Homemade Garlic Knots

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Golden, fluffy, and loaded with the irresistible aroma of garlic and butter, these Homemade Garlic Knots are the kind of comfort food dreams are made of. Whether you’re serving them alongside a hearty pasta dish or enjoying them as a snack dipped in marinara sauce, each bite delivers a perfect balance of soft interior and lightly crisp, garlicky crust. Their charming knot shape isn’t just eye-catching—it also helps lock in the buttery goodness that makes them so addictive.

These garlic knots come together with just a few basic ingredients, but the results are anything but ordinary. With a brush of garlic-parsley butter and a sprinkle of parmesan, they’re flavorful, aromatic, and crowd-pleasing. Ideal for dinner parties, potlucks, or as an upgrade to your pizza night, these knots prove that sometimes, the simplest recipes are the most satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Garlic Knots Recipe

• Fluffy and golden with a perfectly chewy texture
• Packed with savory garlic butter and fresh herbs
• Beginner-friendly and fun to shape
• Bakes in under 15 minutes
• Versatile as an appetizer, side, or snack

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make these Homemade Garlic Knots, you’ll need a few kitchen essentials:

• Mixing bowls: For combining and proofing the dough.
• Stand mixer with dough hook (optional): Speeds up kneading and yields a smooth dough.
• Baking sheet: Essential for even baking and browning.
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat: Prevents sticking and aids in cleanup.
• Pastry brush: For evenly coating the knots in garlic butter.

Each tool helps streamline the process and ensures your knots come out soft, golden, and full of flavor.

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Preparation Tips

Start by letting your yeast activate in warm water—it should be around 105–110°F to bloom properly. Make sure your dough has enough time to rise until it doubles in size; this ensures fluffy knots. When shaping, don’t overwork the dough—gentle hands help retain air pockets for a lighter texture. After baking, brush the knots generously with garlic-parsley butter while they’re still warm so they soak up all the flavor. A final sprinkle of parmesan adds the perfect savory finish.

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Ingredients for this Homemade Garlic Knots Recipe

For the Dough:

• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1 cup warm water (about 110°F)
• 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
• 2 1/2 to 3 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Garlic Butter:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tablespoon dried parsley)
• 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese (optional but recommended)
• Pinch of salt

For Serving:

• Warm marinara sauce (optional, for dipping)

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Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy. This indicates that the yeast is active and ready to go.

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Step 2: Make the Dough

Add the olive oil, salt, and 2 1/2 cups of flour to the yeast mixture. Mix until a shaggy dough forms. If using a stand mixer, use the dough hook on medium speed. If mixing by hand, use a wooden spoon until it comes together. Add more flour, a little at a time, as needed until the dough is soft and slightly sticky but manageable.

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Step 3: Knead and Let It Rise

Knead the dough for 8–10 minutes (or 5–7 minutes in a mixer) until it becomes smooth and elastic. Form it into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

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Step 4: Shape the Garlic Knots

Punch down the risen dough and transfer it to a floured surface. Divide it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into an 8-inch rope and tie it into a loose knot. Place the knots on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat.

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Step 5: Second Rise

Cover the shaped knots lightly with a clean kitchen towel and let them rest for another 20–30 minutes. They should puff up slightly during this time.

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Step 6: Bake the Knots

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the knots for 12–15 minutes, or until golden brown on top and cooked through. Rotate the baking sheet halfway through baking for even browning.

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Step 7: Make the Garlic Butter

While the knots are baking, melt the butter in a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl. Stir in the minced garlic, chopped parsley, and a pinch of salt. For extra flavor, add grated parmesan cheese.

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Step 8: Brush and Serve

As soon as the garlic knots come out of the oven, brush them generously with the warm garlic butter. Serve immediately while they’re soft and fragrant. Offer warm marinara sauce on the side for dipping, if desired.

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Notes

For the best texture, always use fresh yeast and make sure your water is not too hot, as this can kill the yeast. Allowing the dough to rise fully during both proofing stages is key to soft, airy garlic knots. You can adjust the amount of garlic to suit your preference—three cloves offer a strong flavor, but two will make it milder. Brushing the garlic butter on while the knots are warm ensures maximum absorption and flavor in every bite.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Using water that’s too hot or too cold: This can kill or deactivate the yeast, resulting in poor dough rise.
• Skipping the second rise: It may seem optional, but it greatly improves the fluffiness of the final product.
• Overbaking: Garlic knots can go from golden to dry very quickly. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes.
• Under-seasoning the butter: Make sure your garlic butter is well-balanced in flavor; otherwise, the knots may taste bland.
• Crowding the baking sheet: Leave enough space between knots to allow for even cooking and expansion.

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Storage Instructions

Store leftover garlic knots in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To extend freshness, refrigerate for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. To reheat, wrap in foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes, or microwave for about 20 seconds if you’re in a rush. Brushing with extra garlic butter after reheating revives the flavor.

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Estimated Nutrition

(Per garlic knot, based on 12 servings)

• Calories: ~150
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Cholesterol: 10mg
• Sodium: 180mg
• Sugar: 1g
• Fiber: 1g

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use store-bought pizza dough?

Yes, store-bought dough works well for a quicker version. Just allow it to come to room temperature before shaping.

Can I make these garlic knots ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can shape them and refrigerate overnight. Let them come to room temperature before baking.

How do I make these vegan?

Use plant-based butter and ensure the dough doesn’t contain dairy. Skip the parmesan or use a vegan version.

What can I serve with garlic knots?

They pair perfectly with pasta dishes, soups, salads, or as a snack with marinara or ranch dip.

Can I add cheese inside the knots?

Yes! You can stuff each knot with a small cube of mozzarella before tying them for a cheesy surprise inside.

How do I know the knots are done baking?

They should be golden on top and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. You can also use a thermometer; 190°F internally is ideal.

Why are my knots dense or chewy?

This can result from under-proofing or using too much flour. Always measure your flour accurately and give the dough enough time to rise.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, this recipe scales easily. Just be sure to divide the dough and bake in batches for even cooking.

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Conclusion

Homemade Garlic Knots are the ultimate comfort bread—easy to make, endlessly flavorful, and guaranteed to impress. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or simply indulging at home, these knots are a go-to side that elevate any meal. Master the dough, get your garlic butter just right, and you’ll find yourself baking these again and again.

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