Get ready to transform your kitchen into an Italian pizzeria with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked Homemade Garlic Knots. This recipe is your key to creating unbelievably soft, fluffy, and buttery knots of dough, drenched in a savory garlic and herb topping. Forget the store-bought versions; these are simple to make from scratch and deliver a flavor explosion that will have everyone reaching for more. Perfect as an appetizer, a side for pasta, or a snack on their own, these garlic knots are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Garlic Knots Recipe
If you’re looking for a foolproof recipe that delivers bakery-quality results, you’ve found it. This guide is designed for enthusiastic home cooks who love delicious, reliable recipes.
- Incredibly Flavorful: The combination of fresh garlic, melted butter, Parmesan cheese, and herbs creates a topping that is simply divine.
- Amazingly Soft & Fluffy: We use a simple, enriched dough that bakes up perfectly tender and pillowy every single time.
- Surprisingly Easy: Don’t let the from-scratch dough intimidate you! The steps are straightforward, and the result is far superior to using canned dough.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Serve them alongside a hearty bowl of Creamy Alfredo Lasagna Soup, as a side for your favorite pasta, or as the star appetizer at your next get-together.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple, staple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. Let’s break down what you’ll need for the dough and that all-important topping.
For the Dough
- All-Purpose Flour: Provides the structure for our knots.
- Instant Yeast: This makes the dough rise quickly and reliably.
- Granulated Sugar: Just a touch to feed the yeast and add a subtle depth of flavor.
- Warm Water: Essential for activating the yeast. Ensure it’s not too hot, or it can kill the yeast.
- Olive Oil: Adds richness and softness to the dough.
- Salt: Crucial for flavor.
For the Garlic Butter Topping
- Unsalted Butter: The rich, savory base of our delicious topping.
- Fresh Garlic: Minced finely for the best flavor.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, cheesy bite that is irresistible.
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped for a fresh, vibrant finish.
- Dried Oregano: For a classic Italian-American flavor note.
- Salt: To taste.
How to Make Homemade Garlic Knots Step-by-Step
Follow these simple steps to create the perfect homemade garlic knots. It’s a fun and rewarding process!
Step 1: Make and Knead the Dough
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy. Add the flour, olive oil, and salt. Mix on low speed until a shaggy dough forms, then increase the speed to medium and knead for 6-8 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic. Cover the bowl and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Step 2: Shape the Knots
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Punch down the risen dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into an 8-inch rope, and then tie each rope into a simple knot. Tuck the ends under and place the knots on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Cover the knots and let them rest for another 15 minutes. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. The smell in your kitchen will be incredible!
Step 4: Prepare and Brush with Garlic Butter
While the knots are baking, melt the butter in a small saucepan. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Remove from the heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, and oregano. As soon as the knots come out of the oven, brush them generously with the garlic butter mixture. Serve warm for the best experience.
Pro Tips for Perfect Garlic Knots
Unlock the secrets to making the best homemade garlic knots every single time with these expert tips.
- Don’t Over-Bake: Keep a close eye on the knots as they bake. You want them to be a beautiful golden brown. Over-baking can make them dry.
- Use Fresh Garlic: For the most potent and delicious garlic flavor, always use freshly minced garlic cloves. The pre-minced jarred variety just doesn’t compare.
- Brush While Hot: Apply the garlic butter topping the moment the knots come out of the oven. The heat helps the dough absorb all that savory goodness.
- Customize Your Herbs: Feel free to add other herbs like fresh basil or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the butter for a spicy kick. For another spicy dish, try these Spicy Cajun Chicken Alfredo.
Serving Suggestions
These versatile garlic knots are fantastic on their own, but they truly shine when paired with other dishes. They are perfect for sopping up the sauce from a classic Italian Spaghetti Sauce. They also make a wonderful side for soups, salads, and main courses like Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken.
Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions
Store leftover garlic knots in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5-7 minutes until heated through. You can also prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before shaping and baking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! You can bake them completely and store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days, reheating in the oven before serving. Alternatively, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before shaping and baking.
The key to soft garlic knots is to avoid over-baking. Pull them from the oven as soon as they are golden brown. Using an enriched dough with olive oil also helps ensure a tender crumb.
To prevent the garlic from burning, melt the butter first and then add the minced garlic. Cook it gently over low heat for just a minute or until it’s fragrant but not browned. This infuses the butter with flavor without any bitterness.
Garlic knots are incredibly versatile. They are perfect for dipping in marinara sauce, serving alongside pasta dishes like spaghetti or lasagna, or pairing with a hearty soup or salad.
The best dough is a simple homemade yeast dough, like the one in this recipe. It creates a soft, fluffy texture that is far superior to store-bought pizza or biscuit dough.
The Best Homemade Garlic Knots Recipe
Homemade Garlic Knots (The Ultimate Easy Recipe)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a stand mixer bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- Add flour, olive oil, and salt to the yeast mixture. Using the dough hook, mix on low until a shaggy dough forms. Increase speed to medium and knead for 6-8 minutes until smooth. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into an 8-inch rope and tie it into a knot. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Cover the knots and let them rest for 15 minutes. Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
- While knots are baking, melt butter in a saucepan. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in Parmesan, parsley, and oregano.
- As soon as the knots come out of the oven, brush them generously with the garlic butter mixture. Serve warm.
Notes
Don't Over-bake: Pull the knots from the oven as soon as they are golden brown to ensure they stay soft and fluffy.
Store Leftovers: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Share Your Creations!
We are confident this will become your go-to recipe for Homemade Garlic Knots. If you make them, please leave a comment below and let us know how they turned out! We love hearing from you. For more delicious recipe inspiration, be sure to follow us on Pinterest.
