Homemade Garlic Knots Recipe

Imagine a platter of warm, golden-brown twists, each one shimmering with buttery garlic and speckled with flecks of fresh herbs — that’s the magic of Homemade Garlic Knots. These soft, pillowy bites are downright irresistible, whether as a snack, a savory side, or the star of any gathering. With just a handful of kitchen staples and simple techniques, anyone can master these garlic-scented beauties. The aroma that fills your kitchen alone is enough to make friends and family gather around the oven in anticipation!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes Homemade Garlic Knots truly special is how such basic ingredients come together to create unforgettable flavor and texture. Each one has a vital role: from the yeast that brings a fluffy lift, to the butter and herbs that make each knot glisten and sing with taste.

• Warm Water: The right temperature (100–110°F) helps activate the yeast for a perfect rise every time.
• Instant Yeast: Essential for that classic puffy, chewy bread feel—instant yeast ensures fast, reliable rising.
• Granulated Sugar: Just a touch, to “feed” the yeast and balance the savory flavors.
• Olive Oil or Melted Butter: Adds richness to the dough and keeps it wonderfully tender (choose butter for extra decadence!).
• Salt: A must for flavor; don’t skimp, as it brings all the other tastes to life.
• Garlic Powder: Subtle, built-in garlicky flavor in the dough, amping up the final taste.
• All-Purpose Flour: Provides the structure, but don’t forget to spoon and level for the best texture!
• Unsalted Butter (for topping): Melted butter soaks into the knots for buttery, addictive deliciousness.
• Garlic Cloves (or more powder): Freshly minced garlic takes the flavor over the top; powder works in a pinch.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend that gives each knot an herby, pizzeria-inspired fragrance and color.
• Extra Salt: Just a pinch in the topping for maximum savory impact.
• Optional Parmesan Cheese: For those who want a cheesy, salty crunch on top.
• Optional Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley finishes the knots with color and a hint of freshness.

How to Make Homemade Garlic Knots

Step 1: Mix the Wet Ingredients and Yeast

Start by whisking up the warm water, instant yeast, and sugar in your mixing bowl. Let this mixture sit, covered, for five minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it starts to foam a little—that’s the yeast springing to life, creating the fluffiest Homemade Garlic Knots imaginable. No stand mixer? Just use a sturdy bowl and wooden spoon.

Step 2: Build the Dough

Pour in the olive oil (or melted butter), salt, and that first sprinkle of garlic powder. Add half the flour and give everything a gentle beat or stir. Then, add the rest of the flour and mix on low speed (or stir by hand) until you have a shaggy dough. This two-step addition helps everything combine evenly without overworking the flour, so your knots stay light as air.

Step 3: Knead for Strength and Softness

Continue to knead your dough: either let your mixer handle it or dust a work surface and knead by hand for five minutes. You want it soft and ever-so-slightly tacky. If it gets sticky, just sprinkle on a little more flour—but try not to add too much! The dough is ready once it slowly springs back when poked, or when a small piece stretches thin enough for light to shine through (that’s the famous “windowpane test”).

Step 4: First Rise

Place your kneaded dough into a greased bowl—just use the same one you mixed in for fewer dishes. Turn it around so every surface is coated in oil. Cover with plastic, foil, or a kitchen towel and let it rise at room temperature until it doubles in size (typically 1–2 hours). On cold days, give your dough a cozy spot by warming the oven briefly, then shutting it off and letting the dough rise inside with the door ajar.

Step 5: Shape the Homemade Garlic Knots

Punch down the dough to release the built-up air. On a floured surface, shape it into a rough 16×5 inch log—there’s no need for perfection or precise measuring! Cut the dough into 16 one-inch strips. Roll each into an eight-inch rope, then tie gently into a knot. Tuck the ends underneath for a tidy look or leave them out for a rustic vibe. Place your knotted masterpieces onto two lined baking sheets.

Step 6: Second Rise

Lightly cover the shaped knots and let them rest for at least half an hour, up to 45 minutes. This final rise helps create those soft, pillowy centers everyone loves in Homemade Garlic Knots.

Step 7: Prepare the Garlic Butter

As the knots finish their second rise, preheat your oven to 400°F. Stir together the melted butter, minced garlic (or more powder), Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt. This herby, savory mixture is the secret to that signature aroma and golden finish.

Step 8: Brush, Bake, and Finish

Generously brush each knot with the garlic butter mixture (saving some for later). Bake for 20–23 minutes, or until deeply golden. As soon as they emerge from the oven, brush with the remaining garlic butter and sprinkle on the parmesan and parsley if you’re using them. Let the knots cool just long enough so you don’t burn your fingers—then dig in!

How to Serve Homemade Garlic Knots

Garnishes

Sprinkle warm Homemade Garlic Knots with a shower of grated parmesan for a savory, cheesy kick or a handful of fresh parsley for vibrant color and a touch of brightness. A light brush of extra garlic butter right out of the oven adds a delicious sheen and extra flavor, making each knot completely irresistible.

Side Dishes

Nothing complements Homemade Garlic Knots quite like a bowl of marinara or your favorite tomato sauce for dipping. They’re a natural sidekick to pasta dishes, comforting soups, or crisp salads. For family-style dinners, serve alongside lasagna or baked ziti, and watch how quickly the knots disappear.

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful: arrange Homemade Garlic Knots on a wooden board with small bowls of dipping sauces (think garlic aioli, pesto, or spicy tomato). Stack them high in a breadbasket for a rustic touch, or nestle them around a ramekin of warm, cheesy dip for a wow-factor appetizer at parties!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Homemade Garlic Knots will keep beautifully if you store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you need them to last longer, the fridge is your friend: just tuck them away for up to a week—but honestly, they tend to vanish long before then!

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, freeze baked and completely cooled Homemade Garlic Knots for up to three months. Just seal them in a freezer bag and grab as many as you need when the craving strikes. Perfect for make-ahead meals or surprise guests!

Reheating

To revive that fresh-from-the-oven taste, simply microwave knots for a few seconds, or pop them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5 minutes. They’ll come back to life soft, warm, and every bit as tempting as the day you baked them.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make the dough a day in advance and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight. The cold rise actually deepens the flavor. When ready to bake, let the dough come to room temperature before shaping and following the regular steps for Homemade Garlic Knots.

Can I use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes! Bread flour will give your knots a slightly chewier texture, which some people love. Just remember, you may need to add a bit more water, since bread flour absorbs more liquid than all-purpose.

What can I use if I don’t have instant yeast?

You can swap in active dry yeast. Sprinkle it over the warm water with a pinch of sugar and let it sit until foamy, about 10 minutes. Then proceed with the recipe exactly the same way for fabulous Homemade Garlic Knots.

How do I make these knots vegan?

Simply use olive oil instead of butter in both the dough and the topping, and skip the parmesan cheese. You’ll still get all the gorgeous color, texture, and true garlic flavor that make Homemade Garlic Knots so beloved.

Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?

Definitely! Double all the ingredients and divide the dough between two bowls if needed. It’s a fantastic way to make enough Homemade Garlic Knots for a big get-together—just be sure to allow a little extra time for the larger batch to rise.

Final Thoughts

All it takes is one batch of Homemade Garlic Knots for your kitchen to become everyone’s favorite spot in the house. The process is rewarding and the results are unforgettable—crisp, golden bottoms, buttery garlic fragrance, and ultra-soft, pull-apart centers. Next time you need a cozy treat or a showstopping side, reach for this recipe and let the Homemade Garlic Knots work their magic. You’re going to love sharing (and eating!) every last one.

Print