Homemade Garlic Knots Recipe

If you’re craving the softest, most flavorful bread to ever grace your table, Homemade Garlic Knots are about to become your new obsession. These little twists of dough are golden on the outside, feather-soft within, and bursting with buttery, garlicky goodness that’s impossible to resist. Whether you’re serving them alongside pasta night, with a bowl of warm soup, or as a mouthwatering snack all on their own, Homemade Garlic Knots have that irresistible pizzeria aroma and pull-apart tenderness you simply won’t get from store-bought. Let’s dive in and bring this bakery classic straight to your kitchen—with surprisingly little fuss and a whole lot of joy!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You might be amazed at how basic pantry staples can turn into such unforgettable knots! Each ingredient in these Homemade Garlic Knots plays a key role in creating soft, pillowy dough and that unmistakable savory finish. Here’s everything you’ll need, along with some handy tips so you get bakery-worthy results every time:

• Warm water (1 and 1/3 cups, 320ml): Make sure the water is between 100–110°F to activate the yeast and yield a fluffy, airy crumb.
• Platinum Yeast from Red Star instant yeast (2 and 1/4 teaspoons, 7g): Instant yeast gets the dough rising quickly and consistently—no proofing required!
• Granulated sugar (1 Tablespoon, 13g): Just a touch sweetens the dough and feeds the yeast for that perfect lift.
• Olive oil or melted butter (3 Tablespoons, 45ml or 43g): Choose olive oil for extra flavor or butter for richness—either makes the dough deliciously tender.
• Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for bringing out the dough’s flavor and balancing all the ingredients.
• Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): A subtle garlic flavor is baked right into the dough for an extra layer of savory goodness.
• All-purpose flour (3 and 1/2 cups, about 450g): The foundation of the knots; spoon and level so your dough isn’t dense.
• Unsalted butter, melted (5 Tablespoons, 71g): Bathes the knots before and after baking for a rich, golden sheen.
• Garlic cloves, minced (3) or garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Real garlic adds zing, but garlic powder keeps things simple if you wish.
• Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): Just the right amount of herbs to infuse every bite with classic Italian flavor.
• Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances the topping’s flavor so each knot sings.
• Grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup, optional): Sprinkle on at the end for a nutty, salty finish no one can resist.
• Chopped fresh parsley (2 Tablespoons, optional): Adds a burst of color and freshness for that “restaurant touch.”

How to Make Homemade Garlic Knots

Step 1: Mix the Yeast and Sugar

Start by combining your warm water, instant yeast, and granulated sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook (or the paddle, if that’s what you’ve got handy). Give it a good whisk to combine everything, then cover and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This gives the yeast time to wake up and start creating bubbles, which means your knots will be soft and tender. If you don’t have a stand mixer, a sturdy bowl and wooden spoon work perfectly well, so don’t let that stop you!

Step 2: Make the Dough

Add your olive oil or butter, salt, garlic powder, and half of the flour to the bubbly yeast mixture. Beat briefly just until everything’s incorporated, then add the rest of the flour. Now, keeping the mixer on low, beat for a couple of minutes until a shaggy dough forms—it’ll start out sticky, but resist the urge to add extra flour just yet. The dough will come together as you knead!

Step 3: Knead Until Soft and Elastic

If you’re using a mixer, switch to the dough hook and let it run for a solid five minutes. If you’re kneading by hand, flour your work surface lightly and put your muscles to work for the same amount of time! The dough should still feel slightly tacky—a little sticky is okay. Do a quick poke test: if the dough bounces back slowly after you press your finger in, it’s ready. Want to check like a pro? Try pulling a small piece until it turns translucent without tearing (that’s the windowpane test). If the dough passes this, your Homemade Garlic Knots will be extra fluffy!

Step 4: Let the Dough Rise

Lightly grease a large bowl with a bit of oil or nonstick spray (no need to dirty another one—just use the one you mixed in). Place the dough in, turning to coat it lightly. Cover with plastic wrap, foil, or a kitchen towel, and set it in a warm, draft-free spot. Give it 1 to 2 hours—by then, it should look doubled in size and gloriously puffy. If your kitchen is on the chilly side, pop the bowl into a turned-off oven that you’ve barely warmed, and let the magic happen.

Step 5: Shape the Knots

Punch down your risen dough to release any big bubbles, then transfer it to a well-floured surface. Shape it into a long log, about 16 inches by 5 inches. Slice this into 16 strips—no need to break out the measuring tape, but aim for even pieces. Roll each strip into an 8-inch rope, then tie a simple knot. You can tuck the ends under for a neat, round shape or let them peek out for a rustic look. Arrange all your knots on two lined baking sheets, leaving some room to puff.

