Sourdough Garlic Knots

These Sourdough Garlic Knots are a delightful addition to any meal, making them perfect for pasta night or as a tempting side dish. Soft, fluffy, and bursting with roasted garlic flavor, these knots are easy to prepare ahead of time and will impress your family and friends. With a simple dough that can be made in the morning and baked fresh by dinner, they truly stand out as a crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: The dough can be mixed quickly, allowing you to focus on other dishes.
• Flavorful Experience: Roasted garlic butter sauce adds a rich taste that complements any meal.
• Versatile Side Dish: Perfect alongside pasta, salads, or as an appetizer at gatherings.
• Make Ahead Option: Prepare the dough in advance and bake when ready, saving time during busy evenings.
• Soft and Ripable Texture: These knots are light and fluffy, making them hard to resist!

Tools and Preparation

To create these mouthwatering sourdough garlic knots, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Using the right equipment makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Dough scraper
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Pastry brush

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl is crucial for combining ingredients efficiently.
• Dough scraper: This helps in managing sticky dough and shaping your knots easily.
• Baking sheet: Ensures even baking of your knots for that perfect golden finish.

Ingredients

For the Dough

• 125 g filtered water
• 100 g sourdough starter, at its peak
• 325 g bread flour
• 10 g sea salt
• 50 g butter, melted

For the Garlic Butter Sauce

• 2 tbs olive oil
• 4-6 cloves garlic, minced (see notes for substitution)
• 5 tbs butter, unsalted
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 2 tbs parsley (optional)

How to Make Sourdough Garlic Knots

Step 1: Make the Dough

Begin by combining the filtered water and sourdough starter in a mixing bowl. Stir until well blended. Gradually add the bread flour and sea salt. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.

Step 2: Strengthen the Dough

Once combined, knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Form it into a ball.

Step 3: Bulk Ferment

Place the dough back into the mixing bowl and cover it with a damp cloth. Let it rise at room temperature for 4-6 hours or until doubled in size.

Step 4: Shape and Second Rise

After bulk fermentation, gently deflate the dough. Divide it into equal pieces (about 12). Roll each piece into a knot shape. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover again with a cloth for about 30-45 minutes for their second rise.

Step 5: Bake and Brush

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the knots for about 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. While they bake, melt the unsalted butter with olive oil and minced garlic in a small pan over low heat. Once baked, brush the garlic butter sauce over the warm knots. Sprinkle with salt and parsley before serving.

Enjoy your deliciously soft Sourdough Garlic Knots!

How to Serve Sourdough Garlic Knots

Sourdough garlic knots are versatile and pair well with various dishes. Their soft texture and rich garlic flavor enhance any meal, making them a favorite for gatherings or family dinners.

Pair with Pasta Dishes

• Spaghetti Aglio e Olio – The garlic knots complement the simple yet flavorful olive oil and garlic pasta.
• Fettuccine Alfredo – Enjoy the creamy sauce with the knots for a delightful contrast in textures.
• Pesto Pasta – The aromatic herbs in pesto pair beautifully with the savory garlic knots.

Serve with Soups

• Tomato Basil Soup – The tangy soup is perfect for dipping your warm garlic knots.
• Minestrone – Enjoy these knots alongside a hearty vegetable soup for a complete meal.

Use as Snacks

• Garlic Butter Dip – Create a buttery dip using melted butter and herbs to elevate your snacking experience.
• Cheese Platter – Serve warm garlic knots with assorted cheeses and fruits for an inviting appetizer.

How to Perfect Sourdough Garlic Knots

Perfecting your sourdough garlic knots is all about technique and attention to detail. Follow these tips to elevate your baking game.

• Use Fresh Ingredients – Always ensure your sourdough starter is at its peak for the best rise and flavor.
• Knead Well – Properly kneading the dough helps develop gluten, leading to light and airy knots.
• Monitor Fermentation – Keep an eye on the dough during bulk fermentation; it should roughly double in size before proceeding.
• Shape Carefully – When shaping the knots, be gentle to maintain air pockets within the dough.
• Brush Generously – After baking, brush a generous amount of roasted garlic butter on top for maximum flavor.
• Experiment with Herbs – Adding fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme can provide added depth to the flavor profile.

Best Side Dishes for Sourdough Garlic Knots

Sourdough garlic knots make an excellent addition to any meal. Here are some delicious side dishes that pair wonderfully with them.

1. Garden Salad – A fresh salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers adds a refreshing crunch alongside the warm knots.
2. Roasted Vegetables – Seasoned carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini roasted until tender create a colorful and healthy side.
3. Stuffed Peppers – Bell peppers filled with quinoa or rice create a hearty option that complements the bread’s softness.
4. Caprese Salad – Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic vinegar enhance the meal’s flavors beautifully.
5. Grilled Chicken Skewers – Juicy chicken skewers marinated in herbs align perfectly with the savory notes of the knots.
6. Classic Caesar Salad – Crisp romaine lettuce topped with parmesan cheese and croutons pairs excellently with sourdough garlic knots.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Sourdough Garlic Knots can be simple, but avoiding common mistakes will ensure your knots turn out perfect every time.

• Skipping the Starter Check: Always use a sourdough starter at its peak for the best results. If it’s not bubbly and active, your dough won’t rise properly.
• Ignoring Dough Consistency: Pay attention to the dough’s texture. It should be soft and slightly tacky but not overly sticky. Adjust with a little flour if needed.
• Rushing Bulk Fermentation: Allow adequate time for bulk fermentation. A rushed process can lead to dense knots. Aim for at least 4-6 hours or until it doubles in size.
• Not Shaping Properly: Ensure you shape the knots evenly. Uneven shapes can affect baking and may result in uneven cooking.
• Underestimating Bake Time: Keep an eye on your knots while baking. If they look pale, give them a bit more time in the oven for that golden finish.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Sourdough Garlic Knots in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Sourdough Garlic Knots

• Place cooled knots in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Sourdough Garlic Knots

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 20-30 seconds. Be cautious not to overheat, as they can become chewy.
• Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat, covered with a lid, for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding Sourdough Garlic Knots.

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour for Sourdough Garlic Knots?

Yes, you can use all-purpose flour, but bread flour gives a better texture due to its higher protein content, resulting in chewier knots.

How do I know if my sourdough starter is ready?

Your sourdough starter is ready when it has doubled in size and is bubbly, indicating it’s active and ready to leaven your dough.

Can I make Sourdough Garlic Knots ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and store it in the fridge overnight before shaping and baking it later.

What are some variations for Sourdough Garlic Knots?

Feel free to add herbs like rosemary or oregano, or incorporate cheese like mozzarella or parmesan into the knots for extra flavor!

Final Thoughts

Sourdough Garlic Knots are an irresistible addition to any meal, offering a delightful combination of flavors and textures. These knots are versatile—perfect as a side dish, appetizer, or even as a snack. Don’t hesitate to customize them with different herbs or cheeses to fit your taste preferences!