Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Freshly baked homemade garlic knots served warm in a basket with marinara sauce.

Homemade Garlic Knots Recipe – 7 Pro Tips for Perfect Flavor


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

  • Author: Olivia Reed
  • Total Time: ~3 hrs 20 mins
  • Yield: 16 knots

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)