Name: Homemade Garlic Knots
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 3/4 cup warm water; 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast; 1 tablespoon granulated sugar; 3/4 teaspoon salt; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter; 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped; 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Craving that warm, soft, and buttery bread basket you get at Italian restaurants? These Homemade Garlic Knots are just that—pillowy bites of golden dough brushed with garlicky, herby butter and a dusting of parmesan. They pull apart beautifully, smell like a dream, and pair with just about everything from pasta to soup.

What makes them so addictive is their texture: fluffy on the inside, slightly crisp on the outside, and soaked in fragrant garlic butter. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, a side for spaghetti night, or a party snack with marinara dip, these knots never disappoint.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into the recipe, let’s talk setup. Making garlic knots at home doesn’t require fancy tools, but having the right basics makes the process smoother and yields better results:

Stand Mixer with Dough Hook Attachment: Ideal for kneading the dough evenly without tiring your hands.
Mixing Bowls: You’ll need at least two—one for mixing the dough and one for letting it rise.
Baking Sheet: A large, flat baking sheet gives the knots room to expand and bake evenly.
Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and helps with easy cleanup.
Pastry Brush: Essential for brushing the garlic butter over the knots, both before and after baking.
Sharp Knife or Pizza Cutter: Helps in cutting the dough strips cleanly to shape the knots.

Each of these tools plays a small but vital role in creating garlic knots that are perfectly textured, evenly baked, and richly coated with flavor.

Ingredients for the Homemade Garlic Knots

To achieve that signature flavor and fluffy bite, each ingredient in these Homemade Garlic Knots plays a key role:

All-Purpose Flour: The base of the dough, providing structure and chew.
Warm Water: Activates the yeast and brings the dough together.
Active Dry Yeast: Essential for rise and airiness.
Granulated Sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds a slight sweetness to balance the garlic.
Salt: Enhances flavor and strengthens the dough.
Olive Oil: Adds tenderness and richness.
Unsalted Butter: Used in the garlic coating for that melt-in-your-mouth finish.
Fresh Garlic: The star of the show—its sharp, savory bite permeates the entire knot.
Fresh Parsley: Adds color and a fresh herbal lift to the buttery coating.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: Optional but highly recommended for a salty, umami boost.

How To Make the Homemade Garlic Knots

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

Add flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Mix until the dough comes together. Knead using a stand mixer (or by hand) for about 8 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Step 3: First Rise

Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover with a damp towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Step 4: Shape the Knots

Punch down the dough and roll it out into a rectangle. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice the dough into strips. Tie each strip into a knot and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 5: Second Rise

Cover the shaped knots loosely and let them rest for 20-30 minutes to puff slightly.

Step 6: Bake

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the knots for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.

Step 7: Make Garlic Butter

While the knots bake, melt butter in a pan and stir in minced garlic. Let it simmer briefly, then mix in chopped parsley and a pinch of salt.

Step 8: Brush and Serve

Once baked, brush the hot knots generously with garlic butter. Sprinkle with parmesan if desired, and serve warm.

How to Serve and Store Homemade Garlic Knots

Fresh out of the oven, these garlic knots are pure magic. Serve them piled high in a breadbasket or on a rustic wooden board. They go beautifully with hearty pasta dishes, soups like creamy tomato or Tuscan bean, or even alongside a fresh Italian grinder salad. Don’t forget the warm marinara or Alfredo sauce on the side for dipping.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To reheat, pop them in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes. For longer storage, freeze the baked knots (without garlic butter) and reheat them before brushing with fresh garlic butter.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep garlic knots soft after baking?

Store them in an airtight container as soon as they cool down. Wrapping them in a clean kitchen towel also helps retain moisture.

Can I use pre-made dough?

Absolutely. Store-bought pizza dough works well if you’re in a pinch. Just let it come to room temperature before shaping.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the dough a day in advance. Let it rise, punch it down, then refrigerate overnight. Bring it to room temp before shaping.

What’s the best way to freeze garlic knots?

Bake them without brushing with garlic butter. Let them cool, then freeze in a sealed bag. When ready to serve, reheat and add the butter mixture.

What herbs can I use besides parsley?

Chopped fresh basil or oregano are great alternatives, adding a different but equally delicious flavor.

Can I make these vegan?

Yes. Swap butter for vegan butter and skip the parmesan or use a plant-based version.

Want More Savory Bread Ideas?

If homemade garlic knots hit the spot for you, I’ve got more savory bread inspirations to try next:

Try the Pillsbury Biscuit Garlic Butter Cheesebombs for a gooey, cheesy bite-size twist. If you’re leaning toward something more structured, the Homemade Flaky Croissants are an excellent weekend project—buttery, layered, and totally rewarding.

For a hearty bread-meets-meal approach, don’t miss the Cheeseburger Sliders or these pillowy Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta.

And if you want a crispy edge with a fluffy interior, the Air-Fried Potato Wedges are a perfect partner to garlic knots on a snack table.

Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

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If you end up making these Homemade Garlic Knots, let me know how they turned out. Did you add more garlic? Did you stuff them with cheese? Leave a comment below. I’d love to hear your twist!

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