Homemade Garlic Knots Recipe

If you’ve ever ordered a basket of warm, fragrant knots at your favorite pizzeria and wondered “could I make these at home?”—the answer is a delicious YES! These Homemade Garlic Knots are impossibly fluffy, golden, and bursting with buttery garlic flavor that makes them absolutely irresistible. They’re easier than you think, and every bite is pure, doughy, garlicky bliss!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Homemade Garlic Knots is that they require just a handful of familiar ingredients, each playing a starring role. These basics come together for maximum flavor, gorgeous golden color, and that plush, bakery-style crumb you’ll love.

• Warm water: Used to activate the yeast and create the ideal dough consistency. Stick to between 100–110°F for best results.
• Instant or Active Dry Yeast: The mighty leavening agent that gives the knots their soft rise and airy texture.
• Granulated sugar: Helps feed the yeast and adds just a hint of sweetness to balance the savory notes.
• Olive oil or melted butter: Ensures a rich, flavorful dough with extra tenderness and subtle depth.
• Salt: Awakens all those flavors and prevents a bland loaf—don’t skip it!
• Garlic powder: A double dose—once in the dough for subtle garlic undertones, and again in the topping for maximum flavor.
• All-purpose flour: The sturdy, reliable base for a supple, stretchy dough that’s still light after baking.
• Unsalted butter (for topping): Melted to carry the fresh garlic and herb flavor all over the knots.
• Fresh garlic cloves or more garlic powder: Either adds that classic, heady aroma and little bursts of flavor.
• Italian seasoning: Herbs like oregano, basil, and parsley lend an Italian pizzeria vibe.
• Parmesan cheese (optional): A shower of cheese after baking makes things extra savory—always a crowd-pleaser.
• Chopped fresh parsley (optional): A touch of green for freshness and color contrast.

Variations

Once you’ve mastered classic Homemade Garlic Knots, there’s a whole world of delicious twists and tweaks! It’s incredibly easy to swap ingredients, add flavors, or make them fit your personal or dietary needs.

• Cheesy Garlic Knots: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella, provolone, or cheddar inside each knot before shaping for an oozy, melty center.
• Whole Wheat Knots: Swap half the all-purpose flour for whole wheat for a nuttier flavor and a bit more bite.
• Vegan Garlic Knots: Use plant-based butter and skip the Parmesan cheese to make these knots entirely dairy-free.
• Spicy Knots: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the topping for subtle heat, or swap some of the Italian herbs for za’atar or Cajun spice for a different flavor profile.

How to Make Homemade Garlic Knots

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Start by whisking your warm water, yeast, and sugar together in the bowl of your stand mixer (or a large bowl if mixing by hand). Let this mixture rest for about five minutes—by then, it should look a bit bubbly and foamy, proof that your yeast is ready to work its magic!

Step 2: Mix the Dough

Add the olive oil (or melted butter), salt, garlic powder, and about half your flour to the yeast mixture. Beat briefly, then add the rest of your flour and mix until a sticky dough forms. A stand mixer makes this easy, but a strong arm and a wooden spoon also do the trick for perfect Homemade Garlic Knots!

Step 3: Knead Until Smooth

Switch to the dough hook (or turn onto a floured surface) and knead for a solid five minutes. The dough should feel a bit tacky but not wet; sprinkle in extra flour, just a teaspoon at a time, if it sticks too much. You’ll know it’s ready when poking the dough leaves a small dent that slowly bounces back.

Step 4: Let It Rise

Grease a large bowl with a little oil and nestle your dough inside, turning it around for an even coat. Cover and let it rise at room temperature until doubled in size—this usually takes 1–2 hours. If it’s a chilly day, set your bowl in a slightly warm (but turned off!) oven for a cozy rise.

Step 5: Shape the Knots

Punch down your risen dough to release air. On a lightly floured surface, stretch it into a 16-inch-long log. Slice into 16 equal strips, then roll each into a rope and tie into a loose knot. Tuck the ends under or let them peek out for a rustic look—perfection is totally optional here!

Step 6: Second Rise

Arrange your knots on lined baking sheets, cover lightly, and let them puff up for another 30–45 minutes. This rest makes the final Homemade Garlic Knots especially fluffy and soft.

Step 7: Brush and Bake!

While the knots rise, combine melted butter, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and salt. Right before baking, brush most of this savory mixture over your knots. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F for 20–23 minutes until golden brown and beautifully fragrant.

Step 8: Finish with Flavor

Once your knots come out of the oven, immediately brush with the remaining garlic butter. Sprinkle over Parmesan and fresh parsley if you like—even more layers of deliciousness. Serve warm (with extra marinara for dipping if you’re feeling extra!) and watch them disappear.

How to Serve Homemade Garlic Knots

Garnishes

After baking, a shower of grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh parsley instantly elevates your Homemade Garlic Knots—they add color, flavor, and a touch of elegance. If you want a hint of heat, try a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes just before serving!

Side Dishes

These knots are perfect alongside a simple bowl of marinara or tomato soup for dipping. They also make a dreamy partner for pastas, hearty salads, creamy soups, or even a celebratory pizza night spread. Trust me—there’s no wrong pairing!

Creative Ways to Present

Turn a batch of Homemade Garlic Knots into a wow-worthy appetizer platter with assorted dipping sauces: classic marinara, pesto, or even a whipped feta dip. For parties, arrange the knots in a wreath shape and garnish with herbs for a festive touch!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover knots in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for up to a week. They’ll still be soft and satisfying—and perfect for next-day snacking.

Freezing

Both baked and unbaked (but shaped) knots freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. For baked knots, cool completely before freezing. For unbaked, freeze on a tray until solid, then store in a zip-top bag; let thaw and rise before baking as usual.

Reheating

To reheat, simply pop knots in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or warm them in a low oven until soft and fragrant again. A quick brush of extra garlic butter makes them taste freshly baked!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I hope you treat yourself and your loved ones to a batch of Homemade Garlic Knots soon—they fill your kitchen with the coziest, most inviting aromas and turn any meal into a celebration. Give them a try, and let the buttery-garlic magic work its way into your bread-loving heart!

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