Description
Soft, buttery, and bursting with garlic flavor—these homemade garlic knots are easy to make and better than any bakery version. Learn pro tips to perfect every bite!
Ingredients
1⅓ cups (320 ml) warm water (100–110°F / 38–43°C)
2¼ teaspoons instant yeast
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
3 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon garlic powder
3½ cups (about 450 g) all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
For the garlic butter topping:
5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
3 garlic cloves, minced (or ½ tsp garlic powder)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or mix of oregano, basil, parsley)
¼ teaspoon salt
Optional (after baking):
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
Whisk warm water, yeast, and sugar; rest 5 mins until foamy.
Add oil/butter, salt, garlic powder, and half the flour; mix 15 sec. Add remaining flour and mix 2 min.
Knead 5 min (or in mixer); dough should be soft, tacky, smooth, and pass windowpane test.
Place in greased bowl; cover and let rise 1–2 hrs until doubled.
Punch down; roll into 16 × 5‑inch log; cut into 16 strips. Roll each into 8‑inch rope and tie into a knot.
Place on lined baking sheets; cover and rest 30–45 mins.
Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C). Combine melted butter, garlic, seasoning, and salt for topping.
Brush knots with half the butter, bake 20–23 mins until golden.
Brush with remaining butter; sprinkle with Parmesan and parsley if desired.
Serve warm with marinara, store leftovers at room temp (2 days), fridge (1 week), or freeze (3 months).
Notes
Substitutions: Use active dry yeast (longer rise time), olive oil for dairy-free version, herbs instead of Italian seasoning.
Make-ahead: Freeze shaped knots before baking; thaw, rise, bake.
Storage: Reheat in warm oven or microwave to refresh.
- Prep Time: ~3 hrs (includes rising)
- Cook Time: 20–23 mins
- Category: Bread / Appetizer / Side
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 knot (approx. 38 g)
- Calories: ~120 kcal
- Sugar: ~220 mg
- Sodium: ~4 g
- Fat: ~1 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: ~18 g
- Fiber: ~1 g
- Protein: ~3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg (unless using butter topping, then minimal)