Name: Stuffed Garlic Knots with Mozzarella
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 38 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 0.75 cup warm water; 2.25 teaspoon active dry yeast; 1 teaspoon granulated sugar; 2.5 cup all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 tablespoon olive oil; 4 ounce mozzarella cheese; 3 tablespoon unsalted butter; 4 clove garlic; 0.25 cup fresh parsley; 2 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese; 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Stuffed Garlic Knots with Mozzarella

appetizerbakingcomfort fooditalianitalian-inspiredvegetarianweeknight

20 minPrep18 minCook4Serves

Ingredients

¾ cupwarm water
2¼ teaspoonactive dry yeast
1 teaspoongranulated sugar
2½ cupall-purpose flour
1 teaspoonsalt
2 tablespoonolive oil
4 ouncemozzarella cheese (low-moisture)
3 tablespoonunsalted butter
4 clovegarlic
¼ cupfresh parsley
2 tablespoongrated Parmesan cheese
¼ teaspoonred pepper flakes

Method

01
In a large bowl, combine 3/4 cup warm water (110°F), 2 1/4 teaspoons yeast, and 1 teaspoon sugar. Let stand 5 minutes until foamy.
02
Add 2 1/2 cups flour, 1 teaspoon salt, and 2 tablespoons olive oil to the yeast mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms, then knead on a floured surface for 6 to 8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
03
Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour until doubled in size.
04
Punch down the dough and divide into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a 6-inch rope.
05
Press a rope flat, place a mozzarella cube in the center, then pinch the dough around the cheese to seal completely. Tie the rope into a loose knot, tucking the ends underneath.
06
Place knots on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover loosely, and let rise 20 minutes. Preheat oven to 400°F.
07
Bake for 15 to 18 minutes until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 190°F.
08
While knots bake, melt 3 tablespoons butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic and cook 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
09
Remove from heat and stir in the chopped parsley and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes.
10
Brush the hot garlic knots generously with the garlic-butter mixture and sprinkle with 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese. Serve warm.

Spice Tips

For a spicier garlic butter, increase red pepper flakes to 1/2 teaspoon or add a pinch of cayenne. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the finished knots adds brightness. For herbaceous depth, mix in 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning with the parsley.

Knots can be shaped and refrigerated overnight on the baking sheet, covered. Let them come to room temperature and rise 30 minutes before baking. Leftovers reheat well in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes.