Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I enjoy this recipe because it uses simple ingredients to create bakery-style garlic knots at home. The dough bakes up light and tender, while the garlic butter adds incredible flavor to every bite. I also like that they are perfect for family dinners, parties, or as a delicious appetizer that everyone enjoys.

Ingredients

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

3 cups all-purpose flour
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup warm water
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

Directions

I combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast in a large bowl and let the mixture sit for about 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes foamy.
I stir in the olive oil, flour, and salt until a soft dough forms.
I knead the dough for about 8 to 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
I place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it, and let it rise for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
I preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
I divide the dough into 12 equal pieces and roll each piece into a rope about 8 inches long before tying it into a knot.
I arrange the knots on the prepared baking sheet, cover them lightly, and let them rise for another 20 minutes.
I bake the garlic knots for 15 to 18 minutes, or until they are golden brown.
While they bake, I mix the melted butter with the minced garlic, parsley, and garlic powder if I am using it.
I brush the warm knots generously with the garlic butter and sprinkle them with grated Parmesan cheese before serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 12 garlic knots
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Rise Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15–18 minutes
Total Time: About 2 hours

Variations

I sprinkle shredded mozzarella on top before baking for cheesy garlic knots.
I add Italian seasoning or dried oregano to the garlic butter for extra flavor.
I include a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
I substitute fresh basil for parsley when I want a different herb flavor.
I brush the knots with herb butter instead of garlic butter for a milder version.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftover garlic knots in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, I freeze them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. I reheat them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5 to 8 minutes or in the microwave for about 15 to 20 seconds before brushing them with a little extra melted butter if desired.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pizza dough?

Yes. I often use refrigerated or homemade pizza dough when I want to save time without sacrificing flavor.

Why didn’t my dough rise?

I make sure the yeast is fresh and the water is warm rather than hot, as high temperatures can kill the yeast.

Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?

Yes. I refrigerate the dough overnight after the first rise and shape the knots the next day before baking.

Can I freeze garlic knots?

Yes. I freeze them after they have cooled completely and reheat them directly from frozen in the oven.

What can I serve with garlic knots?

I enjoy serving them alongside pasta, pizza, lasagna, soups, salads, or with marinara sauce for dipping.

Conclusion

I find Garlic Knots to be one of the best homemade bread recipes for any occasion. Their soft texture, buttery garlic coating, and savory Parmesan topping make them an irresistible side dish or appetizer. Whether I serve them fresh from the oven with a hearty dinner or enjoy them as a snack, they always disappear quickly from the table.

Garlic Knots

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Garlic Knots are soft, fluffy bread knots brushed with rich garlic butter and finished with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese. They make a delicious side dish or appetizer that’s perfect with pasta, pizza, soups, or salads.

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours
Yield: 12 garlic knots
Category: Side Dish
Method: Bake
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast in a large bowl and let sit for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy.
Stir in the olive oil, flour, and salt until a soft dough forms.
Knead the dough for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces, roll each into an 8-inch rope, and tie into a knot.
Arrange the knots on the prepared baking sheet, cover lightly, and let rise for another 20 minutes.
Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until golden brown.
While the knots bake, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, and optional garlic powder.
Brush the warm garlic knots generously with the garlic butter and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese before serving.

Notes

Top with shredded mozzarella before baking for cheesy garlic knots.
Add Italian seasoning, oregano, or red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for extra flavor.
Fresh basil can be substituted for parsley.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Freeze cooled garlic knots for up to 3 months.
Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5 to 8 minutes or microwave for 15 to 20 seconds, then brush with extra melted butter if desired.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 garlic knot
Calories: 190 kcal
Sugar: 1 g
Sodium: 240 mg
Fat: 7 g
Saturated Fat: 3 g
Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 27 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 5 g
Cholesterol: 12 mg