These Homemade Garlic Knots are everything you want in a cozy bread snack—soft, golden, and dripping with melted garlic butter. Made from scratch with a simple yeast dough, they’re the perfect side dish to pasta, soups, or just eaten on their own straight from the tray.
Whether you’re entertaining guests, planning a pizza night, or just craving something warm and savory, these knots will steal the show. The fresh parsley, garlic, and Italian herbs take the flavor to the next level, and you can sprinkle on a little Parmesan for an extra indulgent bite.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
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1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) instant dry yeast
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1 cup warm water (110°F/45°C)
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1 tbsp sugar
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1 tsp salt
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2 tbsp olive oil
For the Garlic Butter Coating:
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3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
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4 cloves garlic, finely minced
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1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
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1 tsp Italian seasoning
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½ tsp sea salt
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Optional: grated Parmesan for topping
Directions:
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In a mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
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Add flour, salt, and olive oil. Mix until a dough forms. Knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
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Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
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Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Punch down the dough and divide into 12 equal pieces. Roll each into a rope and tie into a knot.
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Place knots on the baking sheet, cover loosely, and let rest for 15 minutes.
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Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until golden brown.
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While baking, prepare the garlic butter by combining melted butter, garlic, parsley, Italian seasoning, and salt.
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Remove knots from the oven and immediately brush generously with garlic butter.
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Optional: Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese before serving.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 18 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Kcal: 160 kcal | Servings: 12 garlic knots
The Irresistible Allure of Garlic Knots
Garlic knots are one of those humble yet universally adored creations in the world of comfort food. Soft, pillowy dough brushed with warm, melted garlic butter and often sprinkled with herbs—what’s not to love? Originating from Italian-American pizzerias, garlic knots have made their way into homes and restaurants across the globe. While they may be a simple side dish on the surface, their rich history, versatility, and crowd-pleasing flavor make them a staple worth celebrating.
A Brief History of Garlic Knots
The story of garlic knots begins in the bustling kitchens of New York City pizzerias during the 1970s. Chefs, aiming to reduce waste and make the most of leftover pizza dough, started tying the scraps into little knots and baking them off. These modest creations were then doused in a mixture of butter, garlic, and herbs—and often handed out as complimentary sides.
From their beginnings as a way to prevent food waste, garlic knots quickly gained popularity in their own right. Today, they are no longer considered a by-product or afterthought. Instead, they stand proudly on menus as an iconic side, appetizer, or snack.
The Perfect Side Dish or Standalone Snack
While traditionally served alongside pizza or pasta dishes, garlic knots can easily hold their own as a standalone snack or appetizer. Their soft texture, golden crust, and burst of garlic flavor with every bite make them addictive. They’re perfect for dipping in marinara sauce, Alfredo, or even a light olive oil vinaigrette.
Hosting a dinner party or a game night? Garlic knots make an excellent addition to any spread. They’re approachable, easy to eat with your hands, and loved by both adults and kids alike. Their informal, finger-food quality makes them an instant favorite at casual gatherings, potlucks, and family dinners.
Customizable to Your Taste
One of the best aspects of garlic knots is their versatility. The base recipe can be adapted in countless ways depending on your flavor preferences. Want something spicy? Add crushed red pepper flakes to the garlic butter. Prefer a more herbaceous finish? Go heavier on the parsley, or toss in some rosemary or thyme. Want a cheesy version? A sprinkle of grated Parmesan, Pecorino, or even mozzarella can elevate these knots to something more decadent.
You can also switch up the dough depending on dietary needs—try using whole wheat flour for added nutrition or gluten-free flour for those with sensitivities. For a vegan version, plant-based butter and non-dairy cheese substitutes work beautifully.
What Makes a Garlic Knot Truly Great?
A truly great garlic knot comes down to a few critical components: dough texture, baking method, and the quality of the garlic butter topping. The dough must be soft and elastic, with enough time to rise properly. This ensures the inside is fluffy while the outside achieves that desirable golden crust.
