Fast Garlic Knots (No Pizza Dough Needed)

The aroma still takes me back. As a perpetually hungry college student, late-night cravings were a common occurrence. My tiny dorm room oven became my culinary playground, and these quick garlic knots were my absolute go-to. Forget elaborate pizza dough from scratch – these were simple, satisfying, and always a hit with my study group. The garlicky, buttery scent wafting down the hall was a guaranteed invitation, and soon, a crowd of hungry friends would be gathered around my makeshift kitchen island (aka, a stack of textbooks), happily devouring every last knot.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
• Total Time: 13-15 minutes
• Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 (12 ounce) package refrigerated buttermilk biscuits
• ¼ cup canola oil (or use 1/2 evoo and 1/2 canola)
• 3 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley

Equipment Needed

• Baking sheet
• Large bowl
• Knife or pizza cutter
• Measuring spoons and cups

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Make sure your oven rack is positioned in the center for even baking.

2. Open the package of refrigerated buttermilk biscuits. On a clean cutting board, cut each biscuit into thirds. A sharp knife or pizza cutter works best for this.

3. Take each piece of biscuit dough and gently roll it between your palms or on a clean surface to form a 3-inch rope. Don’t overwork the dough; you want it to remain tender.

4. Carefully tie each rope into a knot, just like you would tie a simple knot in a piece of string. Tuck the ends of the knot underneath to create a neat and tidy appearance. This prevents the ends from burning in the oven.

5. Place the formed garlic knots on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each knot. This allows for proper air circulation and ensures even baking.

6. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the garlic knots are golden brown. Keep a close eye on them towards the end of the baking time to prevent burning. The tops should be a lovely golden brown color, and the bottoms should be slightly firm to the touch.

7. While the knots are baking, prepare the flavorful coating. In a large bowl, combine the canola oil (or the evoo/canola oil mixture), grated parmesan cheese, garlic powder, dried oregano, and dried parsley. Whisk together until well combined.

8. Once the garlic knots are done baking, immediately add them to the large bowl with the oil and spice mixture.

9. Gently toss the warm knots in the bowl until they are evenly coated with the mixture. Be careful not to overcrowd the bowl; you may need to do this in batches. Ensure every nook and cranny is coated with that delicious garlic-parmesan goodness.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Don’t overmix the dough: When rolling the biscuit pieces into ropes, handle them gently. Overmixing can result in tough garlic knots.
• Use a light hand with the oil: While the oil is essential for flavor and moisture, using too much can make the knots greasy. A light coating is all you need.
• Fresh herbs: For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of finely chopped fresh parsley or oregano to the oil mixture.
• Parmesan alternatives: If you don’t have parmesan cheese on hand, you can substitute with Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese.
• Spice it up: For a touch of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the oil mixture.
• Make-ahead: You can prepare the oil mixture ahead of time and store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• Even baking: To ensure even baking, rotate the baking sheet halfway through the baking time.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These Fast Garlic Knots are best served warm, straight from the oven. They make a fantastic appetizer, side dish, or snack. Serve them with a side of warm marinara sauce for dipping, or alongside a bowl of hearty pasta.

To store leftovers, place the garlic knots in an airtight container and store them at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and bake for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but they may become slightly softer. Freezing is not recommended as it can affect the texture.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	414.5 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	236 g	57%
Total Fat	26.3 g	40%
Saturated Fat	4.7 g	23%
Cholesterol	4.2 mg	1%
Sodium	909.6 mg	37%
Total Carbohydrate	37.8 g	12%
Dietary Fiber	0.8 g	3%
Sugars	6.4 g	25%
Protein	7.3 g	14%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

Variations & Substitutions

• Vegan garlic knots: Use vegan buttermilk biscuits and substitute the parmesan cheese with a vegan parmesan alternative. You can also add a teaspoon of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
• Gluten-free garlic knots: Use gluten-free refrigerated biscuits. Be sure to check the label to ensure they are certified gluten-free.
• Herb variations: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary, thyme, or basil.
• Cheese variations: Try using a different type of cheese, such as mozzarella, provolone, or asiago.
• Garlic herb butter: Instead of the dry spices, you can use a garlic herb butter. Melt butter with minced garlic and your favorite herbs, then brush it over the knots before and after baking.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use regular biscuits instead of buttermilk biscuits?
A: Yes, you can use regular biscuits, but buttermilk biscuits will give the garlic knots a slightly richer and more tangy flavor.

Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: You can prepare the dough and form the knots ahead of time, but it’s best to bake them fresh for the best flavor and texture. You can also prepare the oil and spice mixture ahead of time and store it in an airtight container.

Q: Can I freeze these garlic knots?
A: Freezing is not recommended as it can affect the texture of the biscuits. They are best enjoyed fresh or stored in the refrigerator for a few days.

Q: How do I prevent the garlic knots from burning?
A: Keep a close eye on them while they are baking and adjust the baking time as needed. You can also lower the oven temperature by 25 degrees if you find they are browning too quickly.

Q: What can I serve with these garlic knots?
A: These garlic knots are delicious on their own as an appetizer or snack. They also pair well with pasta dishes, soups, and salads. A side of warm marinara sauce for dipping is always a great choice.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it – a ridiculously easy, surprisingly impressive recipe for Fast Garlic Knots that requires no pizza dough whatsoever. I urge you to give them a try and experience the simple pleasure of warm, garlicky, buttery goodness. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different herbs and cheeses to create your own unique flavor combinations. And be sure to share your creations with friends and family – these knots are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser! Why not whip up a batch tonight to serve alongside a comforting bowl of tomato soup or a simple spaghetti dinner? Enjoy!