Sourdough Garlic Knots Easy – Use Your Starter Discard for Flavorful Bread

Sophie
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Making Sourdough Garlic Knots Easy at home is pure comfort in the kitchen. This simple recipe transforms leftover sourdough starter discard into soft, buttery knots filled with irresistible garlic aroma. It’s a clever and satisfying way to reduce waste while creating golden, pull-apart bread that pairs beautifully with any meal. In this article, you’ll discover the story behind this homemade favorite, the full ingredient list and tools you’ll need, clear step-by-step instructions, pro baking tips, and answers to common questions. Whether new or experienced with sourdough, this Recipe Using Sourdough Starter makes the art of Garlic Knots Sourdough fun and rewarding.

Sourdough Garlic Knots Easy – Use Your Starter Discard for Flavorful Bread

The Cozy Kitchen Moment

The first time I made Sourdough Garlic Knots Easy, the kitchen filled with that nostalgic, bakery-fresh scent—the kind that stops everyone in their tracks. Imagine twisting ribbons of dough, brushing them with melted butter and garlic, and waiting as they turn golden in the oven. It was one of those slow weekend afternoons when making bread from scratch felt both grounding and joyful. Each batch came out perfectly soft on the inside with a slightly crisp, shiny crust—an Easy Sourdough Bread Recipe that instantly became a family favorite. Sharing them warm, straight from the baking sheet, turned a simple meal into a memorable comfort moment.

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Close up of golden sourdough garlic knots brushed with melted butter and sprinkled with herbs.

Sourdough Garlic Knots Easy – Use Your Starter Discard for Flavorful Bread


  • Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 12 knots 1x

Description

These sourdough garlic knots use starter discard to create soft, flavorful bread knots. They are tossed in garlic butter and baked to golden perfection. A simple recipe that reduces waste and delivers comforting, pull-apart bread.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 1/2 cups (315 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup (120 g) sourdough starter discard
  • 3/4 cup (180 ml) warm water
  • 1 tablespoon (13 g) sugar
  • 1 teaspoon (5 g) salt
  • 2 tablespoons (30 g) olive oil or melted butter
  • 1 teaspoon instant yeast
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (optional)

  • Instructions

    1. In a bowl combine warm water, sugar, and yeast; let stand 5 minutes until foamy.

    2. Stir in sourdough discard and oil, then add flour and salt and mix until a sticky dough forms.

    3. Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

    4. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise 1–1½ hours until doubled.

    5. Punch down dough and roll out on a floured surface into a ½ inch thick rectangle.

    6. Cut dough into 12 strips, tie each into a knot, and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

    7. Cover knots and let proof 30–40 minutes until puffy.

    8. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

    9. Brush knots with garlic butter made from melted butter, minced garlic, and salt.

    10. Bake 18–22 minutes until golden brown, rotating pan halfway through.

    11. Remove from oven and brush with remaining garlic butter; sprinkle with parsley and Parmesan.

    12. Serve warm as pull-apart bread alongside soups, salads, or pasta.

    • Prep Time: 2 hours
    • Cook Time: 20 minutes
    • Category: bread
    • Method: baking
    • Cuisine: italian-american

    Nutrition

    • Serving Size: 1 knot
    • Calories: 150
    • Sugar: 1
    • Sodium: 200
    • Fat: 6
    • Saturated Fat: 3
    • Unsaturated Fat: 2
    • Trans Fat: 0
    • Carbohydrates: 20
    • Fiber: 1
    • Protein: 4
    • Cholesterol: 10

    Keywords: sourdough garlic knots easy, garlic knots sourdough, recipe using sourdough starter, easy sourdough bread recipe, sourdough discard, buttery garlic bread, savory pull apart bread

    Why Use Your Starter Discard for Flavorful Bread

    Every sourdough baker knows the dilemma of what to do with the extra starter. Instead of tossing it, using sourdough discard in Garlic Knots Sourdough not only saves waste but also infuses the bread with a gentle tang and depth of flavor you can’t get from instant yeast alone. The acidity in the discard enhances texture, giving each knot a tender crumb and rich aroma. This Recipe Using Sourdough Starter transforms that byproduct into something special—rustic yet refined. You’ll notice that Garlic Knots Sourdough develop a more complex taste, balancing buttery richness with the subtle sour note we love in homemade loaves. It’s truly the most flavorful Recipe Using Sourdough Starter that turns leftovers into delight.

    Simple Ingredients with Big Flavor

    The best part about Sourdough Garlic Knots Easy is how simple and pantry-friendly the ingredients are. Every element adds texture, aroma, or depth to this comforting bread. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just playing with your sourdough discard, these knots bring a burst of flavor to the table. You’ll find that the same core ingredients used in any Easy Sourdough Bread Recipe shine even brighter here when combined with garlic butter and herbs for a SourDough Garlic Bread Pull Apart experience everyone will love.

    • For the Dough:
      • 2 ½ cups (315 g) all-purpose flour – Creates structure and a soft crumb.
      • ½ cup (120 g) sourdough starter discard – Adds subtle tang and character while reducing waste.
      • ¾ cup (180 ml) warm water – Helps the dough hydrate properly.
      • 1 tablespoon (13 g) sugar – Gently feeds the yeast and balances flavors.
      • 1 teaspoon (5 g) salt – Enhances the taste and strengthens gluten.
      • 2 tablespoons (30 g) olive oil or melted butter – Keeps knots tender and adds a light richness.
      • 1 teaspoon instant yeast – Speeds up fermentation for quicker proofing without losing the sourdough charm.
    • For the Garlic Butter Topping:
      • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted – Leaves each knot glossy and flavorful.
      • 3 cloves garlic, minced – Provides that irresistible, savory depth.
      • ½ teaspoon salt – Balances garlic and butter flavors.
      • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (or 1 teaspoon dried) – Adds color and brightness.
    • Optional Flavor Add-ons:
      • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan or Romano cheese – For a nutty, slightly sharp finish.
      • ½ teaspoon dried Italian herbs or crushed chili flakes – Adds a layer of warmth and aroma.

