These cottage cheese garlic knots are fluffy and tasty! Made with creamy cottage cheese and topped with a garlicky blend, they are perfect as a snack or side.
They puff up beautifully in the oven, making your kitchen smell heavenly. I love dipping them in marinara sauce—talk about a delicious combo! 🥳
Making these knots is a breeze. Just mix, shape, and bake. They always disappear fast at my house, and I bet they’ll do the same at yours!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cottage Cheese: The key to these knots’ fluffiness! Use smooth cottage cheese for the best texture. If you’re not a fan, try ricotta for a creamier alternative.
All-Purpose Flour: This is a staple, but you could use whole wheat flour to add a heartier flavor. Just know the texture may be slightly denser.
Active Dry Yeast: Essential for rising! If you have instant yeast, you can use that directly without proofing it first. You’ll need slightly less, about 2 teaspoons.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives a robust flavor, but garlic powder works in a pinch! Use about 1 teaspoon if you’re short on fresh garlic.
Parsley: Fresh parsley brightens up the flavor. If you’re out, dried parsley can substitute perfectly, but use less as it’s more concentrated.
How Do You Get the Perfect Dough Texture?
The texture of the dough is very important in achieving light and fluffy knots. Here’s how to get it right:
- Mix the wet ingredients with the dry until just combined. Avoid over-mixing to keep the dough light.
- If the dough feels sticky, add flour a bit at a time. You want it silky smooth but not tacky.
- Knead by hand on a floured surface for about 5-6 minutes. This activates the gluten, giving you a good structure.
- Let it rise in a warm area — a cozy spot in your kitchen helps it double in size nicely!
Taking care during these steps will give you soft, fluffy knots every time!
Cottage Cheese Garlic Knots
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup cottage cheese (smooth or well-blended)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 egg
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped (or 1 tbsp dried parsley)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Marinara sauce for dipping (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15-20 minutes for prep, plus 1 hour for dough rising, and around 15-18 minutes for baking. So, in total, you’ll be enjoying these delicious knots in about 1 hour and 45 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Activate the Yeast:
In a small bowl, combine the warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over it and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This means your yeast is active and ready to work its magic!
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. This helps ensure even distribution of the salt in your dough.
3. Blend the Cheese and Egg:
In a blender or food processor, pulse the cottage cheese and egg until smooth. Add this mixture to the flour along with the activated yeast mixture.
4. Form the Dough:
Stir until a soft dough forms. If the dough is sticky, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it’s smooth and slightly tacky but not sticky.
5. Knead the Dough:
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-6 minutes until smooth and elastic. This is what gives the knots their nice texture!
6. Let It Rise:
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
7. Prepare for Baking:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
8. Shape the Knots:
Punch down the dough and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope about 10-12 inches long. Tie each rope into a knot and place on the prepared baking sheet.
9. Rest Again:
Let the knots rest for about 10-15 minutes to rise again while you prepare the garlic butter mixture.
10. Mix the Garlic Butter:
In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with minced garlic and chopped parsley. If using, add the grated Parmesan cheese.
11. Brush the Knots:
Generously brush the garlic butter mixture over each knot, making sure to get into all the nooks and crannies!
12. Bake:
Bake for 15-18 minutes or until the knots are golden brown on top. Your kitchen will smell fantastic at this point!
13. Final Touches:
Remove from the oven and brush with any remaining garlic butter for extra flavor.
14. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping, if desired. These cottage cheese garlic knots are perfect for impressing friends and family!
Enjoy your soft, cheesy, garlicky cottage cheese garlic knots!
Can I Use Low-Fat Cottage Cheese?
Absolutely! Low-fat cottage cheese can be used, but it may result in slightly less rich knots. Just make sure it’s well-blended for a smooth texture.
How Can I Make These Knots Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the dough ahead of time and let it rise, then shape the knots. Place them on the baking sheet, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, let them come to room temperature for about 30 minutes and then bake as directed.
What If My Dough Doesn’t Rise?
If your dough doesn’t rise, it could be due to inactive yeast. Always check the expiration date on your yeast packets. You might also need to ensure the water temperature is warm but not too hot, as overly hot water can kill the yeast.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep them fresh longer, refrigerate for up to a week. Reheat in the oven or microwave for a few seconds before serving!
