Homemade Garlic Knots Recipe

If there’s anything more irresistible than the aroma of warm, buttery bread mingling with garlic and herbs, I haven’t found it yet. Homemade Garlic Knots are a ridiculously fun, hands-on project that practically guarantees you’ll have a line of friends or family eagerly hovering in the kitchen. Imagine pulling apart soft, golden knots slathered in garlicky butter and sprinkled with fresh parsley and Parmesan. They’re the kind of snack that brings everyone together and turns a simple meal into something memorable. Whether you’re a lifelong bread baker or just kneading dough for the first time, these little beauties deserve a star spot in your kitchen repertoire.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Homemade Garlic Knots comes from a handful of humble ingredients coming together to create the kind of bakery-worthy treat that’s impossible to resist. Each component—whether it’s the bread flour’s chew, the yeasty lift, or the sparkle of fresh parsley—lends its own vital note to the flavor symphony. Here’s exactly what you’ll need and why each part matters.

• Bread Flour: This type of flour has higher protein content, giving the knots their signature chewy texture and structure.
• Granulated Sugar: Just a touch of sweetness to feed the yeast and help the dough rise beautifully.
• Active Dry Yeast: The life behind the loaf, this is what makes those glorious, puffy knots.
• Salt: Essential for flavor and for controlling the yeast during the rise.
• Warm Water (110–115°F): The perfect temperature to activate the yeast and start everything off right.
• Olive Oil: Adds moisture to the dough for tenderness and helps the knots crisp up just a bit in the oven.
• Unsalted Butter: Melted and mingled with garlic, it turns these knots into little flavor bombs.
• Garlic (minced): Fresh garlic infuses everything with depth and irresistible aromatics.
• Fresh Parsley (minced): A burst of color and freshness right on top for the finishing touch.
• Garlic Salt or Garlic Powder: Bumps up the garlic flavor even more with just the right hint of saltiness.
• Parmesan Cheese (finely grated): Adds a nutty, salty finish that makes everything sing.

How to Make Homemade Garlic Knots

Step 1: Mix and Knead the Dough

Start by combining the bread flour, granulated sugar, active dry yeast, and salt right in the bowl of your stand mixer. This dry mix ensures the yeast is evenly distributed without clumping. Add the warm water and two tablespoons of olive oil, then let the mixer work its magic. Once a soft, cohesive dough forms around the hook, give it a touch more flour if it’s sticky, or a dash of water if it feels dry. That flexibility is what homemade bread is all about!

Step 2: Rest and Rise

Turn your dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it gently into a smooth, firm ball—just for a bit, you don’t want to overwork it. Coat a large bowl with the remaining olive oil, nestle your dough ball in, and cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Find a cozy warm spot and let it rise until doubled, which usually takes about 90 minutes. The transformation is almost magical!

Step 3: Divide and Shape the Dough

Once your dough has risen, tip it out and divide it into two equal rounds. Let them rest under plastic wrap for 10 minutes; this short rest relaxes the gluten and makes shaping a breeze. Cut each round into quarters, then each quarter into halves so you end up with 16 pieces. Dust lightly with flour, shape each into a ball, then roll each ball into a long rope and tie it into a charming little knot. Shape doesn’t need to be perfect—they’re homemade, after all!

Step 4: Proof the Knots

Arrange all those garlicky bundles onto your prepared baking sheet and loosely cover them again with plastic wrap. Let them proof for about half an hour; they’ll puff up just a little more, and that’s exactly what you want for extra-pillowy knots. This is a great time to start preheating your oven to 450°F, and maybe even melt a little butter in anticipation.

Step 5: Bake the Homemade Garlic Knots

Once your oven is roaring hot, take off the plastic wrap, give the knots a light brush of garlic butter if you like (optional but truly worth it), and let them bake for about 20 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they turn a deep, toasty gold and feel nice and firm. The fragrance at this point? Absolutely intoxicating.

Step 6: Make the Garlic Butter & Finish!

While your knots are cooling, melt unsalted butter in a small pan, then stir in minced garlic, letting it gently sizzle until it’s just fragrant. Add your minced parsley and garlic salt or powder—give it a taste to see if it needs a little more salt. Brush this glorious garlic butter over your freshly baked knots, then finish with a snowy shower of grated Parmesan. Serve them while they’re still warm, and get ready for a chorus of “wow.”

How to Serve Homemade Garlic Knots

Garnishes

A final flourish always makes Homemade Garlic Knots feel restaurant-worthy. Brush them with extra garlic butter as soon as they leave the oven, then pile on the minced parsley and a generous sprinkling of Parmesan. For a spark of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes right before serving. These little touches bring out all the richness and make each bite sing.

Side Dishes

Homemade Garlic Knots are fabulous with almost any Italian-inspired meal. Pair them with a steamy bowl of marinara for dipping, or tuck them alongside hearty classics like lasagna, minestrone, or a crisp Caesar salad. They’re also a perfect companion for soups or stews, where they happily soak up every drop of broth.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party, try threading the knots onto skewers with roasted vegetables, or stack them around a dipping bowl for a show-stopping centerpiece. Arrange them in a bread basket with a sprinkle of extra cheese or serve them on a board with a trio of sauces—think pesto, marinara, and garlic-infused olive oil. However you serve them, nothing brings people together faster than a tray of warm, homemade knots.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover Homemade Garlic Knots (and that’s a big “if”), let them cool completely, then stash them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. The airtight container helps keep them soft and prevents them from drying out too quickly.

Freezing

Homemade Garlic Knots freeze beautifully! After baking and cooling, pop them into a freezer bag, squeezing out as much air as possible. They’ll keep for up to three months, making them an awesome make-ahead treat for those moments when you really need something special on-the-fly.

Reheating

To bring your knots back to life, wrap them in foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. For a fresher taste, brush them with a bit more garlic butter after reheating and hit them with some extra Parmesan before serving. They’ll be almost as good as the day you made them!

FAQs

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?

Absolutely! While bread flour offers a chewier bite, all-purpose flour will still result in fluffy, delicious knots. You might notice a slight difference in texture, but the flavor will still be fantastic.

How do I know if my yeast is active?

If your dough rises nicely and doubles in size during the first proof, you’re all set! If it doesn’t puff up at all, your yeast may have expired or the water temperature may have been off. Always check the expiration date and use water that feels warm but not hot to the touch.

Can I make Homemade Garlic Knots without a stand mixer?

Definitely! You can mix and knead the dough by hand. It might take a few extra minutes of effort, but it’s totally doable and really satisfying—plus, you’ll get a little mini workout in the process.

What’s the best way to reheat refrigerated or frozen knots?

For best results, heat the knots wrapped in foil at 350°F until they’re warmed through. Freshen them up with a brush of garlic butter and another dusting of Parmesan right before serving for that just-baked appeal.

Can I flavor the butter with something besides garlic?

Absolutely. Get creative! Try infusing the butter with finely chopped rosemary, thyme, or a pinch of chili flakes for a different twist. Just remember, the classic garlic flavor is what makes these truly Homemade Garlic Knots.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like the joy of pulling apart a warm, soft Homemade Garlic Knot and savoring every buttery, garlicky bite. Whether you’re sharing with loved ones or treating yourself on a quiet night in, these little knots bring big smiles. Give this recipe a try and let your kitchen fill with the irresistible aroma that says, “home.”

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