Name: Garlic Knots Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-487081H50M8S
Total time: PT-487081H50M8S
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: For the dough:; 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F/43°C); 1 tablespoon sugar; 2 teaspoons active dry yeast; 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon salt; For the garlic butter topping:; 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted; 5-6 garlic cloves, minced (adjust to taste); 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (optional)

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Garlic Knots are a savory, buttery treat that’s perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or snack. Made from soft, doughy knots of bread brushed with garlic-infused butter and topped with fresh herbs, these garlic knots are irresistible, warm, and full of flavor. Whether you’re serving them alongside pasta, salad, or enjoying them on their own, they’re sure to be a hit at any meal or gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Garlic Knots are the epitome of comfort food with their soft, pillowy texture and rich, garlicky flavor. They’re quick to make, and the aroma of fresh-baked garlic butter bread filling your kitchen is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. With just a few ingredients, you can easily make these delicious knots from scratch, perfect for dinner parties, holidays, or just as an indulgent snack. Plus, they’re highly customizable – add extra herbs, cheese, or even a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a spicy twist!

Garlic Knots Recipe

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the dough:

1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F/43°C)
1 tablespoon sugar
2 teaspoons active dry yeast
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt

For the garlic butter topping:

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
5-6 garlic cloves, minced (adjust to taste)
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper (optional)

Directions

Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes, until it becomes foamy. If the yeast doesn’t foam, it may be expired, and you should try again with fresh yeast.
Make the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the activated yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until a dough begins to form. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour until it comes together.
Knead the dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 5-7 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour as you knead.
Let the dough rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Shape the knots: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope about 8 inches long, then tie it into a knot. Tuck the ends under to form the knot shape and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake the knots: Bake the garlic knots in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Prepare the garlic butter topping: While the knots are baking, prepare the garlic butter topping. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
Coat the knots: Once the garlic knots are baked, remove them from the oven and immediately brush them with the garlic butter mixture while they’re still warm. Be generous with the garlic butter for maximum flavor!
Serve: Serve the garlic knots warm, and enjoy the buttery, garlicky goodness!

Servings and Timing

Servings: Makes about 12 garlic knots.
Prep time: 15 minutes (not including rising time)
Cooking time: 12-15 minutes
Total time: 1.5 hours (including dough rising time)

Variations

Cheesy Garlic Knots: Add grated mozzarella or Parmesan cheese on top of the garlic butter before baking for a cheesy twist.
Herbed Garlic Knots: Add dried oregano, basil, or rosemary to the garlic butter mixture for extra flavor.
Spicy Garlic Knots: Sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes on top of the knots before baking for a little heat.
Garlic and Pesto Knots: Swap some of the garlic butter for pesto sauce for a flavorful variation.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover garlic knots in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days.
Reheating: To reheat, wrap the garlic knots in foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual knots for 20-30 seconds.

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought pizza dough?

Yes, you can use store-bought pizza dough to make garlic knots if you’re short on time. Just follow the same shaping and baking instructions.

2. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and let it rise in the fridge overnight. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature before shaping the knots.

3. Can I make these without yeast?

To make a quick version of garlic knots, you can use baking powder instead of yeast, but the texture will be different. The dough will be fluffier and not as chewy.

4. How do I make sure the garlic knots are soft and not too crispy?

Make sure to bake them at the right temperature (400°F) and check for doneness around 10-12 minutes. For softer garlic knots, take them out as soon as they’re golden and not too dark.

5. Can I freeze garlic knots?

Yes, you can freeze the unbaked garlic knots. Shape them and place them on a baking sheet in the freezer. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to bake, simply place them on a baking sheet and bake from frozen at 400°F for 12-15 minutes.

6. Can I use salted butter for the garlic butter topping?

Yes, you can use salted butter, but be mindful of the salt added in the dough and the garlic butter topping. You may want to reduce the amount of additional salt to taste.

7. Can I add more garlic to the butter?

Absolutely! If you love garlic, feel free to add more minced garlic to the butter mixture to suit your taste.

8. Can I make these garlic knots with whole wheat flour?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for part of the all-purpose flour for a slightly heartier texture. However, the garlic knots will be denser.

9. How do I keep my garlic knots soft after baking?

To keep the garlic knots soft, cover them with a clean kitchen towel while they cool to retain moisture.

10. Can I use a bread machine to make the dough?

Yes, you can use a bread machine to make the dough. Add the ingredients according to your bread machine’s instructions and let it knead and rise. Then, proceed with shaping and baking.

Conclusion

Garlic Knots are a perfect combination of soft, buttery bread and rich, garlicky flavor. They’re quick and easy to make, with simple ingredients that result in a delectable treat. Whether you’re pairing them with pasta or serving them on their own, these garlic knots will be a crowd-pleaser every time. Warm, flavorful, and easy to make, they’re a must-try for any garlic lover!