Garlic Knots – Soft, Buttery Bread You’ll Crave at Home

Published: 29 Jan 2026

Garlic knots are an irresistible, warm, buttery bread treat that’s perfect for any meal. Whether you’re enjoying a family dinner, hosting a party, or just craving something tasty, garlic knots hit the spot. These flavorful, doughy bites are a hit at pizza nights, paired with marinara sauce, or simply enjoyed fresh out of the oven. If you’ve never tried making them at home, you’re in for a treat. Follow along with this simple guide to make the softest, most buttery garlic knots you’ve ever tasted.

Table of Content

Why You’ll Love Making Garlic Knots at Home
Ingredients You’ll Need for Soft, Buttery Garlic Knots
1. Dough Ingredients
2. Garlic Butter & Topping Ingredients
Step-by-Step Method to Make Perfect Garlic Knots
Expert Tips to Get the Best Garlic Knots Every Time
Variations to Make Your Garlic Knots Unique
Serving Ideas & Pairings
How to Store and Reheat Garlic Knots
Nutrition Snapshot
Final Thoughts — Try This Garlic Knots Recipe at Home!
Frequently Asked Questions About Garlic Knots

Why You’ll Love Making Garlic Knots at Home

There are so many reasons to fall in love with homemade garlic knots. For starters, they’re incredibly easy to make, requiring only a handful of ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. They’re also extremely versatile — whether you want them to be soft and chewy or a little more crispy, you can adjust the recipe to your preference.

The best part? They’re customizable. You can add herbs like rosemary, oregano, or basil to infuse extra flavors into your dough, or top them with Parmesan cheese for a cheesy garlic knot experience. Plus, they fill your home with the most delicious aroma as they bake. Once you taste them, you’ll never want to buy store-bought garlic knots again!

Ingredients You’ll Need for Soft, Buttery Garlic Knots

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s take a look at the ingredients you’ll need to make these delicious garlic knots. You don’t need anything too complicated — just simple ingredients that come together to make the most flavorful bread.

Dough Ingredients

Bread flour or all-purpose flour: Bread flour gives the dough a slightly firmer texture, but all-purpose flour works just as well.
Active dry yeast: This is what helps the dough rise, giving your garlic knots that perfect soft and airy texture.
Warm water (105–115°F): The warmth activates the yeast, helping it rise properly.
Sugar: Just a pinch of sugar feeds the yeast and helps the dough rise.
Salt: Essential for flavor and enhancing the dough’s taste.
Olive oil: Adds richness to the dough and helps keep the garlic knots soft.

Garlic Butter & Topping Ingredients

Unsalted butter: For the garlic butter coating, unsalted butter is best because you can control the amount of salt.
Fresh garlic cloves: For that authentic garlic flavor. You can also use garlic powder in a pinch.
Fresh parsley or Italian herbs: Adds color and flavor to your garlic knots.
Optional Parmesan cheese: Sprinkle on top of the garlic knots for an extra burst of cheesy goodness.

Pro tip: You can even add red pepper flakes or a sprinkle of oregano for extra flavor.

Step-by-Step Method to Make Perfect Garlic Knots

Making garlic knots at home is easier than you might think. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have fresh, hot garlic knots in no time. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is foolproof.

4 Step Recipe Formula

1. Prepare and Proof the Dough

Start by mixing the warm water and sugar in a small bowl. Add the active dry yeast, and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy. This is the proofing stage, which ensures that your yeast is active and ready to help the dough rise.

Once the yeast is ready, mix it with the flour, salt, and olive oil in a large bowl. Knead the dough for about 5–7 minutes, or until it’s smooth and elastic. If the dough feels sticky, add a bit more flour until it’s manageable. Once it’s kneaded, place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it’s doubled in size.

2. Shape the Knots

Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and divide it into about 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope, about 6 inches long. Then, tie each rope into a loose knot, tucking the ends under the knot to help it hold its shape.

Place the knots on a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring they’re not touching so they can rise properly. Cover the knots with a towel and let them rise for another 20–30 minutes.

3. Bake Until Golden Brown

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once the garlic knots have finished rising, pop them into the oven for 15–20 minutes, or until they’re golden brown. Keep an eye on them as they bake to ensure they don’t burn.

The garlic knots should be perfectly golden on the outside and soft on the inside. When they’re done, take them out of the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.

4. Make Garlic Butter Sauce and Brush

While your knots are baking, make the garlic butter sauce. Melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat, then add the minced garlic and cook for about 1–2 minutes until fragrant. If you like, you can also add a pinch of salt, red pepper flakes, and Italian herbs for extra flavor.

