Soft Garlic Knots

Steps

1. 1.

   1.

   Divide The Dough** Lightly flour the counter. Divide pizza dough into 12 equal pieces. Roll each into a rope about 20 cm long. Tie into a loose knot. Tuck ends under. Place on a parchment-lined sheet.

2. 2.

   Rise Briefly

   Brush knots lightly with olive oil. Cover loosely. Rest 20–30 minutes until slightly puffy. They do not need a full double rise.

3. 3.

   Bake Soft Garlic Knots

   Heat oven to 200°C (400°F). Bake 12–15 minutes until golden on top and bottoms sound hollow when tapped. Pull them while they still look soft, not dark and hard.

4. 4.

   Make Garlic Butter

   While they bake, melt butter in a small pan over low heat. Add garlic. Cook 30–60 seconds until fragrant, not browned. Stir in parsley, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Take off heat.

5. 5.

   Toss While Hot

   Dump hot knots into a bowl. Pour garlic butter over. Toss until coated. Sprinkle Parmesan if you want. Serve immediately.

6. 6.

   Optional Second Pass

   If any butter pools in the bowl, spoon it back over the tops. A little puddle on the tray is normal.