Homemade Garlic Knots Recipe

Introduction

Homemade garlic knots are a delightful treat that brings the warm, savory flavors of fresh garlic and herbs to soft, freshly baked dough. Perfect as a snack or a side for pasta nights, these knots are easy to make and sure to impress.

Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons salt
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
• 6 cloves garlic (minced)
• ¼ cup fresh parsley (chopped)
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Grated Parmesan cheese (for topping, optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, mix the flour and salt.
3. Step 3: Gradually add the yeast mixture and olive oil to the dry ingredients, stirring until a sticky dough forms.
4. Step 4: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Step 5: Shape the dough into a ball. Place it in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
6. Step 6: Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope and tie into a knot, tucking the ends underneath.
7. Step 7: Arrange knots on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover, and let rise for another 30 minutes.
8. Step 8: Mix melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl.
9. Step 9: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the knots for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
10. Step 10: Brush warm knots generously with the garlic butter mixture and, if desired, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika to the garlic butter mixture.
• If you prefer a softer crust, cover the knots with foil during the last 5 minutes of baking.
• Swap parsley for fresh basil or oregano for a different herb profile.
• Use whole wheat flour for a heartier texture, adjusting water as needed.

Storage

Store leftover garlic knots in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep longer, refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes to restore freshness. For longer storage, freeze knots wrapped tightly for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, instant yeast can be used. Since it doesn’t require proofing, mix it directly with the dry ingredients and adjust liquid slightly if needed.

How do I know when the dough has risen enough?

The dough is ready when it has doubled in size and looks puffy. Pressing a finger gently should leave an indentation that slowly fills back in.

Homemade Garlic Knots Recipe

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 54 reviews

These homemade garlic knots are soft, fluffy, and packed with garlicky buttery flavor, perfect as a side or snack. Made from scratch with simple ingredients, they’re easy to prepare and baked to golden perfection. Topped with fresh parsley and optional Parmesan cheese, these garlic knots make a delicious addition to any meal.

• Author: Jeannette
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
• Yield: 12 garlic knots 1x
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dough Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons salt
• ¼ cup olive oil

Garlic Butter Topping

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
• 6 cloves garlic (minced)
• ¼ cup fresh parsley (chopped)
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Grated Parmesan cheese (for topping, optional)

Instructions

1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt to evenly distribute the salt.
3. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the yeast mixture and olive oil to the dry ingredients. Stir until a sticky dough forms.
4. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
5. First Rise: Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with a towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm area for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
6. Shape Knots: Punch down the risen dough and divide into 12 equal portions. Roll each into a long rope and tie into a knot, tucking the ends underneath.
7. Second Rise: Place the knots on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover, and allow them to rise for 30 minutes.
8. Prepare Garlic Butter: In a bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using.
9. Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the knots for 15-20 minutes until they turn golden brown.
10. Coat with Garlic Butter: Immediately brush the hot knots generously with the garlic butter mixture and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve warm.

Notes

• For softer knots, cover the dough tightly during rising to retain moisture.
• Use fresh yeast for best results, but active dry yeast works well too.
• Adjust garlic and seasoning according to taste preferences.
• If you prefer, omit the red pepper flakes to keep it mild.
• These knots are best served fresh but can be reheated in the oven for a few minutes.

Keywords: garlic knots, homemade garlic knots, baked garlic bread, Italian bread recipe, garlic butter knots