    Every component in this Easy Sourdough Bread Recipe works together to create a perfectly tender interior with a golden, buttery exterior. The SourDough Garlic Bread Pull Apart effect naturally happens when the knots bake closely together—each one soaking up bits of butter and garlic for rich, savory perfection.

    Tools That Make the Process Smooth

    While Garlic Knots Sourdough recipes are straightforward, the right tools make all the difference in achieving even textures and beautiful shapes. Here’s a quick table of essentials that ensure your Sourdough Garlic Knots Easy turn out bakery-quality every time:

    ToolPurpose & Tip
    Mixing BowlCombines dough ingredients and allows the first rise.
    Digital ScaleEnsures accurate measurements—vital for an Easy Sourdough Bread Recipe.
    Dough ScraperHelps handle sticky dough and clean surfaces efficiently.
    Rolling PinFlattens dough evenly before shaping.
    Parchment PaperPrevents sticking and ensures even browning.
    Baking Sheet or PanProvides structure for SourDough Garlic Bread Pull Apart clusters.
    Pastry BrushFor brushing garlic butter before and after baking.

    Each of these tools makes the Garlic Knots Sourdough process smooth and mess-free. Having them ready before you start helps maintain rhythm and confidence throughout your bake. Just like any Easy Sourdough Bread Recipe, preparation ensures that the final knots emerge perfectly soft inside, slightly crisp outside, and irresistibly buttery all around.

    Preparing and Shaping the Dough

    Now that your ingredients are ready, it’s time to transform your sourdough starter discard into soft, golden knots. The process for making Garlic Knots Sourdough is both relaxing and rewarding—it’s where the magic truly begins.

    1. Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and instant yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes. Add olive oil (or melted butter) and sourdough starter discard, stir to blend, then gradually add flour and salt until a sticky dough forms.
    2. Knead: Transfer to a lightly floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth. Avoid too much flour—softness is key for Sourdough Garlic Knots Easy.
    3. First Rise: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise 1–1½ hours until doubled.
    4. Divide and Shape: Punch down, roll into a ½-inch thick rectangle, cut into 12 strips, and tie each into a loose knot. Place on a parchment-lined sheet, leaving space between them.
    5. Second Proof: Cover and let rise 30–40 minutes. The Garlic Knots Sourdough will gain lightness and aroma—proof your Recipe Using Sourdough Starter is working perfectly.

    If your kitchen is cool, let them proof in an off oven with the light on. Once risen, your Sourdough Garlic Knots Easy are ready for their golden garlic butter transformation.

    Baking to Golden Perfection with Garlic Butter

    1. Preheat Oven: Set to 375°F (190°C).
    2. First Butter Brush: Mix melted butter, minced garlic, and salt. Brush over each knot before baking.
    3. Bake: Bake 18–22 minutes until golden. Rotate halfway for even color. As they bake, the aroma of Sourdough Garlic Knots Easy fills the kitchen.
    4. Final Butter Finish: Brush hot knots again with garlic butter, sprinkle parsley, and optional Parmesan for glossy flavor.
    5. Serve: Enjoy fresh as a SourDough Garlic Bread Pull Apart alongside soups or pasta.

    Each bite balances sourdough tang, garlic, and butter. Your beautifully baked Sourdough Garlic Knots Easy are ready to share.

    Frequently Asked Questions about Sourdough Garlic Knots Easy

    Can I make these without an active starter?
    Yes! You can use leftover discard instead of an active starter. Because a little yeast is added, your dough will still rise beautifully. This flexible Easy Sourdough Bread Recipe suits every baker.

    Can I freeze garlic knots?
    Absolutely. Once cooled, freeze in airtight bags for up to three months. Reheat at 325°F (160°C) for 8–10 minutes, then brush with butter for that just-baked shine.

    How long does the dough need to rise?
    In this Recipe Using Sourdough Starter, expect a 1–1½ hour first rise and a 30–40 minute second proofing, depending on temperature.

    What’s the best way to reheat them?
    Warm for 5–7 minutes at 325°F (160°C). To retain softness, wrap the SourDough Garlic Bread Pull Apart knots in foil before reheating.

    Can I make them vegan-friendly?
    Yes, use olive oil or plant-based butter instead of dairy. Even vegan versions of Garlic Knots Sourdough maintain that tangy, tender texture.

    The Final Thoughts on Making Your Own Garlic Knots Sourdough

    There’s something deeply rewarding about turning a small bowl of sourdough discard into golden knots that smell like a bakery. These Sourdough Garlic Knots Easy combine soft texture, gentle tang, and buttery aroma into one wholesome treat.

    This Recipe Using Sourdough Starter reminds us that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated—it’s about slowing down and making something to share. Whether served with soup, pasta, or on their own, Garlic Knots Sourdough are simple happiness on a plate.

    So gather your ingredients, tie those knots, and watch your kitchen fill with buttery joy. With this Easy Sourdough Bread Recipe, every batch becomes a SourDough Garlic Bread Pull Apart masterpiece—soft, savory, and full of homemade warmth.

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