J. Kenji López-Alt - Pull-Apart Pepperoni Garlic Knots | Kenji's Cooking Show
The video provides a step-by-step guide to making pepperoni garlic knots, a dish inspired by New York pizzerias. The recipe uses store-bought pizza dough, which is divided into pieces, tied into knots, and tossed in a mixture of garlic butter and pepperoni. The knots are then baked in a cast iron skillet. The presenter emphasizes the use of fresh garlic and high-quality pepperoni, but also offers vegetarian alternatives. The dish is described as ideal for parties and can be served with tomato sauce for dipping. The presenter shares personal anecdotes about enjoying garlic knots in New York and suggests this recipe as a potential hit for pizzerias looking for new appetizers.
Key Points:
- Use store-bought pizza dough for convenience.
- Tie dough into knots to hold flavor better.
- Cook garlic and pepperoni in butter and olive oil for rich flavor.
- Bake knots in a cast iron skillet for even cooking.
- Serve with tomato sauce for dipping.
Details:
1. 👋 Introduction to Pepperoni Garlic Knots
- The video introduces a new recipe for Pepperoni Garlic Knots, focusing on ease and simplicity.
- Emphasizes the recipe's accessibility for home cooks of all skill levels.
- Highlights the recipe as a crowd-pleaser, making it suitable for gatherings or parties.
- Prepares the viewer for a step-by-step guide on making the Pepperoni Garlic Knots.
2. 🍕 New York Pizza Memories and Recipe Origin
- The pepperoni garlic knots recipe was developed at Serious Eats in 2012, showcasing an innovative twist on traditional New York-style pizza.
- This dish integrates the classic flavors of New York pizza with the novel approach of incorporating garlic and pepperoni into knot form, enhancing the flavor profile.
- The recipe's development reflects a broader trend of creativity within New York's culinary scene, blending traditional and modern elements.
- Pepperoni garlic knots have become a cultural staple in the New York pizza landscape, symbolizing innovation while honoring tradition.
- These knots are typically made by infusing pizza dough with garlic and pepperoni, then tying them into knots before baking, offering a unique texture and taste experience.
3. 🧄 Making Garlic Knots: Dough and Ingredients
3.1. Historical Context and Ingredients Overview
3.2. Dough Preparation
3.3. Ingredient Detailing and Usage
4. 🍳 Cooking Techniques and Flavor Enhancements
- Garlic knots can be made using leftover pizza dough scraps, which can be homemade or store-bought, offering a practical way to reduce waste.
- The dish is prepared in a pull-apart style using a cast iron skillet, enhancing its presentation for parties.
- A combination of butter and extra virgin olive oil is used, indicating the dish is not low-fat but enhances flavor.
- Pepperoni, preferably good quality stick pepperoni like B's head, is used and can be substituted with Spanish chorizo or left meat-free for variety.
- The cooking process involves frying pepperoni cubes until they release fat and crisp up, adding texture and flavor to the dish.
- Six garlic cloves are used, with ends trimmed, and cooked on medium-high heat in a 10-inch cast iron skillet.
- A cast iron or carbon steel skillet is recommended, avoiding non-stick pans, to ensure oven safety.
- Consider incorporating variations such as using different meats or opting for a vegetarian version to cater to different dietary preferences.
- Ensure the garlic is cooked just until fragrant to prevent bitterness, and adjust the amount of pepperoni or chorizo based on spice preference.
- For an optimal texture, allow the knots to bake until golden brown, checking periodically to avoid overcooking.
5. 🔪 Shaping and Seasoning the Knots
- For optimal flavor, use fresh garlic or garlic powder instead of jarred garlic.
- To prepare, tie dough into knots, toss in oil, and bake until golden brown.
- After baking, mix knots in a bowl with garlic butter, using fresh garlic sautéed in butter and olive oil, or add garlic powder if preferred.
- Season with fresh or dried parsley and optionally dried oregano for enhanced flavor.
- Add Parmesan cheese for additional taste, and keep the seasoned knots warm in the pizza window for serving.
6. 🥄 Preparing for Baking: Rising and Baking Tips
- Allow the residual heat of the pan to complete cooking to prevent garlic from burning and ensure it becomes fragrant without deep browning. This technique helps in achieving the perfect aroma balance in dishes.
- Chop herbs like parsley by balling them up and using the knuckles as a guide for the knife to prevent cuts, ensuring precision and safety in preparation.
- Use oil instead of flour on the board when preparing dough. This method prevents sticking and aligns with the subsequent step of tossing the dough in oil for better texture.
- When using store-bought pizza dough, flatten it into an oval shape to ensure even baking and optimal crust texture.
7. 🎵 Knot Tying Fun and Anecdotes
- Divide the dough into 24 pieces: Start by halving, then quartering, and finally dividing each piece into six.
- Variety in size is acceptable for garlic knots; identical sizes are unnecessary.
- Making knots with family can be fun, especially with kids, as different shapes and sizes add enjoyment to the meal.
- Knots are shaped to catch garlic and pepperoni oil, enhancing flavor retention.
- Option to make monkey bread style by baking dough balls without tying knots.
- Use two fingers to tie dough into knots, similar to tying a balloon.
- Add Parmesan cheese in unmeasured amounts for flavor, some before baking and some after.
- Avoid adding salt if using pepperoni due to its inherent saltiness; add salt if making a vegetarian version.
- Let the knots rise for an hour at room temperature or overnight in the fridge for convenience.
- The dough may not rise significantly until baking, depending on the brand.
8. 🌡️ Baking and Serving Suggestions
- Bake at 425° for 25 to 30 minutes for optimal golden brown finish.
- Use parmesan cheese, either fresh or from a can, for topping before baking.
- Apply fancy extra virgin olive oil after baking for enhanced flavor.
- Serve with a side of dipping sauce, such as Rayos, or a homemade variant.
9. 🌟 Final Thoughts and Variations
- A 4-inch cast iron skillet of pull apart pepperoni garlic knots could be a hit as a pizzeria appetizer.
- The dish uses store-bought pizza dough, garlic butter with fried pepperoni, baked with Parmesan, and served with tomato sauce.
- These knots are great for parties and suitable for kids; they can be served warm or at room temperature.
- The pepperoni can be optional, making the dish versatile for different preferences.
10. 📚 Outro and Additional Resources
- Full article and recipe along with bonus content and newsletter available for free on Patreon.
- Subscription encouraged for more videos on YouTube or alternate channel Kenji Lopez main.
- Follow Instagram at Kenji Lopez alt for daily updates.
- Signed and personalized copies of books available: The Food Lab, The Wok, and Every Night is Pizza Night from Book Larter in Seattle.
- Links to resources and tools used in the video available in the description.