Homemade garlic knots soft

Featured in: Quick Snacks & Starters

These homemade garlic knots offer a soft, fluffy texture created by kneading and resting the dough before baking until golden. Brushed with melted butter, fresh garlic, and herbs, they deliver rich, aromatic flavor perfect for any gathering. Easily prepared in around 30 minutes, these Italian-American treats are best served warm and can be paired with dipping sauces like marinara for added zest.

Updated on Sat, 20 Dec 2025 19:39:56 GMT
Golden-brown homemade garlic knots, brushed with melted, herbed butter and ready to eat. Save
Golden-brown homemade garlic knots, brushed with melted, herbed butter and ready to eat. | opticbaker.com

Soft, fluffy knots of dough brushed with aromatic garlic butter create the perfect bite-sized snack to enjoy any time. These homemade garlic knots not only bring the warm, inviting flavors of Italian-American cuisine to your kitchen but are also easy and quick to prepare, making them an ideal appetizer or snack for gatherings or a cozy night at home.

Golden-brown homemade garlic knots, brushed with melted, herbed butter and ready to eat. Save
Golden-brown homemade garlic knots, brushed with melted, herbed butter and ready to eat. | opticbaker.com

With only a handful of ingredients and straightforward steps, these garlic knots are a delightful way to bring the smell and taste of fresh-baked bread combined with flavorful, homemade garlic butter to your table.

Ingredients

  • Dough
    • 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
    • 1 tsp instant dry yeast
    • 1 tsp sugar
    • 3/4 tsp salt
    • 2/3 cup (160 ml) warm water
    • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Garlic Butter
    • 1/4 cup (60 g) unsalted butter
    • 3 cloves garlic, minced
    • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
    • 1/4 tsp salt
    • 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt. Mix well.
2. Add warm water and olive oil. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
4. Cover and let rest for 10 minutes to relax the gluten.
5. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
6. Divide dough into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope about 6 inches (15 cm) long and tie into a knot.
7. Place knots on the baking sheet, spacing evenly.
8. Bake for 13–15 minutes, or until golden brown.
9. Meanwhile, melt butter in a small saucepan. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute on low heat. Stir in parsley and salt.
10. Remove knots from oven. Immediately brush generously with garlic butter and sprinkle with Parmesan, if using.
11. Serve warm.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

Letting the dough rest after kneading allows the gluten to relax, making it easier to shape the knots. Using warm water activates the yeast for a better rise. Brush the garlic butter while the knots are still hot to ensure deep flavor absorption. For an even richer taste, consider using fresh herbs or a pinch of dried Italian herbs in the butter mixture.

Varianten und Anpassungen

If you want to add a cheesy twist, sprinkle extra Parmesan on top before baking or use different herbs like oregano or basil in the garlic butter. For a vegan option, substitute the butter with olive oil and omit Parmesan cheese. You can also experiment by adding crushed red pepper flakes for some heat.

Serviervorschläge

Serve warm garlic knots as an appetizer alongside a bowl of marinara sauce for dipping. They also pair wonderfully with salads, soups, or as a side to your favorite Italian meal, enhancing any dining experience with their flavorful touch.

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With these simple steps and tips, you can easily master homemade garlic knots that are sure to become a favorite treat. Their inviting aroma and satisfying flavor make them a wonderful addition to your recipe repertoire—ready to impress friends and family alike.

Cooking Q&A

What type of flour works best for these knots?

All-purpose flour provides the ideal texture, creating soft and elastic dough suitable for shaping knots.

How can I make the knots extra flavorful?

Enhance flavor by adding dried Italian herbs to the garlic butter before brushing onto the knots.

Can the knots be prepared in advance?

Yes, knots can be made ahead and reheated briefly before serving to retain freshness and softness.

What is the best way to shape the dough into knots?

Roll each portion into a rope about six inches long and tie it gently into a loose knot to keep the soft texture.

Is it necessary to brush the knots with garlic butter immediately after baking?

Brushing warm knots right after baking ensures the garlic butter absorbs nicely, enhancing their aroma and taste.

Homemade garlic knots soft

Soft, fluffy knots brushed with aromatic garlic butter ideal for snacking or sharing.

Time to prepare
15 mins
Time to cook
15 mins
Overall time
30 mins
Recipe by Ella Anderson


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Italian-American

Makes 12 Portions

Dietary details Vegetarian option

What You'll Need

Dough

01 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 1 teaspoon instant dry yeast
03 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
04 3/4 teaspoon salt
05 2/3 cup warm water
06 2 tablespoons olive oil

Garlic Butter

01 1/4 cup unsalted butter
02 3 cloves garlic, minced
03 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
04 1/4 teaspoon salt
05 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

How to Make It

Step 01

Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the flour, instant dry yeast, sugar, and salt until evenly distributed.

Step 02

Form dough: Add the warm water and olive oil to the dry ingredients, stirring until a shaggy dough forms.

Step 03

Knead dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for approximately 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Step 04

Rest dough: Cover the dough and allow it to rest for 10 minutes to relax the gluten structure.

Step 05

Preheat oven: Set the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 06

Shape knots: Divide the dough into 12 equal portions, roll each into a 6-inch rope, and tie into a knot.

Step 07

Arrange knots: Place the knots evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 08

Bake: Bake the knots for 13 to 15 minutes or until they turn golden brown.

Step 09

Prepare garlic butter: While baking, melt butter in a small saucepan over low heat, add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, then stir in parsley and salt.

Step 10

Brush with garlic butter: Remove knots from the oven and immediately brush generously with the garlic butter mixture, topping with Parmesan if desired.

Step 11

Serve warm: Serve the garlic knots warm, optionally accompanied by marinara sauce.

Tools You'll Need

  • Mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Small saucepan
  • Pastry brush

Allergy details

Always review every ingredient for allergens and speak to your healthcare provider if you're unsure.
  • Contains wheat (gluten) and dairy (butter, Parmesan cheese).
  • Check cheese labeling for vegetarian compliance.
  • Potential cross-contact with nuts or soy depending on ingredient sourcing.

Nutrition details (per serving)

These nutrition details are for your reference—don't substitute for professional medical guidance.
  • Caloric Value: 120
  • Fat content: 5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 16 g
  • Proteins: 3 g