Once your garlic knots are out of the oven, generously brush the garlic butter sauce over each knot, making sure to coat them well. For an extra touch, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or grated Parmesan cheese on top.

Expert Tips to Get the Best Garlic Knots Every Time

Don’t over-knead the dough: Over-kneading can make the knots dense. Be gentle while handling the dough to ensure a light, airy texture.
Proof the dough properly: Letting the dough rise until it doubles in size is crucial for soft garlic knots.
Use fresh garlic: Fresh garlic adds a vibrant, bold flavor to your knots that garlic powder simply can’t replicate.
Brush the garlic butter while still hot: Brushing the garlic butter on while the knots are fresh out of the oven allows it to soak in, making them extra flavorful.

Variations to Make Your Garlic Knots Unique

Garlic knots are a versatile dish, and there are plenty of ways to put your spin on this recipe. Here are some fun variations to try:

Cheesy Garlic Knots

Add shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese inside or on top of the knots for a cheesy twist. The cheese will melt beautifully into the knots, making them even more indulgent.

Herb-Infused Garlic Knots

Mix fresh rosemary, thyme, or basil into the dough for an herbaceous flavor that pairs perfectly with the garlic butter. You can also sprinkle herbs on top before baking.

Spicy Garlic Knots

For a little extra kick, add red pepper flakes or chili powder to the garlic butter sauce. These spicy garlic knots are perfect for those who love bold flavors.

Serving Ideas & Pairings

Garlic knots are best served fresh and warm out of the oven, but they also make a great side dish to accompany various meals. Here are some serving ideas:

Serve with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or garlic dipping sauce.
Pair with pasta dishes like spaghetti or lasagna for a complete Italian meal.
Enjoy as a snack on their own or with your favorite salad.

How to Store and Reheat Garlic Knots

If you happen to have leftovers (though unlikely!), here’s how to store them:

Storing: Let the garlic knots cool completely, then store them in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days.
Reheating: To keep the knots soft, reheat them in the oven or air fryer. You can also warm them in the microwave, but they may lose a bit of their crispiness.

Nutrition Snapshot

Garlic knots are an indulgent treat, so it’s best to enjoy them in moderation. One garlic knot typically contains around 150–200 calories, depending on the size and ingredients. They are high in carbohydrates and fats, primarily from the dough and garlic butter.

Final Thoughts — Try This Garlic Knots Recipe at Home!

Garlic knots are a classic and comforting treat that you can easily make at home. With their soft, buttery interior and crispy, golden exterior, these knots are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them as a side dish, appetizer, or snack, they’ll surely be a hit. Try this recipe today, and experience the joy of freshly baked garlic knots right in your kitchen!

Love This Recipe? Check Our Homepage for More!

If you loved this garlic knots recipe, explore our homepage for more delicious, easy-to-make recipes. From savory bread to sweet treats, there’s something for everyone!

Frequently Asked Questions About Garlic Knots

Looking for the perfect garlic knots recipe or have some questions about making this delicious treat at home? You’re in the right place! Below, we’ve answered the most common questions about garlic knots, from how to bake them perfectly to tips on storing and freezing them. Keep reading for everything you need to know to create the softest, most flavorful garlic knots at home!

What are garlic knots?

Garlic knots are soft, buttery bread rolls tied into knots, baked until golden, and brushed with a flavorful garlic butter sauce. They’re a popular appetizer or side dish at pizzerias, but you can easily make them at home with just a few ingredients.

How do I make garlic knots at home?

To make garlic knots, start by preparing pizza dough, shape it into ropes, tie them into knots, and bake. After baking, brush them with a garlic butter mixture and sprinkle with parsley. For detailed steps, follow our recipe for soft, fluffy garlic knots.

Can I use store-bought dough for garlic knots?

Yes, you can use store-bought pizza dough to save time. Simply follow the shaping and baking instructions from our recipe, and you’ll have garlic knots ready in no time.

How do I make garlic knots crispy on the outside and soft on the inside?

To get the perfect texture, make sure the dough is proofed properly before baking. Bake the knots at a medium-high temperature (375°F/190°C), and brush them with garlic butter while they’re still hot so the butter soaks into the soft dough.

How long should I bake garlic knots?

Garlic knots should be baked for 15–20 minutes at 375°F (190°C) or until golden brown. Keep an eye on them to prevent overbaking, as they should have a soft interior with a slightly crispy exterior.

Can I make garlic knots ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare garlic knots ahead of time by shaping the dough and refrigerating them. Let them rise for about 30 minutes before baking. Alternatively, you can bake them ahead of time and store them in an airtight container for up to two days.

Can I freeze garlic knots?

Yes, garlic knots freeze well! After baking, let them cool completely, then wrap them in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer for the best results.