Step 6: Second Rise

Loosely cover your shaped knots, then let them rest for 30 to 45 minutes. This quick second rise is what makes your Homemade Garlic Knots so unbelievably tender inside—don’t skip it! The knots will expand a bit and become lighter in texture, which pays off big time once they hit the oven.

Step 7: Make the Garlic Butter Topping

While your knots are rising the second time, melt your butter and stir in minced garlic (or garlic powder), Italian seasoning, and a touch of salt. This mixture will be brushed both before and after baking, ruthlessly maximizing the flavor in every bite. Set a little aside for that glossy finishing touch at the end.

Step 8: Bake Until Golden

Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) as your second rise wraps up. Generously brush the knots with garlic butter. Bake for 20 to 23 minutes, until they turn beautifully golden on top and the irresistible scent fills your kitchen. As soon as they’re out, brush over the remaining garlic butter and, if you like, shower them with Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Serve warm—and let the compliments roll in!

How to Serve Homemade Garlic Knots

Garnishes

To turn simple Homemade Garlic Knots into a restaurant-style treat, finish them with a generous dusting of Parmesan cheese right out of the oven, plus a scatter of freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color. The salty-nutty cheese and fresh herbs brighten up the warmth and tang of garlic butter, creating a bakery-worthy finish everyone will love.

Side Dishes

Homemade Garlic Knots are practically custom-made for dipping into a bowl of marinara sauce, but they’re also a dream served alongside hearty soups, crisp salads, or classic Italian pastas like spaghetti and meatballs. Try pairing them with creamy tomato soup for a cozy meal or with your favorite antipasto platter when you’re entertaining—the soft, garlicky bread is the perfect complement.

Creative Ways to Present

Make any gathering memorable by piling these knots sky-high in a bread basket lined with a pretty napkin, or stacking them around a bowl of zesty dipping sauce for a family-style centerpiece. For a playful twist, try threading baked garlic knots onto skewers and serving them “popcorn style,” or arranging them as the crust on a party pizza platter. However you serve them, Homemade Garlic Knots always steal the show.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If (and that’s a big if!) you manage to have any leftovers, simply store your knots in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Pop them into the fridge if you want to keep them fresh for a full week. They’ll stay soft and flavorful, perfect for a quick snack whenever the craving strikes.

Freezing

These Homemade Garlic Knots freeze like a dream. Let them cool completely, then tuck them into a freezer-safe bag or container and stash them away for up to three months. When you’re ready for garlic knot bliss, just let them thaw on the counter—no need to fuss!

Reheating

The easiest way to bring Homemade Garlic Knots back to life is a quick zap in the microwave for 10–15 seconds, which restores their soft, steamy texture. For a crispier edge, heat them for a few minutes in a 325°F oven. Add a brush of melted butter and another sprinkle of cheese, and they’ll taste as fresh as the day you made them.

FAQs

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

Absolutely! Just make sure to let your active dry yeast fully dissolve and foam in the warm water and sugar for 10 minutes before continuing with the recipe. This ensures your Homemade Garlic Knots will rise beautifully, even with a yeast substitution.

What’s the best way to tie the garlic knots if I’m a beginner?

The simplest method is to roll your dough into ropes, then make a basic overhand knot—think “left over right and under.” Don’t stress about perfect symmetry; those twists and turns create the lovely nooks that hold in all that delicious garlic butter.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can! After the first rise, punch down the dough, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, shape, let rise, and bake as usual. This make-ahead option is perfect for parties or busy nights when you crave fresh Homemade Garlic Knots in a hurry.

Are there dairy-free options for this recipe?

You can easily swap the butter for more olive oil or a plant-based butter alternative in both the dough and the topping. Skip the Parmesan or use a dairy-free cheese sprinkle after baking for delicious vegan garlic knots that don’t compromise on flavor.

What if my dough seems too sticky or too dry?

If your dough is sticking to everything, sprinkle in a little extra flour, one teaspoon at a time, until it just becomes manageable. If it’s dry and tough, add a drizzle of water or olive oil to restore that soft, elastic feel. The key is a supple, slightly tacky dough for perfect Homemade Garlic Knots every time.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about pulling a tray of Homemade Garlic Knots from the oven—golden, glossy, and filled with the mouthwatering scent of garlic and butter. I hope you’ll give these knots a try and experience just how easy (and impressive) homemade bread baking can be. They’re the kind of recipe that turns an ordinary meal into something you’ll remember. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself making them on repeat!

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