more, or instant yeast works too; just mix it right into the flour.
All-Purpose Flour: Standard choice here! If you’re gluten-free, try a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, which often works well in recipes like this.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the best flavor. In a pinch, use garlic powder (1/4 teaspoon per clove) or prepared garlic paste.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nice salty and nutty flavor. Grana Padano or Pecorino Romano are great alternatives. For a dairy-free version, try a vegan cheese substitute.
How Do I Ensure My Dough Rises Properly?
Getting the dough to rise just right is key to fluffy knots. Here’s how to do it:
- Use warm water between 100°F and 110°F to activate the yeast; too hot will kill it!
- Make sure to let your dough rise in a draft-free, warm area. An oven with just the light on works well.
- Cover the bowl to maintain warmth. A damp cloth or plastic wrap will do the trick!
- Be patient. Let it rise until it has doubled in size (around 1 hour).
These tips will help you achieve the softest, most delicious garlic knots! Enjoy making them! 😊
Cottage Cheese Garlic Knots
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Dough:
- 1 cup cottage cheese (preferably full-fat)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 cup warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for brushing
For The Garlic Butter:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
For Serving:
- Marinara sauce, for dipping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and 15-18 minutes to bake, plus about 1 hour for the dough to rise. Overall, you’ll need around 1.5 hours to make these delicious garlic knots!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Yeast:
In a small bowl, mix the warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the water and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This step activates the yeast, making the dough rise nicely!
2. Make the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Once combined, add the cottage cheese, olive oil, and the foamy yeast mixture. Stir everything together until a dough forms.
3. Knead the Dough:
Lightly flour your work surface and turn the dough out onto it. Knead the dough for about 6-8 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. If the dough is sticky, sprinkle a little more flour as needed.
4. Let It Rise:
Put the kneaded dough into a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and place it in a warm spot. Let it rise for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
5. Preheat and Prepare:
While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
6. Shape the Knots:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Divide it into about 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope about 8 inches long and tie it into a knot. Place the knots on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between them.
7. Make the Garlic Butter:
In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and a pinch of salt. This mixture will give the knots their delicious flavor!
8. Add the Toppings:
Brush the garlic butter generously over each knot, ensuring they are well coated. Then, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
9. Bake:
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the knots are golden brown and fully cooked. The aroma will be amazing!
10. Serve:
When done, remove the knots from the oven and brush them with any leftover garlic butter. Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping, and enjoy every cheesy, garlicky bite!
Enjoy your warm, cheesy, garlicky knots! 😊
Can I Use Low-Fat Cottage Cheese Instead?
Yes, you can use low-fat cottage cheese, but full-fat will give you a richer and fluffier texture. If you want even creamier knots, consider using ricotta cheese as an alternative!
How Do I Know When the Dough Has Risen Enough?
The dough is ready when it has doubled in size and feels light and airy to the touch. You can gently poke it with your finger—if it springs back slowly, it’s perfect!
What Should I Do If My Yeast Doesn’t Foam?
If your yeast mixture doesn’t foam after 10 minutes, it might be inactive. Make sure your water wasn’t too hot or too cold when you activated it. In this case, you’ll need to start over with fresh yeast.
How Do I Store Leftover Garlic Knots?
Store any leftover knots in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5-10 minutes until heated through and slightly crispy.