Description
These cheese-filled garlic knots are soft, fluffy, and bursting with gooey mozzarella cheese inside. Wrapped in a tender homemade yeast dough and brushed with a fragrant garlic parsley butter, they make a perfect appetizer or snack that’s irresistibly savory and aromatic. The knots are baked until golden brown and served warm for a delightful cheesy and garlicky treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 1/4 cups warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Filling
- 8 oz mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes
Garlic Butter Topping
- 4 garlic cloves, freshly minced
- 4 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy, which indicates the yeast is active. Then, add in the flour, salt, and olive oil. Knead the ingredients together until a soft and elastic dough forms. Cover the bowl and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
- Shape the Knots: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough into equal portions and roll each into a small rope. Wrap each rope around your finger to form a knot shape, making sure to tuck the ends securely so they hold their shape.
- Add the Cheese Filling: Before finalizing each knot, place a small cube or generous pinch of mozzarella cheese in the center. Pinch the dough tightly around the cheese to fully enclose it, ensuring the cheese does not leak out during baking.
- Bake and Brush with Garlic Butter: Arrange the prepared knots on a parchment-lined baking tray spaced apart. Bake them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-18 minutes until they turn a beautiful golden brown. While baking, melt butter in a small saucepan and add the freshly minced garlic and chopped parsley, stirring to infuse the butter with flavor. As soon as the knots come out of the oven, brush them generously with the garlic parsley butter.
- Serve Warm and Enjoy: Allow the garlic knots to cool slightly so the cheese inside can set a bit for easy eating. Serve warm to enjoy the perfect combination of soft dough, melted cheese, and robust garlic aroma.
Notes
- Ensure the water temperature is about 110°F (43°C) to activate the yeast without killing it.
- Seal the cheese tightly inside the dough knots to prevent leaks while baking.
- For an extra kick, add some red pepper flakes to the garlic butter.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the oven for best texture.
- You can substitute mozzarella with other melty cheeses like provolone or cheddar for variety.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: cheese stuffed garlic knots, garlic knots recipe, mozzarella garlic knots, Italian appetizer, homemade garlic knots
