Heavenly Homemade Garlic Knots Recipe: Fluffy Bites of Joy

Twisting and braiding homemade garlic knots into delightful bread shapes brings pure joy to my kitchen adventures.

My Italian grandmother first taught me this magical technique decades ago.

These savory treats smell incredible while baking and promise crispy, golden edges everyone will love.

Warm, buttery aromas drift through the house, beckoning hungry people from every room.

Simple ingredients like fresh dough, fragrant garlic, and herbs create something extraordinary with minimal effort.

Perfectly seasoned and wonderfully soft, these knots complement pasta dishes or stand alone as a delicious snack.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe for future comfort food cravings.

Tips That Help With Garlic Knots Every Time

• Activate Yeast Perfectly: Ensure water is lukewarm (110-115°F) to help yeast bloom without killing it, creating a soft, fluffy texture for your garlic knots.
• Knead with Confidence: Use the windowpane test to check dough elasticity – stretch a small piece, and if it becomes thin and translucent without breaking, your dough is ready.
• Rise in Warmth: Place dough in a draft-free spot like inside an unheated oven with the light on, providing consistent warmth for optimal rising.
• Brush Generously: Apply garlic butter while knots are hot to help it absorb completely, maximizing flavor and creating a glossy, irresistible finish.
• Customize Easily: Swap all-purpose flour with whole wheat for a nuttier flavor, or use gluten-free flour blend for a dietary-friendly version of these delicious knots.

How To Store Garlic Knots And Keep Them Soft

• Refrigerate: Store cooled garlic knots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Wrap them loosely to prevent sogginess.
• Freeze: Place knots in a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper. Freeze for up to 1 month to maintain best quality and texture.
• Reheat in Oven: Warm refrigerated or thawed knots at 350F for 5-7 minutes until crispy. Wrap in foil to prevent over-browning and maintain softness.
• Refresh with Garlic Butter: Brush reheated knots with fresh garlic butter to restore their original delicious flavor and keep them moist.

Good Dips To Enjoy With Garlic Knots

• Pair with Zesty Marinara Dip: Dive into a vibrant, herb-infused marinara sauce that perfectly complements the buttery garlic knots. The tangy tomato base cuts through the richness, creating a flavor explosion in every bite.
• Match with Crisp Craft Beer: Select a light, hoppy pale ale or wheat beer that cleanses the palate between these garlicky, buttery bites. The beer's carbonation and subtle bitterness balance the knots' intense garlic and butter profile.
• Create a Pizza Night Combo: Serve alongside a classic margherita pizza for an Italian-inspired feast. The knots add a delightful texture contrast and garlic punch to the cheesy, tomato-based pizza experience.
• Enhance with Fresh Caprese Salad: Prepare a simple caprese salad with ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil leaves. The light, fresh ingredients provide a cool counterpoint to the warm, rich garlic knots.

Twists You Can Try On Garlic Knots

• Herb-Infused Garlic Knots: Incorporate chopped fresh rosemary, thyme, and oregano into the dough for an aromatic herb-packed version that brings Mediterranean flair to your bread.
• Cheesy Garlic Knot Explosion: Sprinkle grated parmesan or mozzarella cheese inside each knot before baking, creating a molten cheese center that oozes with every bite.
• Spicy Jalapeño Garlic Knots: Mix finely diced jalapeños into the dough and top with a spicy garlic butter blend for those craving an extra kick of heat and flavor.
• Whole Wheat Wellness Knots: Replace half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier taste and added nutritional benefits, maintaining the classic garlic knot texture.

Garlic Knots FAQs Answered Fast

• What makes these garlic knots different from pizzeria-style garlic knots?

These homemade garlic knots are fresher, lighter, and you control the ingredients. Unlike store-bought versions, they’re made with simple, high-quality ingredients and have a more authentic, just-baked taste.

• Do I need special baking skills to make these garlic knots?

Not at all! This recipe is beginner-friendly. Even if you’ve never worked with yeast before, the steps are straightforward. The key is patience during rising and gentle kneading.

• Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight. This slow rise actually develops more flavor and makes the dough easier to handle. Just bring it to room temperature before shaping.

• How do I know if my yeast is still good?

If the yeast doesn’t become foamy after 5 minutes in warm water with sugar, it’s likely expired. Fresh, active yeast will look bubbly and smell slightly sweet. When in doubt, buy a new packet to ensure your garlic knots rise perfectly.

Why Garlic Knots Are A Classic Favorite

• Effortlessly Create Crowd-Pleasing Bread: These garlic knots deliver restaurant-quality appetizers with minimal culinary skills, perfect for home cooks seeking impressive results without complex techniques.
• Savor Irresistible Texture Combinations: Enjoy a crispy golden exterior that gives way to a soft, pillowy interior, creating a delightful contrast with each delectable bite of buttery, garlicky goodness.
• Quick and Convenient Party Favorite: Whip up these knots in under two hours, making them an ideal last-minute appetizer for gatherings, game nights, or casual dinner parties that will wow your guests with minimal effort.
• Transform Simple Ingredients into Magical Comfort Food: Using basic pantry staples like flour, yeast, and garlic, you can magically convert ordinary ingredients into a warm, aromatic bread that feels like a gourmet treat straight from an Italian bakery.

