These Cottage Cheese Garlic Knots are soft and fluffy, packed with cheesy flavor, and oh-so-garlicky! Perfect for snacking or as a side dish, they’re sure to make everyone smile.
Trust me, they disappear fast at my house! It’s hard to eat just one. Pair them with your favorite dip or enjoy them plain, either way, they are a treat!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cottage Cheese: This ingredient gives the knots a unique texture and a subtle tang. If you prefer, you can use ricotta cheese for a creamier finish.
Active Dry Yeast: This helps the dough rise. If you don’t have it, instant yeast works great too; just add it directly with dry ingredients.
Flour: All-purpose flour is ideal here, but you can substitute whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor. Just bear in mind the texture may be slightly denser.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is best for flavor. If you’re short on time, minced garlic from a jar is a handy substitute.
Olive Oil: While olive oil adds flavor, you can use melted butter or any other vegetable oil if needed.
How Do I Knead Dough Properly?
Kneading dough helps to develop gluten, giving your knots the right fluffy texture. Here’s a simple method:
- Lightly flour a clean surface and your hands.
- Turn the dough out and flatten it slightly with your palms.
- Fold the dough over on itself—then push it down and away with the heel of your hand.
- Give it a quarter turn and repeat for about 8-10 minutes. The dough should feel smooth and elastic when ready.
Don’t rush this step; it makes a big difference in the final product!
Why Let the Dough Rise?
Allowing the dough to rise is crucial for light, airy knots. Yeast produces gas while it works, creating bubbles that make the dough expand.
- Find a warm spot for rising—like on top of the oven while it preheats.
- Cover the bowl with a damp towel to keep moisture in.
- Check for doubling in size—this usually takes about 1 to 1.5 hours.
Patience is key, so let it rise until it’s nice and fluffy!
Cottage Cheese Garlic Knots
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 cup warm water (about 110°F/45°C)
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (for dough)
For the Garlic Butter Topping:
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
- Coarse sea salt for sprinkling
How Much Time Will You Need?
The total time needed for this recipe is about 2 to 2.5 hours. You’ll spend around 20-30 minutes on preparation and kneading, then let the dough rise for 1 to 1.5 hours. Lastly, about 15-18 minutes for baking, and you’ll have delicious garlic knots ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough Starter:
In a small bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This means your yeast is active and ready to use!
2. Make the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk the cottage cheese until it’s nice and smooth. Add the yeast mixture, olive oil, and salt—stir everything together until well combined.
3. Combine and Knead the Dough:
Gradually add flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms. It might be slightly sticky; that’s okay, you can adjust with a bit more flour if needed. Once the dough is too stiff to mix, turn it onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
4. Let the Dough Rise:
Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size, about 1 to 1.5 hours. This is a great time to preheat your oven!
5. Preheat Oven:
While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
6. Shape the Knots:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release excess air. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a 10-inch rope and then tie each into a knot. Place these knots on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between them.
7. Let Them Puff Up:
Cover the knots lightly and let them rest for about 15 minutes to puff slightly before baking.
8. Prepare Garlic Butter Topping:
In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with the minced garlic, fresh parsley, and oregano (if using).
9. Bake the Knots:
Brush each knot generously with the garlic butter mixture and place them in the oven. Bake for 15-18 minutes until they turn golden brown and smell heavenly!
10. Final Touch:
After baking, brush the knots again with any remaining garlic butter and sprinkle with coarse sea salt for extra flavor.
11. Serve and Enjoy:
These knots taste best when warm! Serve them up and watch them disappear. They make a fantastic appetizer, snack, or side dish to accompany any meal!
Enjoy your delicious Cottage Cheese Garlic Knots!
Can I Use Low-Fat Cottage Cheese Instead?
Yes, you can! Low-fat cottage cheese will still work well in this recipe. Just keep in mind that the knots might be slightly less rich and creamy, but they’ll still be delicious!
What If My Dough Doesn’t Rise?
If your dough doesn’t rise, it might be due to inactive yeast. Ensure your yeast is fresh and that the water temperature is warm (but not too hot!). If things aren’t looking good after about 30 minutes, you may need to start over with fresher yeast.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover knots in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes or until warmed through.
Can I Freeze These Garlic Knots?
Absolutely! You can freeze the baked knots for up to 2 months. Just let them cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. To reheat, bake them straight from the freezer at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 10-15 minutes.