Thank you for stopping by today—it truly means a lot. If you’ve ever looked at your sourdough discard and wondered what else it could become besides pancakes or muffins, let me tell you… it can become magic. That’s exactly what happened with these Sourdough Discard Garlic Parmesan Knots.
They’re soft, fluffy, and herby, tied into adorable little knots, brushed with garlicky butter, and topped with a snowy dusting of Parmesan. Whether you’re pairing them with pizza, a steaming bowl of soup, or just eating them warm from the tray with a side of marinara, these knots are bound to become a repeat favorite.
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Why You’ll Love These Sourdough Discard Garlic Parmesan Knots
There are soft dinner rolls, and then there are these knots—rich in flavor, melt-in-your-mouth tender, and packed with cheesy, garlicky goodness. Here’s what makes them extra special:
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Use up your sourdough discard instead of tossing it
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Ready in under 90 minutes from start to finish
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No fancy shaping—just roll, tie, and bake
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The garlic Parmesan butter takes them over the top
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Perfect for dipping, sharing, and devouring
What Do These Knots Taste Like?
They’re everything you crave in a warm, buttery dinner roll—but better. The sourdough discard gives the dough a gentle tang that pairs beautifully with savory garlic and Parmesan. The texture is pillow-soft on the inside, lightly crisped on the outside, and dripping in garlicky, herby butter. If you’re serving these with a meal, consider making a double batch. They disappear fast.
Benefits of Using Sourdough Discard
Sourdough discard is more than just a byproduct—it’s flavor-packed and full of potential. Adding it to this dough gives it:
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A deeper, more complex taste
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Improved texture and softness
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Added moisture
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Less waste from regular sourdough feeding
And best of all? You don’t have to wait for a long fermentation. This is an instant-gratification kind of bake.
Ingredients for Sourdough Discard Garlic Parmesan Knots
For the Dough
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2¼ cups all-purpose flour
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½ teaspoon salt
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1 teaspoon sugar
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1 teaspoon instant yeast
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½ cup sourdough discard (unfed)
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¾ cup warm water
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2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Garlic Butter
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2 tablespoons butter, melted
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1 clove garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs or parsley
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2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Optional: Extra Parmesan and herbs for topping
Tools You’ll Need
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Large mixing bowl
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Measuring cups and spoons
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Dough whisk or wooden spoon
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Parchment paper
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Baking sheet
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Pastry brush
Additions and Ingredient Swaps
This recipe is delicious as-is, but it’s also flexible if you’re in the mood to experiment:
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Herbs: Use fresh herbs like rosemary, basil, or thyme for a garden-fresh twist
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Cheese: Swap Parmesan for Asiago or Romano for a bolder flavor
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Garlic: Roasted garlic can be used for a mellow, sweet finish
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Spice: Add a pinch of chili flakes to the butter for a little kick
How to Make Sourdough Discard Garlic Parmesan Knots
1. Make the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, sugar, and yeast. Stir in the sourdough discard, warm water, and olive oil until a soft dough forms.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 6 to 8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Return to the bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
2. Shape the Knots
Punch down the dough and divide it into 8 to 10 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope, about 8 to 10 inches long, and tie it into a simple knot. Tuck the loose ends underneath.
Place each knot on a parchment-lined baking sheet with space between for rising.
3. Second Rise
Cover the knots lightly with a kitchen towel and let them rise for another 20 to 30 minutes while you preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
4. Bake
Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the knots are puffed and golden brown.
5. Make the Garlic Butter
While the knots bake, melt the butter and stir in the minced garlic, herbs, and Parmesan cheese.
6. Brush and Serve
Remove the knots from the oven and immediately brush them with the garlic butter mixture. For extra flavor, sprinkle more Parmesan and herbs on top while they’re still warm.
Serve with warm marinara sauce, if desired.
What to Serve with Garlic Parmesan Knots
These knots are versatile and pair beautifully with all your comfort food classics:
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Pizza (especially this Sourdough Pizza Crust)
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Spaghetti and meatballs
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Creamy tomato or minestrone soup
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Caesar or Italian chopped salad
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As a snack board addition with dips and spreads
Tips for Success
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Let the dough rise fully for the fluffiest texture
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Brush knots right out of the oven for max flavor absorption
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Use real Parmesan for the best cheesy finish
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Want a crispier exterior? Leave them in the oven for an extra 1–2 minutes
Storage Instructions
Room Temperature: Store cooled knots in an airtight container for up to 2 days
Refrigerator: Keep for 3–4 days and reheat gently before serving
Freezer: Freeze baked knots before adding butter. Reheat and brush with garlic butter just before serving
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes. After shaping, you can refrigerate the knots overnight and bake the next day. Let them come to room temperature before baking.
Can I skip the yeast and use only discard?
You could, but the rise will take much longer and the texture may be denser. The yeast ensures a quick, fluffy result.
How can I make them even cheesier?
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella or extra Parmesan over the knots before baking, or mix cheese right into the dough.
Conclusion: A Soft, Savory, Satisfying Bake
These Sourdough Discard Garlic Parmesan Knots are everything a bread lover dreams of—soft, flavorful, and dripping with garlicky, cheesy goodness. They’re simple to make but impressive on the plate, and they turn any meal into something special.
Whether you’re planning a pizza night or just looking to make your soup bowl a little more exciting, these knots are the answer. Don’t forget to leave a review or tag your creations on Pinterest—I love seeing what you bake!
Nutritional Information (per knot, approximate):
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Calories: 190
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Fat: 7g
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Carbohydrates: 26g
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Protein: 5g
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Sugar: 1g
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Coconut Lime Energy Bites – refreshing and no-bake for quick snacks
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Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Roll Bites – soft, sticky, and packed with cinnamon sugar
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