Homemade Garlic Knots

These Easy Garlic Knots From Scratch are soft, fluffy, and coated in rich garlic butter for the ultimate homemade bread treat. Made with simple pantry ingredients, they bake into golden, buttery knots that are perfect for pasta night, family dinners, or casual gatherings. The dough rises into a light, airy texture while the garlic butter adds irresistible flavor to every bite. Serve them warm with marinara sauce, sprinkle with Parmesan, or enjoy them fresh from the oven as a savory snack. Whether you’re planning Homemade Sides For Dinner or searching for new Baked Snack Ideas, these garlic knots are easy to make and always a crowd favorite.

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Prep Time 20

Cook Time 20

Rising Time 2

Course: Appetizer, Side Dish, Snack

Cuisine: American, Italian

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

Ingredients
Dough
1 cup warm water not hot
2 teaspoons active dry yeast
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
Garlic Butter Topping
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic finely minced
2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley optional
Extra salt to taste

Method

1. Wake Up the Yeast

Start by pouring the warm water into a mixing bowl. Add the yeast and sugar, then gently stir to combine. Let the mixture sit undisturbed for about 5–10 minutes. You’ll know the yeast is ready when a foamy layer forms on top. This step activates the yeast and ensures your dough rises properly.

2. Mix the Dough

Add the olive oil, flour, and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir everything together until the ingredients form a soft dough. The dough should look slightly sticky but manageable. If it feels too sticky, sprinkle in a small amount of flour—just enough to help bring it together.

3. Knead Until Smooth

Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it by pushing the dough forward with the heel of your hand, folding it back over itself, and repeating the motion. Continue kneading for about 5 minutes, or until the dough becomes smooth, elastic, and slightly springy when pressed. This step develops gluten, which helps create that soft and fluffy bread texture.

4. Let the Dough Rise

Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl. Turn it once so all sides get coated with oil. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Allow the dough to rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size. A warm kitchen helps speed up the process.

5. Preheat the Oven

While the dough is finishing its rise, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.

6. Shape the Garlic Knots

Once the dough has doubled, gently punch it down to release air bubbles. Divide the dough into small equal pieces (about 12–16 portions). Roll each piece into a thin rope roughly 6–7 inches long. Tie each rope into a loose knot, tucking the ends underneath if needed.

7. Arrange on Baking Sheet

Place the shaped knots onto your prepared baking sheet, leaving a bit of space between each one so they can expand as they bake. Let them rest for about 10 minutes before baking for slightly fluffier knots.

8. Bake Until Golden

Bake the garlic knots in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes, or until they turn beautifully golden on top. The bottoms should be lightly browned and the tops soft but slightly crisp.

9. Prepare the Garlic Butter

While the knots bake, melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Add the minced garlic and cook gently for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Avoid browning the garlic, as it can turn bitter. Remove from heat and stir in the chopped parsley if using.

10. Finish and Serve

Once the garlic knots come out of the oven, immediately brush them generously with the warm garlic butter mixture. Sprinkle lightly with salt for extra flavor and serve them warm. The buttery garlic coating soaks into the bread and makes every bite incredibly flavorful.

Notes

Best Ways to Enjoy Garlic Knots

These garlic knots pair beautifully with many dishes, making them extremely versatile.

Serve them alongside:

Spaghetti or other pasta dishes
Homemade pizza
Creamy soups
Fresh garden salads

They also make a fantastic snack on their own.

For extra flavor, try:

Sprinkling grated Parmesan cheese on top
Serving with marinara sauce for dipping
Adding a dash of red pepper flakes for heat

Storage and Reheating Tips

Storing at Room Temperature

Place cooled garlic knots in an airtight container and keep them at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Freezing Garlic Knots

If you'd like to store them longer:

Allow the knots to cool completely.
Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
Freeze for up to 1 month.

Reheating

To bring back that fresh-baked taste:

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
Place knots on a baking sheet
Warm for 5–8 minutes

Brushing them with a little extra butter before reheating makes them even better.

Helpful Cooking Tips

Give the Dough Time to Rise

Allowing the dough to fully double in size creates a lighter and fluffier texture. Rushing this step may result in dense bread.

Don’t Overwork the Dough

Kneading is important, but excessive kneading can make the dough tough. Stop once it becomes smooth and elastic.

Customize the Flavor

Garlic knots are incredibly flexible. Try adding:

Mozzarella or Parmesan cheese
Italian seasoning
Fresh basil
Chili flakes

Small tweaks can create exciting new variations.

Watch the Baking Time

Every oven heats a little differently. Start checking the knots around the 15-minute mark to prevent over-browning.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the recipe take overall?

From start to finish—including dough rising—you'll need around 2 hours. The actual hands-on time is about 30 minutes.

Can instant yeast be used instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, instant yeast works perfectly in this recipe. Use the same amount and simply mix it directly with the flour instead of activating it in water.

Can garlic knots be frozen?

Absolutely. Once cooled, freeze them in a sealed bag or container. Reheat in the oven until warm and soft again.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes. You can prepare the dough, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it overnight. The next day, allow it to come to room temperature before shaping the knots.

Final Thoughts

Making Easy Garlic Knots From Scratch is one of those baking projects that feels both simple and rewarding. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create soft, golden bread knots coated in rich garlic butter.

They’re perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or even casual snack time. The best part is how adaptable they are—you can serve them with pasta, dip them in sauce, or enjoy them fresh from the oven.

Once you try this recipe, there’s a good chance these garlic knots will become a regular favorite in your kitchen. Warm, buttery, and loaded with garlic flavor, they’re the kind of homemade bread that disappears quickly—so making a double batch might not be a bad idea.