These Cottage Cheese Garlic Knots are fluffy little bites packed with cheesy goodness and a garlic twist. They’re perfect for a snack or as a side with dinner!
Making these knots is fun! I love rolling them up and watching them puff in the oven. Just be ready to share—you might eat more than you planned! 🍞✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cottage Cheese: Small curd cottage cheese gives the knots a great texture. If you don’t have it, you can use ricotta for a creamy alternative, but it may change the texture slightly.
All-Purpose Flour: This is essential for the structure of the knots. If you’re gluten-free, try a gluten-free flour blend that measures 1:1.
Active Dry Yeast: This type is easy to find and works great! If you have instant yeast, you can use that too, no need to activate it first.
Olive Oil: I love using olive oil for its flavor. If you’re out, any vegetable oil or melted butter works well as a substitute.
Garlic: Fresh garlic takes the flavor up a notch! If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder could be used—just ½ tsp instead of 4 cloves, adjusting for taste.
How Do You Knead Dough Properly?
Kneading dough might seem tricky at first, but it’s simple! This step is crucial for developing gluten, which gives the knots their structure.
- Lightly flour your clean surface and place the dough on it.
- Use the heels of your hands to push the dough away from you. Fold it back toward you and give it a quarter turn.
- Repeat this motion for 8-10 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. If it sticks, add a bit of flour, but try not to overdo it—too much flour can make them dense!
You’ll know it’s ready when you can stretch a small piece without it tearing! This means you’ve developed the gluten properly, and your knots will be light and fluffy.
Cottage Cheese Garlic Knots
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 1 cup cottage cheese (small curd works best)
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet active dry yeast (2 ¼ tsp)
- ¾ cup warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp olive oil, plus more for brushing
For the Garlic Butter Topping:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
For Serving:
- Marinara sauce, for dipping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take about 2 ½ hours total. You’ll spend around 20-30 minutes in the kitchen preparing the knots, and then allow for about 1 ½ hours for rising and 20 minutes for baking. The wait will be worth it for warm, cheesy knots!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Activate the Yeast:
To start, grab a small bowl. Mix the warm water and sugar together until the sugar is fully dissolved. Now, sprinkle the yeast over the water and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it gets foamy and bubbly. This means your yeast is happy and ready to work!
2. Prepare the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, olive oil, salt, and the foamy yeast mixture. Gradually stir in the flour, mixing until it comes together to form a soft dough. It should still be a bit sticky but not wet.
3. Knead the Dough:
Dust a clean surface with some flour and turn the dough out onto it. Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until it feels smooth and elastic. If the dough sticks to your hands, sprinkle a little extra flour, but be careful not to add too much.
4. First Rise:
Place the kneaded dough in a bowl that you’ve lightly oiled. Cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap. Now, find a cozy warm place for it to rise for 1 to 1 ½ hours, or until it doubles in size. This is where the magic happens!
5. Shape the Knots:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release some air. Divide the dough into 12-16 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope about 8-10 inches long. Tie each rope into a knot and place them onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Don’t worry if they look a bit uneven—those little imperfections make them charming!
6. Second Rise:
Cover the knots with a towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes. This gives them that lovely, fluffy texture.
7. Preheat Oven:
While the knots are rising, go ahead and preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Get that oven nice and warm for baking!
8. Prepare Garlic Butter:
Grab a small bowl and mix together the melted butter, minced garlic, and chopped parsley. This will be the delicious brushing that will make your knots irresistible!
9. Bake:
Carefully brush the knots with your flavorful garlic butter. If you’re using Parmesan cheese, sprinkle it on top as well. Pop them in the oven and bake for about 18-22 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and smell absolutely heavenly!
10. Final Touch:
As soon as they come out of the oven, brush the knots again with any remaining garlic butter mixture for that extra burst of flavor. You’ll love the way your kitchen smells right now!
11. Serve:
Arrange these cheesy garlic knots on a serving plate. Pair them up with a warm bowl of marinara sauce for dipping. Enjoy the soft, cheesy, garlicky goodness fresh out of the oven!
There’s no better comfort food than these delightful knots. Enjoy every bite! 🍞🥳
Can I Use Low-Fat Cottage Cheese?
Yes, you can use low-fat cottage cheese, but keep in mind that it may slightly affect the texture and richness of the knots. They might not be as fluffy, but they will still taste great!
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Garlic?
No problem! You can use garlic powder as a substitute. Use about ½ teaspoon of garlic powder instead of 4 cloves of fresh garlic. Adjust according to your taste if you prefer more or less garlic flavor.
Can I Make the Dough in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and let it rise. Once it has doubled in size, punch it down and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, let it come to room temperature before shaping it into knots.
How Do I Store Leftover Knots?
Store any leftover garlic knots in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a warm oven (around 350°F/175°C) for about 10 minutes, or microwave them for a quick warm-up. Enjoy them again!