Garlic Parmesan Knotted Breadsticks

$- 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast - 3/4 cup warm water - 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 - Extra grated Parmesan and chopped parsley for garnish The key to making Garlic Parmesan Knotted Breadsticks lies in choosing the right ingredients. Each one plays a big role in the flavor and texture. First, let's talk about the main ingredients. The flour gives the breadsticks their body. The active dry yeast helps them rise, making them light and fluffy. Warm water is essential for activating the yeast. Sugar feeds the yeast and adds a hint of sweetness. Salt brings out the flavors and balances everything. Next, we have the additional ingredients. Olive oil adds richness and moisture. The minced garlic is the star of the show, giving that bold, savory flavor. Grated Parmesan cheese adds a nutty, cheesy taste that pairs perfectly with garlic. Italian seasoning enhances the overall flavor profile, making each bite a delight. Lastly, we use melted butter for brushing, which helps achieve a golden crust. Garnishing with extra Parmesan and parsley not only looks great but also adds more flavor. With these ingredients, you’ll create breadsticks that are not just tasty but also visually appealing. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, I combine warm water, sugar, and yeast in a small bowl. The water should feel warm, around 110°F. This warmth helps the yeast wake up. I let this sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This step is vital. It means the yeast is alive and ready to work. Next, I take a large mixing bowl and add the flour, salt, and olive oil. I mix these dry ingredients well. Once the yeast mixture is frothy, I pour it into the bowl. I stir everything until a dough forms. It should come together nicely, with no dry bits left behind. Now comes the fun part: kneading! I turn the dough onto a floured surface. Using my hands, I knead it for about 5-7 minutes until it feels smooth and elastic. This builds strength in the dough. After kneading, I place it in a greased bowl and cover it with a damp cloth. I let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size. This rising step adds air, making the breadsticks soft and fluffy. To make great breadsticks, kneading is key. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes. This helps develop gluten. Gluten gives the bread its lovely chew. When the dough feels smooth, you are ready for the next step. Yeast activation is also very important. To activate yeast, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit until frothy, which takes about 5-10 minutes. If it doesn’t foam, your yeast may be dead. Start over with fresh yeast for the best results. You can easily boost flavor with herbs. Adding dried oregano, basil, or rosemary can enhance the taste. Mix these herbs into the dough or sprinkle on top before baking. This small step adds a lot of flavor. Cheese is another area to explore. While Parmesan is great, try mozzarella or cheddar too. Each cheese brings a unique taste. Mixing different cheeses can make your breadsticks even tastier. Dips can take your breadsticks to the next level. Try serving them with marinara sauce or garlic butter. These dips complement the breadsticks well. You can also pair them with creamy ranch or spicy aioli for more fun. For a complete meal, serve breadsticks with pasta or salads. They make a great side for soups too. Enjoy them warm for a delicious treat! Pro Tips Check Yeast Freshness: Always ensure your yeast is fresh for the best rise. If it doesn't foam after mixing with water and sugar, it's time to get a new packet. Kneading Technique: Knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic. This develops gluten, which gives the breadsticks their delightful chewiness. Perfect Garlic Flavor: Sauté the garlic just until fragrant to prevent it from burning. Burnt garlic can impart a bitter flavor to the breadsticks. For Extra Crispiness: For a crunchier texture, place a small pan of water in the oven while baking. The steam will help the breadsticks to rise more and stay moist inside. {{image_2}} You can add different herbs to your breadsticks for extra flavor. Here are some fun ideas: - Rosemary: This herb gives a nice pine-like flavor. Just chop it finely and mix it in. - Thyme: Use fresh or dried thyme. It pairs well with garlic and cheese. - Oregano: This classic Italian herb adds depth. Mix it into the dough or sprinkle on top. - Basil: Fresh basil can brighten the flavor. Add it to the garlic butter before brushing. Experiment with these herbs to find your favorite mix! Cheese can change the taste of your breadsticks. Here are some options: - Mozzarella: This cheese melts well. Add it inside the knot for a gooey surprise. - Cheddar: Sharp cheddar gives a strong flavor. Sprinkle some on top before baking. - Feta: For a tangy twist, crumble feta into the dough. - Vegan cheese: If you want a dairy-free option, use vegan mozzarella or cheddar. They work great too! Feel free to mix and match these cheeses for fun flavors. If you need a gluten-free option, you can substitute the flour. Here’s how: - Gluten-free all-purpose flour: Look for a blend that has xanthan gum. This helps with texture. - Almond flour: This will give a nutty flavor. You may need to adjust the liquid. - Coconut flour: Use less coconut flour and add more moisture. It can be very absorbent. These alternatives can help you enjoy delicious breadsticks without gluten! To keep your Garlic Parmesan Knotted Breadsticks fresh, follow these tips: - Refrigeration: Place leftover breadsticks in an airtight container. They stay good for about 3 days in the fridge. - Freezing: If you want to save them longer, freeze the breadsticks. Wrap each one in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When it’s time to enjoy your leftover breadsticks, reheating is key. Here are my best methods: - Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place breadsticks on a baking sheet. Heat for about 5-10 minutes until warm. This keeps them crispy. - Microwave Method: If you’re in a hurry, use the microwave. Place the breadsticks on a plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat for 15-20 seconds. This method is quick but may make them a bit soft. To ensure freshness and texture, always check if they are warm throughout. Enjoy every bite! Garlic Parmesan knotted breadsticks last about 2-3 days at room temperature. To store them, place them in an airtight container. If you want them to stay fresh longer, you can refrigerate them. This can keep them for about a week. Make sure to wrap them well to avoid drying out. For longer storage, freeze them. They can last up to three months in the freezer. Just thaw them before reheating for the best taste. Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time. After kneading, place the dough in a greased bowl. Then, cover it tightly with plastic wrap. You can store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to bake, take it out and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This helps the dough rise again before shaping. It’s a great way to save time when you want fresh breadsticks. If you don’t have Parmesan cheese, there are great substitutes. You can use Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor. Grana Padano is a good option too, as it has a similar taste. For a dairy-free choice, try nutritional yeast. It adds a cheesy flavor without the dairy. Crumbled feta can also work if you like a tangy taste. Use what you have or what you enjoy most! This post covered how to make delicious Garlic Parmesan Knotted Breadsticks. We explored the main and additional ingredients, including yeast and cheese. I explained step-by-step how to activate the yeast, make dough, and knead it until smooth. Plus, I shared tips to perfect your breadsticks and creative variations, like gluten-free options. With these simple steps and ideas, you can enjoy fresh breadsticks anytime. Happy baking!$

Garlic Parmesan Knotted Breadsticks

Deliciously soft and flavorful breadsticks knotted and topped with garlic and Parmesan.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 1 30

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 extra grated Parmesan and chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, until frothy.
Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and olive oil. Add in the yeast mixture once frothy. Mix until a dough forms.
Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Prepare Garlic Mixture: In a small pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Remove from heat.
Shape the Breadsticks: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope, then tie it into a knot.
Second Rise: Place the knotted breadsticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover, and let them rise for another 20-30 minutes.
Preheat the Oven: While the breadsticks are rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bake: Brush the knots with the melted garlic butter and sprinkle liberally with grated Parmesan and Italian seasoning. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove from the oven and sprinkle with extra Parmesan and chopped parsley. Serve warm for the best flavor!

Notes

Serve warm for the best flavor.

Keyword breadsticks, garlic, Parmesan, snack