Homemade Garlic Knots Recipe

If you’re craving something irresistibly soft, aromatic, and bursting with homemade flavor, these Homemade Garlic Knots will win you over the moment you smell them baking. Fluffy on the inside, golden and garlicky outside, they make the ultimate crowd-pleasing snack, dinner roll, or party appetizer. With a handful of simple pantry staples and a few minutes of hands-on work, you’ll have a batch of warm, pillowy knots ready to impress. Whether you serve them alongside your favorite Italian meal or just enjoy them straight from the pan, Homemade Garlic Knots bring pizzeria magic right to your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Homemade Garlic Knots come together with everyday ingredients you probably have on hand, but each one truly matters for flavor and texture. This is a recipe where even the humble basics work together to create something extraordinary.

• All-purpose flour: The backbone of your dough, giving the knots their classic chewy, fluffy structure.
• Active dry yeast: Essential for rising; makes the knots light and airy rather than dense.
• Warm water: Activates the yeast and brings the dough together smoothly—make sure it’s warm, not hot.
• Granulated sugar: A little sweetness feeds the yeast and deepens the golden brown crust.
• Salt: Enhances every flavor and balances the richness of the butter and garlic.
• Olive oil: Creates a tender crumb and infuses a subtle fruitiness into the dough.
• Unsalted butter (melted): The star of the garlic butter topping for that luscious finish.
• Garlic (minced): You can’t have Homemade Garlic Knots without plenty of fresh, aromatic garlic!
• Fresh parsley (chopped): Lends a pop of color and freshness that brightens every bite.
• Italian seasoning: Infuses the topping with herbaceous warmth and rustic charm.
• Red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a playful kick if you enjoy a hint of heat.
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping): Gives an extra layer of savory, nutty indulgence on top.

How to Make Homemade Garlic Knots

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Start your Homemade Garlic Knots by bringing the yeast to life. In a small bowl, combine your warm water with sugar and yeast. Let this bubbly mixture sit undisturbed for about 5 to 10 minutes, until it looks foamy and alive. This step is your assurance that the dough will rise beautifully in the next phases.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, stir together the flour and salt. This quick mix readies the flour to receive the activated yeast, ensuring even distribution of flavor and lifting power throughout your dough.

Step 3: Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the frothy yeast mixture and olive oil to the dry flour blend. Stir everything well until the dough starts coming together and gets sticky—don’t worry, sticky is a good sign at this stage!

Step 4: Knead the Dough

Turn the sticky dough onto a floured surface. Here’s where a little muscle comes in! Knead for 5–7 minutes until the dough becomes smooth, soft, and elastic. This process develops gluten, giving your knots a light, chewy texture.

Step 5: First Rise

Shape your dough into a neat ball and pop it into a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let it rest someplace warm. In about an hour, it should double in size, ready for knot-tying fun.

Step 6: Shape Knots

Punch down your beautifully risen dough to release extra air, then divide it into 12 equal portions. Roll each chunk into a long, rope-like strand and carefully tie each one into a knot, tucking the ends underneath for that classic, bakery-style look.

Step 7: Second Rise

Place your shaped knots onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover loosely, and let them rise for an additional 30 minutes. This second proofing gives your Homemade Garlic Knots their irresistible fluffiness.

Step 8: Prepare Garlic Butter

While the knots are rising again, melt the butter and mix in minced garlic, chopped parsley, Italian seasoning, and if you’re into it, red pepper flakes. This mixture is the secret to every batch of memorable Homemade Garlic Knots, infusing them with bold flavor and aroma.

Step 9: Bake

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slide in your tray of knots and bake them for 15 to 20 minutes, until they glow golden brown and your kitchen smells like heaven. Keep an eye on them to avoid over-baking!

Step 10: Coat with Garlic Butter

As soon as the knots come out of the oven, brush them generously with the prepared garlic butter. For maximum deliciousness, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese while they’re still hot. Serve warm for the ultimate Homemade Garlic Knot experience.

How to Serve Homemade Garlic Knots

Garnishes

Finish your Homemade Garlic Knots with a flourish of extra chopped parsley, an extra pinch of Parmesan, or even a gentle sprinkle of flaky sea salt. These touches make your knots look and taste like something from your favorite Italian restaurant.

Side Dishes

Pair these knots with a rich marinara sauce for dipping, a fresh Caesar salad, or hearty Italian soups. They’re especially inviting when presented alongside pasta dishes like spaghetti, lasagna, or baked ziti—practically inviting everyone to mop up extra sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to really impress? Arrange the knots in a bread basket with a little bowl of warm garlic butter or olive oil for dipping. You can also stack them artfully on a large platter for parties, or skewer mini knots onto rosemary sprigs for an elegant appetizer presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let the knots cool completely, then store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They’ll stay soft and delicious for a quick snack or lunchbox treat.

Freezing

For longer storage, Homemade Garlic Knots freeze beautifully. Once cooled, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag. They can be frozen for up to two months—just reheat when you crave that garlicky magic.

Reheating

To bring knots back to life, warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 8–10 minutes. If you want, brush them with a touch more garlic butter after reheating for fresh-baked flavor every time.

FAQs

Do I need a stand mixer to make Homemade Garlic Knots?

Nope! While a stand mixer can make kneading easier, you can absolutely knead the dough by hand and get the same pillowy results—just be sure to knead until the dough is smooth and springy.

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, instant yeast works! Skip the proofing step with warm water—simply mix it right into the dry ingredients, then proceed as directed. Your Homemade Garlic Knots will rise just as beautifully.

Can I make these knots in advance?

Absolutely. Prepare the knots through the second rise, cover them tightly, and refrigerate overnight. The next day, let them come to room temperature while the oven preheats, then bake as usual.

How can I make these knots vegan?

It’s easy! Substitute the butter with plant-based margarine and skip the Parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative. The rest of the ingredients for Homemade Garlic Knots are already vegan-friendly.

Why are my knots dense instead of fluffy?

Dense knots can be the result of not enough kneading, old yeast, or not giving the dough enough time to rise. Make sure your yeast is fresh and allow the dough to rise until doubled at each rising stage for the best, fluffiest texture.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never tried baking Homemade Garlic Knots before, you’re in for a treat that’s as satisfying to make as it is to eat. The smell of fresh garlic and warm bread is pure happiness, and one bite will have you hooked. Trust me—these knots will become a go-to favorite for pizza nights, parties, or anytime you want to add a little homemade magic to your table.

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