Hot Honey Ricotta Stuffed Knots

Tender, golden protein-packed knots stuffed with creamy ricotta, brushed with aromatic garlic butter, and finished with a spicy-sweet hot honey drizzle—these Hot Honey Ricotta Stuffed Garlic Knots are the ultimate appetizer. Combining the comfort of classic Italian flavors with a modern spicy-sweet kick, they are as nutritious as they are delicious, offering a significant protein boost in every bite.

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Whether you're serving these at a dinner party or as a post-workout snack, the combination of textures—from the soft dough to the gooey cheese—is sure to impress. The addition of lemon zest in the filling adds a subtle brightness that cuts through the richness of the dairy and honey.

Ingredients

• Protein Dough: 1 cup (120 g) plain Greek yogurt (nonfat or low-fat), 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup (60 g) unflavored whey protein powder, 1 1/2 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp kosher salt.
• Ricotta Filling: 3/4 cup (180 g) whole-milk ricotta cheese, 1/4 cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese, 1/2 tsp lemon zest, 1/4 tsp black pepper, 1/4 tsp salt.
• Garlic Butter: 3 tbsp unsalted butter, 3 cloves garlic, finely minced, 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped, pinch of salt.
• Hot Honey: 1/4 cup (60 ml) honey, 1 tsp hot sauce (such as Franks RedHot or Sriracha), 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional).

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Instructions

Step 1: Prep

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Make the Dough

In a mixing bowl, combine Greek yogurt, flour, protein powder, baking powder, and salt. Stir until a shaggy dough forms. Knead on a lightly floured surface for 2–3 minutes until smooth.

Step 3: Prepare Filling

In a separate bowl, mix ricotta, Parmesan, lemon zest, black pepper, and salt until well combined.

Step 4: Shape the Knots

Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces. Flatten each into a 3-inch (7 cm) round. Place 1 heaping teaspoon of ricotta filling in the center of each. Fold edges over filling, pinching to seal, then roll gently into a rope and tie into a knot.

Step 5: Arrange

Place knots seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 6: Garlic Butter Coating

In a small saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in parsley and a pinch of salt. Brush knots generously with garlic butter.

Step 7: Bake

Bake 16–18 minutes, until golden brown.

Step 8: Prepare Hot Honey

While baking, prepare hot honey: Warm honey in a small saucepan or microwave until just runny. Stir in hot sauce and red pepper flakes (if using).

Step 9: Finish and Serve

Remove knots from oven. Immediately brush with any remaining garlic butter, then drizzle hot honey over each knot. Serve warm.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

Ensure you pinch the dough edges firmly when sealing the ricotta inside to prevent any leaks during baking. If the dough feels too sticky while kneading, add a tiny dusting of flour to your work surface.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For an extra protein boost, use part-skim ricotta and increase the protein powder in the dough by 2 tbsp. If you prefer a milder snack, you can reduce or entirely omit the hot sauce from the honey drizzle.

Serviervorschläge

These knots are excellent as a party appetizer, a standalone snack, or served alongside a warm bowl of soup or a fresh green salad. For a perfect beverage match, pair them with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio.

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With 8 grams of protein per knot and a flavor profile that hits every taste bud, these stuffed garlic knots are a delicious way to enjoy a classic comfort food with a healthy, spicy twist.

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Recipe Questions

→ Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. Let it come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before shaping and filling.

→ What can I substitute for the protein powder?

You can replace the protein powder with an additional 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious. For extra protein without powder, consider adding an egg to the dough mixture.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store cooled knots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore crispness. The hot honey is best added just before serving.

→ Can I freeze these knots?

Absolutely! Freeze unbaked knots on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding 2-3 minutes to the baking time. Alternatively, freeze baked knots and reheat in the oven.

→ How can I make them less spicy?

Simply reduce or omit the hot sauce and red pepper flakes in the honey drizzle. The honey will still provide a beautiful sweetness that complements the garlic butter and creamy ricotta filling.

→ Can I use different fillings?

Definitely! Try mozzarella and herbs for a classic twist, or add spinach to the ricotta for extra vegetables. Just keep the filling amount similar to ensure proper sealing and baking.