Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These homemade garlic knots are packed with flavor and texture. The soft, pillowy dough creates the perfect base, while the garlic butter topping adds a rich, savory punch. The addition of Parmesan and fresh parsley after baking gives them a burst of extra flavor and a touch of color. Easy to make with simple ingredients, these garlic knots are perfect for a family dinner or for impressing guests at a party. Plus, they’re baked to perfection, giving you that perfect crispy exterior and soft, fluffy interior.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

1 and 1/3 cups (320ml) warm water (between 100–110°F, 38–43°C)
2 and 1/4 teaspoons (7g) Platinum Yeast from Red Star instant yeast (1 standard packet)
1 tablespoon (13g) granulated sugar
3 tablespoons (45ml) olive oil or (43g) melted butter
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
3 and 1/2 cups (about 450g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled), plus more for hands and work surface

For the Topping:

5 tablespoons (71g) unsalted butter, melted
3 garlic cloves, minced (or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon salt
Optional after baking: 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Optional after baking: 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Making the Dough:

Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water, granulated sugar, and yeast. Stir to dissolve the sugar and let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes frothy and bubbly.
Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and garlic powder. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture along with the olive oil (or melted butter). Stir with a spoon until the dough starts to come together, then turn it out onto a lightly floured surface.
Knead the dough: Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle it with a little more flour as you knead.
Let the dough rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

Shaping and Baking the Garlic Knots:

Preheat the oven: While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Shape the knots: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Turn it out onto a floured surface and roll it into a rectangle about 1/2 inch thick. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the dough into strips (about 1-inch wide). Take each strip and tie it into a knot, tucking the ends underneath.
Place on the baking sheet: Arrange the garlic knots on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each knot. Cover the sheet with a towel and let them rise for an additional 20-30 minutes.
Bake the knots: Bake the knots for 18-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.

Preparing the Garlic Butter Topping:

Make the garlic butter: While the knots are baking, melt the unsalted butter in a small bowl. Add the minced garlic (or garlic powder), Italian seasoning, and salt, stirring to combine.

Finishing the Garlic Knots:

Coat the knots: Once the garlic knots are done baking, remove them from the oven. Immediately brush them with the garlic butter mixture, ensuring each knot is generously coated.
Optional garnish: If desired, sprinkle the knots with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for extra flavor and color.
Serve: Serve the garlic knots warm, either on their own or with your favorite dipping sauce like marinara.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4-6 servings
Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus rising time)
Cook Time: 18-20 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours (including rising time)

Variations

Cheese-filled garlic knots: Add a cube of mozzarella cheese to the center of each knot before baking for a gooey, cheesy surprise inside.
Herb variations: Experiment with other fresh or dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano in the garlic butter topping for extra flavor.
Vegan garlic knots: For a vegan version, substitute olive oil for the butter in the dough and garlic butter topping, and skip the Parmesan garnish.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover garlic knots in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Reheating: To reheat, place the garlic knots in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also reheat them in a microwave, but they may lose some of their crispiness.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time. After the first rise, punch it down, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready, let the dough come to room temperature before shaping and baking.

Can I freeze garlic knots?

Yes, you can freeze garlic knots either before or after baking. To freeze before baking, shape the knots and place them on a baking sheet in the freezer. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. To bake, simply place the frozen knots on a baking sheet and bake as directed, adding an extra 5-10 minutes of baking time. If freezing after baking, store the cooled knots in a freezer-safe bag and reheat when ready to serve.

Can I use store-bought dough?

Yes, if you’re short on time, you can use store-bought pizza dough as a substitute for the homemade dough. Just follow the shaping, rising, and baking steps with the store-bought dough.

How do I make sure the garlic knots are soft inside and crispy outside?

The key to a soft interior is letting the dough rise properly and not overbaking the knots. Keep an eye on them while baking to ensure they turn golden brown, but not too dark. The garlic butter topping adds to the crispiness without drying them out.

Can I make these garlic knots with whole wheat flour?

Yes, you can use whole wheat flour for a healthier twist, though the texture may be slightly denser. You may need to add a little more water to get the right consistency.

Conclusion

These homemade garlic knots are a perfect addition to any meal. With their soft, buttery dough and irresistible garlic butter topping, they’re sure to become a family favorite. Whether served alongside pasta, as an appetizer, or on their own with a side of marinara for dipping, these garlic knots will always be a hit. Easy to make and full of flavor, they’re the perfect comfort food!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ingredients

For the Dough:

For the Topping:

Directions

Making the Dough:

Shaping and Baking the Garlic Knots:

Preparing the Garlic Butter Topping:

Finishing the Garlic Knots:

Servings and Timing

Variations

Storage/Reheating

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Can I freeze garlic knots?

Can I use store-bought dough?

How do I make sure the garlic knots are soft inside and crispy outside?

Can I make these garlic knots with whole wheat flour?

Conclusion

Homemade Garlic Knots

Description

Ingredients

Instructions

Notes