If you've got a jar of sourdough discard hanging out in your fridge, these garlic knots are the best way to use it up. They're soft, pillowy, and packed with garlicky, buttery flavor — and they come together faster than a traditional sourdough bake because the discard does double duty for flavor and rise.
The dough is enriched with olive oil and a touch of honey, then shaped into easy knots and baked until golden. A generous brush of garlic-Parmesan butter right out of the oven makes them irresistible. Serve them alongside soup, pasta, or a big salad — or just eat them warm straight from the pan.
Soft Sourdough Discard Garlic Knots
Ingredients
Method
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, instant yeast, and salt. Add the sourdough discard, honey, olive oil, and warm water. Stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5–7 minutes, until smooth and elastic. The dough should be soft but not sticky; add a little flour if needed.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let rise in a warm spot for 45–60 minutes, until doubled in size.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces.
- Roll each piece into a 6-inch rope, then tie it into a knot, tucking the ends under. Place the knots on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, until golden brown. While they bake, mix the melted butter, minced garlic, and Parmesan in a small bowl.
- Remove the knots from the oven and immediately brush them generously with the garlic butter. Sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm.
Nutrition
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Let us know how it was!Tips for Perfect Garlic Knots
If your sourdough discard is very liquid, you may need a tablespoon or two extra flour to get a soft, slightly tacky dough. If it's thick and cold from the fridge, let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before mixing.
For extra garlic punch, add a minced garlic clove to the butter glaze and let it sit for 5 minutes before brushing. You can also sprinkle with red pepper flakes or chopped fresh parsley for color.
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