Why You’ll Love Garlic Knots Recipe

These garlic knots are everything you want in a comfort food: warm, flavorful, and easy to prepare. With a pillowy interior and a golden, garlicky crust, they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. You’ll love that they use simple ingredients and come together quickly, especially if you opt for store-bought dough. They also make an excellent make-ahead or freezer-friendly side dish.

Ingredients

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

warm water
active dry yeast
granulated sugar
warm milk
unsalted butter, softened
large egg
salt
all-purpose flour

For the garlic butter topping:

olive oil
unsalted butter, melted
garlic powder or minced garlic
dried parsley or Italian seasoning
grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
marinara sauce for dipping (optional)

Directions

Prepare the yeast mixture: In a small bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
Make the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the yeast mixture with warm milk, butter, egg, and salt. Gradually add flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Knead and rise: Knead the dough for about 8–10 minutes until smooth. Place in a greased bowl, cover with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm area for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Shape the knots: Punch down the dough and divide into equal pieces. Roll each into a rope and tie into a knot. Place knots on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Second rise: Cover the knots and let them rise again for about 30 minutes.
Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake knots for 12–15 minutes or until golden brown.
Prepare garlic butter: While the knots bake, combine melted butter, olive oil, garlic, and parsley in a small bowl.
Brush and serve: Brush warm knots with the garlic butter mixture and sprinkle with Parmesan if desired. Serve with marinara sauce.

Servings and timing

Servings: 20–24 garlic knots
Prep time: 20 minutes
Rise time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Cook time: 12–15 minutes
Total time: About 2 hours 5 minutes

Variations

Cheesy Garlic Knots: Add shredded mozzarella or Parmesan to the center before tying the dough.
Spicy Knots: Mix red pepper flakes into the garlic butter for heat.
Herb-Infused: Use fresh chopped rosemary or thyme instead of dried parsley.
Vegan Option: Substitute butter and milk with plant-based alternatives.
Shortcut Version: Use store-bought pizza dough to save time.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover garlic knots in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 4 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–8 minutes. For freezer storage, wrap knots tightly in foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat in the oven for best results.

FAQs

How do I know if my yeast is active?

If the yeast foams and bubbles after sitting in warm water with sugar for 5–10 minutes, it’s active and ready to use.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the dough the day before and refrigerate it after the first rise. Bring it to room temperature before shaping.

What if my dough isn’t rising?

Ensure your yeast is not expired and that the water used was warm (not hot) — ideally around 105°F–110°F (40°C–43°C).

Can I use garlic cloves instead of garlic powder?

Absolutely. Freshly minced garlic adds a robust flavor to the butter mixture.

Can I freeze unbaked knots?

Yes, shape the knots and freeze them on a tray. Once frozen, transfer to a bag. When ready to use, thaw, let rise, and bake as directed.

How do I make them crispier on the outside?

Bake a few extra minutes or increase oven temperature slightly for a more golden crust.

Are garlic knots vegetarian?

Yes, as long as you use vegetarian butter and avoid cheese with animal-based rennet.

Can I use whole wheat flour?

You can substitute up to half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, but the texture will be denser.

How do I make them fluffier?

Don’t skip the rising times, and make sure not to over-knead or over-bake the knots.

What can I serve with garlic knots?

They pair perfectly with pasta, soups, salads, or as an appetizer with dipping sauces like marinara or ranch.

Conclusion

Garlic knots are a timeless, delicious addition to any meal or gathering. Their buttery aroma, soft texture, and garlicky flavor make them an all-around favorite. Whether you make them from scratch or with store-bought dough, these knots are easy, rewarding, and destined to disappear fast. Once you try them, they’ll become a staple in your kitchen.

Garlic Knots

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These homemade garlic knots are soft, fluffy, and packed with buttery garlic flavor. Perfect as a side dish or appetizer, they’re made with simple ingredients and baked until golden brown.

Author: Emily
Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Yield: 12 garlic knots
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
Add olive oil, sugar, salt, and flour. Mix until a soft dough forms.
Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 6-8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces.
Roll each piece into a rope and tie into a knot. Place on a greased baking sheet.
Cover and let rise again for 30 minutes.
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
While baking, mix melted butter with minced garlic.
Brush baked knots with garlic butter and sprinkle with parsley if desired. Serve warm.

Notes

You can use pre-made pizza dough for a quicker version.
These knots freeze well—reheat in the oven before serving.
Add grated Parmesan for extra flavor.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 knot
Calories: 120
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 160mg
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 16g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 10mg