Everything Needed For Garlic Knots

• All-Purpose Flour: The main structure of the garlic knots, providing a soft and chewy base.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and helps control yeast growth.
• Active Dry Yeast: Essential for making the dough rise and creating a light, airy texture.
• Sugar: Feeds the yeast and helps with browning.
• Warm Water: Activates the yeast and helps bind the dough ingredients.
• Olive Oil: Adds moisture and helps create a tender texture.

• Butter: Creates a rich, luxurious coating for the garlic knots.
• Garlic: Provides a bold, aromatic flavor that defines the dish.
• Fresh Parsley: Adds a fresh, herbal note and bright green color.
• Salt: Enhances the garlic butter's overall taste.

• Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
• Kitchen Towel: Helps cover and protect the dough during rising.

How To Bake Garlic Knots Without Fuss

Step 1: Awaken the Yeast

• Warm water
• Sugar
• Active dry yeast

Let the mixture sit and get bubbly for about 5 minutes.

Step 2: Create Magical Dough

• All-purpose flour
• Salt

Pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix until a soft, pillowy dough forms. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface, working it with your hands for 5-7 minutes until smooth and stretchy. If you have a stand mixer, let the dough hook do the work for 4-5 minutes.

Step 3: Let the Dough Dance

Transfer the dough to a greased bowl. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and find a cozy, warm spot for it to rise. Wait 1-1.5 hours until the dough has doubled in size.

Step 4: Shape Delightful Twists

Gently punch down the puffy dough. Divide it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope about 6-8 inches long. Tie each rope into a loose knot and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Give the knots some breathing room between each other.

Step 5: Second Rise

Cover the knots with a kitchen towel. Let them puff up for 30 minutes.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Crank up the oven to 400F (200C). Slide the baking sheet inside and bake for 12-15 minutes until the twists turn a beautiful golden brown.

Step 7: Drench in Garlic Goodness

• Melted butter
• Minced garlic
• Chopped parsley
• Pinch of salt

Generously brush the warm twists with this magical garlic butter.

Serve immediately and watch everyone’s eyes light up with joy!

Garlic Knots Recipe

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4.5 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Mouthwatering garlic knots bring Italian street food charm to home kitchens, offering a perfect blend of crusty exterior and tender inner dough. Buttery garlic essence and herb-infused olive oil create an irresistible snack that will make appetizer dreams come true.

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Ingredients

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Main Flour Ingredients:

• 3 cups (375 g) all-purpose flour
• 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) instant yeast

Seasoning and Flavor Ingredients:

• 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried parsley)

Liquid and Fat Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240 ml) warm water (110°F/45°C)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ¼ cup (60 g) unsalted butter, melted

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Instructions

1. Craft the foundational dough by dissolving yeast in warm liquid, creating a frothy mixture that will serve as the catalyst for a light, airy texture.
2. Combine flour and salt in a spacious mixing vessel, then integrate the activated yeast liquid and olive oil. Manipulate the ingredients until a cohesive, slightly tacky dough emerges.
3. Transfer the dough to a lightly dusted surface and vigorously knead, developing gluten strands and creating a smooth, resilient consistency. This process should take approximately 6-7 minutes of dedicated kneading.
4. Nestle the dough in a lubricated container, drape with a soft cloth, and allow it to expand and rise in a draft-free environment until its volume doubles, roughly 60-90 minutes.
5. Deflate the risen dough gently, then segment it into uniform portions. Roll each segment into elongated ropes, approximately 6-8 inches in length.
6. Transform each rope into a casual knot, ensuring loose, relaxed twists. Arrange these delicate formations on a parchment-lined baking sheet, providing ample spacing between each piece.
7. Permit a secondary proofing phase, covering the knots to encourage further volume and softness for about 25-35 minutes.
8. Heat the oven to 400F, creating an optimal environment for transforming the delicate dough into golden, aromatic treasures.
9. Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven, allowing the knots to bake until they achieve a rich, amber-toned exterior, approximately 13-16 minutes.
10. Immediately upon removal, lavish the warm knots with a luxurious garlic-infused butter mixture, ensuring each crevice is generously coated with the fragrant, herbaceous blend.

Notes

• Boost yeast performance by using water between 100-110°F to ensure proper activation without killing the microorganisms.
• Create consistent knots by using a kitchen scale to weigh each dough piece for uniform sizing and even baking.
• Enhance texture by allowing dough to rest and rise in a draft-free, warm environment like a turned-off oven with the light on.
• Prevent sticking during shaping by lightly flouring your work surface and hands, ensuring smooth and easy knotting process.
• Customize flavor profiles by experimenting with different herbs like rosemary, thyme, or adding grated parmesan to the garlic butter topping.
• Achieve golden-brown perfection by brushing knots with an egg wash before baking to create a beautiful, glossy exterior.
• Store leftover garlic knots in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days, reheating briefly in the oven to restore crispness.
• Make the recipe gluten-free by substituting all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for those with dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 19 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg