Hot Honey Ricotta Stuffed Garlic Knots (Print version)

Fluffy garlic knots stuffed with ricotta and drizzled with spicy honey for the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer.

# Required ingredients:

→ Protein Dough

01 - 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (2% or whole milk)
02 - 1 cup self-rising flour, plus extra for dusting
03 - 1 scoop unflavored whey protein powder
04 - 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt

→ Ricotta Filling

05 - 1 cup ricotta cheese
06 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
07 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
08 - 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
09 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
10 - Salt to taste

→ Garlic Butter

11 - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
12 - 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
13 - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

→ Hot Honey

14 - 1/3 cup honey
15 - 1 to 2 teaspoons hot sauce, to taste
16 - Pinch of chili flakes, optional

# How to make it:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - In a mixing bowl, combine Greek yogurt, self-rising flour, protein powder, and salt. Mix until dough forms. Transfer to a lightly floured surface and knead for 2 to 3 minutes until smooth.
03 - In a small bowl, combine ricotta, Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian herbs, black pepper, and salt. Stir until smooth.
04 - Divide dough into 12 equal pieces. Flatten each piece into a disc approximately 3 inches wide.
05 - Place a heaping teaspoon of ricotta filling in the center of each disc. Pinch edges together to seal, then gently roll into a rope and tie into a knot, tucking ends underneath.
06 - Arrange knots on the prepared baking sheet. Cover with a clean towel and let rest while preparing garlic butter.
07 - Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Remove from heat and stir in parsley.
08 - Brush each knot generously with garlic butter mixture.
09 - Bake for 16 to 18 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
10 - In a small bowl, combine honey, hot sauce, and chili flakes if using. Warm in microwave or on stovetop just until runny.
11 - Remove knots from oven. Immediately drizzle with hot honey. Serve warm.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Protein-packed dough means you can justify eating these without guilt, and they're genuinely delicious.
  • The ricotta filling stays creamy and tender while the outside gets that satisfying golden crunch.
  • Hot honey transforms ordinary bread into something memorable—sweet, spicy, and dangerously addictive.
  • Ready in under an hour, perfect for impressing people on a weeknight or weekend.
02 -
  • Don't overwork the dough—these need to stay tender, so gentle handling and minimal kneading is the difference between cloud-like and chewy.
  • Brush with garlic butter right before baking, not after, so the flavors meld into the dough and the butter doesn't burn.
  • Serve these warm; they're best enjoyed within 20 minutes of coming out of the oven when they're still soft inside and the honey is still warm.
03 -
  • Mince your garlic finely and cook it slowly in butter—big chunks burn, but properly cooked garlic becomes sweet and mellow instead of harsh.
  • Keep your hands lightly floured but not wet when forming knots; too much flour makes them tough, but sticky hands make them frustrating to shape.
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