Homemade Garlic Knots

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Golden, fluffy, and infused with rich garlic butter, these Homemade Garlic Knots are everything a bread lover dreams of. Whether you’re serving them as a side dish, appetizer, or snack, their chewy texture and irresistible aroma make them a go-to for any occasion.

Made with simple pantry staples, these knots are twisted by hand and brushed with a blend of melted butter, minced garlic, and parsley. Perfect for dipping in marinara or served alongside your favorite Italian dish, they bring the comfort of a bakery right to your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Garlic Knots Recipe

Homemade Garlic Knots are incredibly versatile and freezer-friendly. You can prepare them ahead of time and reheat them when needed. They’re also much more flavorful than store-bought versions, and the buttery garlic glaze makes them especially addictive. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or preparing a cozy meal, these knots are sure to impress.

What Kind of Dough Should I Use for Garlic Knots?

This recipe uses a classic yeast dough that yields 16 fluffy knots. You can also use refrigerated pizza dough as a shortcut, but making the dough from scratch offers the best flavor and texture. It allows the garlic butter to soak in while baking, giving each bite a savory finish.

---

Ingredients for the Homemade Garlic Knots

This recipe uses just a handful of simple ingredients to create mouthwatering results:

• All-purpose flour: Provides the structure and soft bite for the knots.
• Instant yeast: Helps the dough rise quickly and reliably.
• Warm water (110°F): Activates the yeast and hydrates the flour.
• Olive oil: Adds richness and a subtle fruitiness to the dough.
• Salt: Enhances the flavor of the dough.
• Granulated sugar: Feeds the yeast and gives a touch of sweetness.
• Unsalted butter: Used for the garlic topping for rich flavor.
• Fresh garlic: The star of the topping, it brings bold, aromatic punch.
• Fresh parsley: Adds color and freshness to the finished knots.
• Grated Parmesan (optional): Adds a salty, cheesy finish to the tops.

---

How To Make the Homemade Garlic Knots

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of warm water, 2 1/4 teaspoons of instant yeast, and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Stir and let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.

Step 2: Make the Dough

Add 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt, and 2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour to the yeast mixture. Mix until a shaggy dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for about 8 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Step 3: Let the Dough Rise

Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover it with a towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Step 4: Shape the Knots

Punch down the dough and divide it into 16 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope (about 6 inches long), then tie into a simple knot. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 5: Second Rise

Cover the shaped knots loosely with a towel and let them rise again for 30 minutes.

Step 6: Bake the Knots

Preheat oven to 400°F. Bake the knots for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.

Step 7: Make the Garlic Butter

While the knots bake, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a saucepan. Add 4 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Stir in 2 tablespoons of chopped parsley.

Step 8: Brush and Serve

As soon as the knots come out of the oven, brush them generously with the garlic butter mixture. Sprinkle with optional grated Parmesan if desired.

---

How to Serve and Store Homemade Garlic Knots

These garlic knots are best served warm, straight from the oven. They pair wonderfully with pasta, soup, or a simple salad. This recipe yields 16 garlic knots, enough to serve 6–8 people.

To store, keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes to revive their soft texture. You can also freeze the knots after baking—wrap tightly in foil and place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.

---

What to Serve With Homemade Garlic Knots?

H3: Marinara Dipping Sauce

A rich tomato-based sauce is a perfect match for garlic knots. Warm it up and serve on the side.

H3: Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

Dunk a knot into this comforting soup for the ultimate winter combo.

H3: Classic Caesar Salad

The crunch of romaine and the sharpness of Parmesan balance the soft, buttery bread.

H3: Spaghetti Carbonara

The creamy, salty pasta works beautifully with the garlicky knots.

H3: Roasted Vegetable Medley

A tray of roasted zucchini, bell peppers, and onions adds a healthy, colorful contrast.

H3: Caprese Skewers

Light and fresh, these make a great starter alongside the knots.

H3: Stovetop Spinach Artichoke Dip

Use the knots in place of chips for a buttery, garlicky upgrade【6†source】.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
Yes, just make sure to dissolve it fully in warm water with sugar and wait 10 minutes until foamy before proceeding.

2. Can I freeze the dough instead of baked knots?
Absolutely. Freeze the shaped, unbaked knots on a baking sheet, then transfer to a zip-top bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 2-3 minutes to baking time.

3. How do I make them extra soft?
Don’t overbake and brush with garlic butter while warm. A second brushing right before serving can also help.

4. Can I make them vegan?
Yes, use vegan butter and skip the Parmesan or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.

5. How long should I knead the dough?
About 8 minutes by hand or 5 minutes using a stand mixer with a dough hook.

---

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest appetizer board so you can come back to it any time.
Let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you make them cheesy or keep them classic? Did you go full herb or just garlic and butter?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other bake smarter.

---

Conclusion

Homemade Garlic Knots are the perfect combination of tender bread and bold garlic flavor. From casual weeknight dinners to elegant gatherings, they bring warmth and satisfaction to every table. Be sure to check out other comforting recipes like Creamy Baked Onions with Asiago Cheese, Stovetop Spinach Artichoke Dip, and Caprese Skewers with Basil Drizzle.

For more comforting, flavor-packed ideas, head over to my Pinterest board: Meals We Share.

Print

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?