Once baked, timing is everything. The garlic butter should be brushed on while the knots are still warm to allow the flavor to soak into every crevice. This simple yet essential step is what transforms a plain bread knot into something deeply savory and satisfying.
Why Homemade is Better
While many store-bought or frozen options exist, nothing beats the taste and texture of homemade garlic knots. Making them from scratch allows for full control over ingredients and seasoning. Freshly minced garlic, good-quality butter, and herbs straight from your garden or spice rack will always taste better than preservatives and artificial flavors.
The satisfaction of kneading dough by hand, watching it rise, and pulling golden knots from the oven is part of what makes homemade garlic knots so rewarding. Not to mention the incredible aroma that fills your kitchen—the unmistakable smell of fresh-baked bread mingling with roasted garlic and butter is enough to make anyone’s mouth water.
Pairing Ideas for Garlic Knots
Though they shine on their own, garlic knots are also the ultimate team players when it comes to meal pairings. They go beautifully with a wide array of dishes:
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Classic Italian Pasta: Serve them with spaghetti marinara, lasagna, or fettuccine Alfredo for a traditional Italian feast.
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Soups and Stews: Use them to mop up broths from minestrone, tomato basil soup, or creamy chowders.
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Salads: Pair with a crisp Caesar or Caprese salad for a balanced meal.
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Pizza Night: Garlic knots and pizza are a match made in carb-lover heaven. Serve as a starter or alongside your favorite slice.
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Dipping Platters: Serve them with an assortment of dips—ranch, garlic aioli, pesto, or cheese sauce—for a party-friendly appetizer.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you find yourself with leftover garlic knots (a rare scenario), storing and reheating them properly ensures they remain just as delicious the next day.
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Storage: Let them cool completely before placing them in an airtight container or zip-lock bag. They will keep for 2–3 days at room temperature or up to a week in the refrigerator.
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Reheating: To reheat, place them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–10 minutes. For extra freshness, brush them again with a bit of garlic butter before reheating.
Avoid using the microwave if possible, as it can make the knots rubbery instead of crispy on the outside and soft inside.
Make-Ahead and Freezing Options
Planning ahead? Garlic knots can be prepared in advance to save time on busy days.
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Make-Ahead: Prepare the dough the night before and let it rise in the fridge. Simply shape, proof briefly at room temperature, and bake the next day.
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Freezing: Baked garlic knots freeze wonderfully. Let them cool completely, then freeze on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe container. To reheat, bake at 375°F (190°C) straight from frozen until warm and golden.
You can even freeze the shaped, unbaked knots and bake them fresh when needed—perfect for impromptu dinners or surprise guests.
Why Garlic Knots Are a Crowd Favorite
There’s something inherently comforting about garlic knots. They appeal to all ages, fit into a variety of meal settings, and check all the boxes of a satisfying bite: warm, soft, flavorful, and aromatic. Their unpretentious nature makes them incredibly accessible, while their flavor profile is elevated enough to impress.
Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting out, garlic knots are a confidence-boosting recipe. They look fancy, taste amazing, and are surprisingly simple to make. Plus, they offer enough room for creativity to keep things interesting.
Conclusion: The Beauty of Simplicity
In a culinary world filled with complex dishes and gourmet ingredients, garlic knots are a delicious reminder of how beautiful simplicity can be. Just a few pantry staples—flour, yeast, garlic, butter—come together to create something much greater than the sum of its parts.
Perfect for any occasion, endlessly customizable, and universally loved, garlic knots are more than just a side—they’re a warm, buttery bite of comfort that never goes out of style. Whether you’re making them for a weeknight dinner, a weekend party, or just because, one thing is certain: they won’t last long on the table.
So next time you’re looking to add a little magic to your meal, skip the store-bought rolls and tie up a batch of homemade garlic knots. Your kitchen will smell heavenly, your guests will be impressed, and your taste buds will thank you.