There’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked garlic knots wafting through your kitchen. These golden, pillowy knots are brushed with a luscious garlic butter, creating a perfect balance of softness and crunch. With just over an hour from start to finish, including a quick rise, they’re surprisingly simple to make yet utterly impressive.
Each bite delivers a burst of savory garlic, complemented by a hint of herbs and a satisfying chew. Whether served as a side or a snack, these knots are sure to disappear fast, leaving everyone craving more.
These homemade garlic knots are not only delicious but also versatile and crowd-pleasing. Their warm, buttery exterior and fluffy interior make them irresistible, while the garlic-infused flavor elevates them to restaurant-quality. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in, they’re a treat that feels indulgent yet achievable.
Plus, with just 200 calories per knot, you can savor every bite without guilt. In under 15 minutes of baking, you’ll have a batch of golden, aromatic knots ready to delight your taste buds and impress your guests.
Ingredients for Homemade Garlic Knots
- 2-2 ⅓ cups (250-295 g) bread flour* (divided, plus extra for dusting)
- 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) instant yeast
- 1 ½ teaspoons sugar
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil (plus additional for brushing)
- ¾ cup (180 ml) warm water (105-115°F [40-46°C])
- Garlic Butter:
- 4 Tablespoons salted butter
- 3 cloves minced garlic (about 1 ½ Tablespoons)
- 1 Tablespoon minced fresh basil
- Grated parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine 1 cup (125g) of flour, instant yeast, sugar, salt, and garlic powder. Stir well.
- Add olive oil and warm water. Use a wooden spoon to stir until well-combined.
- Gradually add another 1 cup (125g) of flour. Add up to ⅓ cup more if needed, stirring until the dough forms a cohesive, elastic ball and pulls away from the sides of the bowl. The dough will be tacky but manageable.
- Drizzle a separate large bowl with olive oil and brush the sides. Transfer the dough to the bowl, roll it in the oil to coat, then cover with plastic wrap. Let it rise on top of the oven for 30 minutes or until doubled in size.
- Gently deflate the dough and transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Shape into a log about 15 inches long and cut into 9 even pieces.
- Roll each piece into a rope about 8 inches long (lightly dust with flour if needed). Tie each rope into a knot and place on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly brush with olive oil if desired.
- Let the knots rest on top of the warm oven for 5 minutes to rise slightly.
- Bake at 400°F (205°C) for 13 minutes or until lightly golden brown.
- Prepare Garlic Butter: In a small saucepan, melt butter with garlic over medium/low heat until fragrant. Remove from heat and stir in basil.
- Once the knots are baked, generously brush them with the garlic butter mixture. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese if desired.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Perfect Pairings: Serving Suggestions
These homemade garlic knots are a versatile side dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of meals. Serve them alongside a hearty pasta dish, like spaghetti carbonara or marinara, for a comforting Italian-inspired dinner. They also make a great accompaniment to soups and salads, such as minestrone or Caesar salad. For a fun appetizer, serve them with a side of marinara or ranch dipping sauce.
Keep It Fresh: Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftover garlic knots in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes until warm and slightly crispy. For longer storage, freeze the knots in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and reheat as needed.
Mix It Up: Recipe Variations
Customize your garlic knots to suit your taste! Try adding Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes to the dough for extra flavor. For a cheesy twist, sprinkle shredded mozzarella or cheddar on top before baking. You can also swap the garlic butter for a pesto drizzle or a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning for a unique twist.
Quick Tips for Success
To save time, use a stand mixer with a dough hook to combine and knead the dough. If the dough feels too sticky, add flour 1 tablespoon at a time until it’s manageable. For a golden finish, brush the knots with olive oil before baking. And don’t skip the garlic butter—it’s the star of the show!
Homemade Garlic Knots Recipe
Ingredients
Dough
- 2-2 ⅓ cups bread flour* divided
- 1 packet instant yeast 2 ¼ teaspoons
- 1 ½ teaspoons sugar
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil + additional
- ¾ cup warm water 105-115F [40-46C]
Garlic Butter
- 4 Tablespoons salted butter
- 3 cloves minced garlic about 1 ½ Tablespoons
- 1 Tablespoon minced fresh basil
- Grated parmesan cheese optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400F (205C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine 1 cup (125g) of flour, instant yeast, sugar, salt, and garlic powder and stir well.
- Add olive oil and warm water and use a wooden spoon to stir until all ingredients are well-combined.
- Gradually add another 1 cup (125g) of flour. Add any additional flour as needed (I’ve found that sometimes I need as much as an additional ⅓ cup), stirring until the dough forms a cohesive, elastic ball and is beginning to pull away from the sides of the bowl (see video below recipe for visual). The dough will still be tacky but still should be manageable with your hands.
- Drizzle a separate, large, clean bowl generously with olive oil and use a pastry brush to brush up the sides of the bowl.
- Transfer your dough to prepared bowl and roll the dough through the oil until the entire surface of the dough is lightly coated with oil, then cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and place on top of your oven to rise for 30 minutes or until doubled in size.
- Once the dough has risen, use your hands to gently deflate it and transfer to a lightly floured surface. Form into a log about 15” long and cut into 9 even pieces.
- Roll each piece between your palms and slightly pull it to form a rope about 8” long (lightly dust the dough with flour if needed).
- Carefully tie each rope into a knot (see video for guidance) and place on prepared baking sheet. Lightly brush with olive oil if desired.
- Set tray on top of warm oven and let garlic knots rest/rise for 5 minutes before baking.
- Transfer to oven and bake on 400F (205C) for 13 minutes or until just beginning to turn a light golden brown. Meanwhile, prepare garlic butter.
- Combine butter and garlic in a small saucepan over medium/low heat. Cook until butter is melted and garlic is fragrant.
- Remove from heat and stir in minced basil. Once knots have finished baking, use a pastry brush to generously brush garlic butter mixture over each knot. Sprinkle with grated parmesan, if desired.
- Enjoy served warm.