Step 1

Prepare the Dough: Layer first 6 ingredients (water through yeast) in your bread machine. Start “dough” cycle. (I recommend proofing [letting your dough rise ] in your bread machine. Be sure that you’re on the dough cycle so that it doesn’t proceed onto the baking cycle. Alternatively, you could prepare the dough in the bowl of a stand mixer, using the dough hook, and let rise at room temperature in a warm spot.)

Step 2

Turn out proofed dough onto a lightly floured surface. Using floured hands shape dough into a small rectangle. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut dough evenly into 6 equal pieces. Roll each of the pieces of dough into a rope. Tie each rope into a knot, tucking under ends of knots, if desired. Arrange knots on a parchment-lined prepared baking sheet or baking sheet coated with cooking spray.

Step 3

Let knots rest in a warm place free from drafts for a second rise, 30-45 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 400°F.

Step 4

Prepare the Topping: Add butter, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and salt to a small saucepan. Cook over low until butter is melted, stirring to combine. Brush butter mixture evenly over knots, reserving any leftover butter mixture to brush over baked knots.

Step 5

Bake knots in preheated oven until golden brown, about 20 minutes. Remove from oven, and brush knots with remaining butter mixture. Sprinkle with Parmesan, if desired.