Homemade Garlic Knots Recipe

Garlic knots are a beloved Italian treat that can easily be made at home. They’re perfect as an appetizer, snack, or a delicious side to accompany your favorite pasta dish. This homemade garlic knot recipe is the perfect balance of soft, buttery dough and rich garlic flavor, all baked to a beautiful golden brown. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, this simple recipe will show you how to make these irresistible bites in no time.

You don’t have to be an expert baker to make perfect garlic knots. With just a few basic ingredients like flour, yeast, garlic, and butter, you can create something truly special. Not only will your kitchen smell amazing while they bake, but these homemade garlic knots are a fantastic way to impress your guests or enjoy a warm snack with your family. Ready in under an hour, this recipe will quickly become one of your favorites!

What Makes These Homemade Garlic Knots Special?

Why should you try these homemade garlic knots? Here are a few reasons why this recipe stands out:

Simple Ingredients – You probably already have most of the ingredients at home. Flour, yeast, garlic, butter—nothing too complicated!
Quick and Easy – From mixing the dough to baking, you’ll have freshly baked garlic knots in just under an hour.
Buttery & Flavorful – These garlic knots are brushed with a generous amount of melted garlic butter, giving them that irresistible flavor.
Customizable – Whether you want to make them spicy with red pepper flakes or add cheese, these knots are versatile and can be customized to fit your taste.
Perfect for Any Meal – Serve them with pasta, soup, salad, or as a stand-alone snack. They’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

No need for complex techniques—just a bit of kneading and shaping, and you’ll have a batch of homemade garlic knots that taste like they came straight from your favorite pizzeria.

Ingredient Notes

Here’s what you’ll need to make these amazing homemade garlic knots:

All-purpose flour – This is the base for your dough. You can substitute with whole wheat flour for a healthier version, though it will change the texture.
Active dry yeast – Essential for making the dough rise. Be sure to activate the yeast by dissolving it in warm water (about 110°F).
Warm water – The perfect temperature helps the yeast bloom. Water that’s too hot will kill the yeast, so be sure it’s just warm to the touch.
Olive oil – Adds richness to the dough and helps keep the knots soft.
Butter – A generous amount of butter is used to brush the knots, creating that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Garlic – Fresh garlic is best for maximum flavor. You can also substitute with garlic powder if you’re in a pinch.
Parmesan cheese (optional) – Adds a savory kick. Sprinkle on top before baking if you want a cheesy twist.
Herbs (optional) – Fresh parsley or Italian seasoning can be added to the garlic butter for an extra layer of flavor.

Substitutions:

For dairy-free, use vegan butter instead of regular butter.
You can replace the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour if needed, though the texture might differ slightly.

How To Make Homemade Garlic Knots

Making garlic knots is easy—just follow these simple steps:

Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve 1 tablespoon of active dry yeast and 1 teaspoon of sugar in 1 cup of warm water. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, combine 3 cups of all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon of salt. Add the activated yeast mixture and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Stir until a dough forms.
Knead the dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5–7 minutes, until smooth and elastic. If it’s sticky, add a little more flour.
Let the dough rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a cloth, and let it rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Shape the knots: Punch the dough down and divide it into 12 equal portions. Roll each portion into a rope (about 6 inches long), then tie each rope into a knot.
Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Prepare the garlic butter: While the dough is rising, melt 1/4 cup of butter and mix with 3 cloves of minced garlic. Add 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning if desired.
Brush the knots: Place the shaped knots on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the knots generously with the garlic butter.
Bake: Bake the garlic knots for 15–20 minutes, or until golden brown. After baking, brush with the remaining garlic butter.
Serve: Let the knots cool slightly before serving. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese if desired.

Storage Options

Room temperature: Garlic knots are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store them at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Refrigeration: To keep them longer, refrigerate the garlic knots for up to 5 days. Reheat them in the oven for 5-7 minutes at 350°F for the best results.
Freezing: Freeze the baked garlic knots in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll last for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven from frozen for 10-12 minutes.
Reheating tips: To bring back the fresh-out-of-the-oven taste, heat them in the oven instead of the microwave. This will help keep the texture intact.

Variations and Substitutions

Here are a few ways you can mix things up:

Cheesy Garlic Knots: Add mozzarella cheese inside the knots or sprinkle it on top before baking.
Spicy Garlic Knots: Add red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for a spicy kick.
Herb Garlic Knots: Mix in fresh chopped herbs like rosemary or thyme for a fragrant twist.
Vegan Garlic Knots: Use plant-based butter and vegan cheese for a dairy-free version.
Garlic Parmesan Knots: After baking, toss the knots in extra garlic butter and sprinkle generously with parmesan cheese for a cheesy finish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
Yes, you can. Use about 1 teaspoon of garlic powder for each clove of fresh garlic.
How can I make these garlic knots ahead of time?
You can prepare the dough, shape the knots, and refrigerate them overnight. Just let them come to room temperature before baking.
What should the dough look like when it’s ready?
The dough should be smooth, slightly elastic, and not too sticky. If it sticks to your fingers, add a little more flour.
How do I make the garlic butter?
Simply melt butter in a pan and add minced garlic. For extra flavor, toss in some Italian seasoning or crushed red pepper.
Can I freeze garlic knots?
Yes, you can freeze them before or after baking. For best results, freeze them unbaked and bake them fresh when ready to serve.

Conclusion

Homemade garlic knots are a warm, comforting treat that you can make from scratch in less than an hour. The soft, buttery dough, combined with the rich garlic butter, is the perfect addition to any meal. Whether you’re having them for dinner, as a snack, or as a side dish, these garlic knots are sure to be a hit.

Try this recipe out and share your results with family and friends. Trust us, once you’ve made homemade garlic knots, you’ll never want store-bought ones again!