Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This homemade garlic knot recipe is incredibly simple to make and yields perfectly soft, fluffy, and flavorful knots every time. With the aromatic blend of fresh garlic, garlic powder, and the rich topping of Parmesan, these garlic knots elevate any meal or can be enjoyed on their own. Paired with marinara sauce, these knots are sure to impress guests or make your dinner even more special. The dough comes together easily with a stand mixer, and the buttery garlic coating is irresistible.

Homemade Garlic Knots

Ingredients

For the dough:

3 and 3/4 cups bread flour
1 and 1/2 teaspoons granulated sugar
1 envelope active dry yeast
2 teaspoons salt
1 and 1/2 cups warm water (110–115 degrees F)
2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons olive oil, divided

For the garlic coating:

1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter
6 cloves garlic, minced
1/3 cup fresh parsley, minced
1 and 1/2 teaspoons garlic salt or garlic powder
1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated

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

Directions

Prepare the dough:
In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the bread flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Whisk gently to combine.
Add water and oil:
Gradually add the warm water and 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the dry ingredients. Mix on low speed until the dough begins to form.
Knead the dough:
Once the dough starts coming together, increase the speed to medium and knead for about 8 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic.
Let the dough rise:
Lightly grease a bowl with the remaining 2 teaspoons of olive oil. Place the dough in the bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 to 2 hours, or until doubled in size.
Shape the knots:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 16 equal portions. Roll each portion into a rope, then tie each into a knot and tuck the ends underneath. Arrange the knots on a greased baking sheet.
Bake the garlic knots:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the garlic knots for 15 to 20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Prepare the garlic coating:
While the knots bake, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Remove from heat and stir in the parsley, garlic salt (or garlic powder), and Parmesan cheese.
Coat the knots:
Once the knots are baked, immediately brush them with the garlic butter mixture, making sure each one is generously coated.
Serve:
Serve the garlic knots warm with marinara sauce for dipping, and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 16 large garlic knots
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Inactive Time: 2 hours (rising time)
Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes

Variations

Cheese-filled garlic knots: Add mozzarella cheese in the center of the dough before tying the knots for a cheesy surprise inside.
Herbed garlic knots: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary or thyme in the garlic butter for a different flavor profile.
Spicy garlic knots: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the garlic butter mixture to give the knots a little kick.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover garlic knots in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 to 10 minutes, or until warm. You can also reheat them in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds if you’re in a hurry.

FAQs

1. Can I make the dough in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance. After kneading, allow the dough to rise, then cover it tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Allow the dough to come to room temperature before shaping.

2. Can I freeze garlic knots?

Yes! You can freeze garlic knots before or after baking. To freeze unbaked knots, place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 3 months. Bake straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

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

While bread flour gives these garlic knots their ideal texture, you can substitute all-purpose flour in a pinch. The knots may be slightly softer but still delicious.

4. Can I use store-bought pizza dough?

Yes, you can use store-bought pizza dough to save time. Just follow the shaping and baking instructions, then coat with the garlic butter mixture.

5. Can I make these garlic knots without a stand mixer?

Absolutely! You can knead the dough by hand. It will take a bit longer (about 10 minutes), but you’ll still get a soft, delicious result.

6. How can I make the garlic knots more garlicky?

For extra garlic flavor, increase the amount of minced garlic in the butter coating, or sprinkle garlic powder on the dough before baking.

7. Can I use salted butter for the garlic coating?

It’s best to use unsalted butter so you can control the amount of salt in the recipe, but salted butter will work in a pinch.

8. How do I know when the garlic knots are done baking?

The garlic knots are done when they’re golden brown on top. You can also check their internal temperature; they should reach around 190°F (88°C).

9. Can I make these garlic knots gluten-free?

Yes, you can make gluten-free garlic knots by using a gluten-free bread flour blend. Make sure to follow the instructions on the flour blend package for best results.

10. Can I skip the rise time?

The rise time is important to get fluffy garlic knots. Skipping or shortening it may result in denser knots.

Conclusion

Homemade garlic knots are a simple, flavorful treat that everyone will love. Whether served alongside a main course or as a snack with marinara sauce for dipping, these knots are a crowd-pleaser. With a few simple ingredients and a little time, you can create these irresistible bites that are sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!