Homemade Garlic Knots Recipe

If you’re craving pillowy-soft bread bursting with garlicky, buttery goodness, look no further than Homemade Garlic Knots. These irresistible little twists are everything a carb-lover could wish for: fluffy on the inside, golden on the outside, and slicked in a rich garlic butter that’s positively addictive. Whether you dip them in marinara or nibble them plain, making them from scratch means you can enjoy that unmistakable aroma and flavor fresh from your own oven.

Ingredients You’ll Need

It’s amazing how such simple ingredients come together to make something as swoon-worthy as Homemade Garlic Knots. Every item on this list plays a key role, from the fluffy structure of the dough to the ridiculously fragrant garlic butter topping.

• Bread Flour: Gives the knots their chewy, classic bread texture. All-purpose works in a pinch, but bread flour makes them extra tender.
• Granulated Sugar: Just a hint balances the yeast and boosts browning.
• Active Dry Yeast: The engine behind the rise, guaranteeing puffy, bakery-quality knots.
• Salt: Essential for flavor—don’t skimp, or your garlic knots will taste flat.
• Warm Water (110–115°F): Helps activate the yeast. Be sure it’s not too hot, or you’ll kill the yeast.
• Olive Oil: Adds a touch of richness both to the dough and to prevent sticking during rising.
• Unsalted Butter: The backbone of that glossy, flavorful garlic coating.
• Fresh Garlic (minced): Where the bold, unforgettable garlic punch comes from.
• Fresh Parsley (minced): Adds color and a pop of herby freshness to the coating.
• Garlic Salt or Garlic Powder: Layers in even more savory garlic flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese (finely grated): The perfect finish—melty, salty, and oh-so-addictive.

How to Make Homemade Garlic Knots

Step 1: Make the Dough

Start by mixing your bread flour, sugar, yeast, and salt in the bowl of your stand mixer (if you don’t have one, a sturdy wooden spoon and some elbow grease work, too!). Slowly pour in the warm water and 2 tablespoons olive oil as the mixer whirls on low. Within minutes, your dough will start coming together. Adjust with sprinkles of flour if it’s sticky, or splashes of water if it’s stubborn, until you have a soft, slightly tacky ball.

Step 2: Knead and First Rise

Turn out your dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it gently into a smooth ball. Transfer it to a greased bowl, swish it around to coat, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a cozy spot. Patience is key here—give your dough about 90 minutes, and it’ll reward you by doubling in size, all puffy and ready to be shaped.

Step 3: Divide and Rest

Plop the risen dough onto a floured counter and divide it into two even rounds. Let them rest under plastic wrap for 10 minutes. This quick pause relaxes the gluten—think of it as the dough’s coffee break—making it easier to shape and knot later on.

Step 4: Cut and Shape the Knots

Next, cut each round of dough into quarters, flatten each piece into a rectangle, and slice again to make 16 total pieces. Quickly shape each into a little ball, then roll it into a rope. Tie each rope into a simple knot, tucking the ends under or leaving them wild. Arrange them on a prepared baking sheet and cover loosely. Let the knots rise again for 30 minutes—they’ll puff a bit more, promising that classic airy swirl.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to a sizzling 450°F. If you want, brush the knots with a little garlic butter before they go in for bonus flavor. Slide the tray into the hot oven and bake for about 20 minutes, until your Homemade Garlic Knots are deeply golden, crisp on the outside, and sound hollow when tapped.

Step 6: Slather in Garlic Butter and Finish

While they’re baking, melt the butter and sizzle the minced garlic in it until fragrant. Stir in parsley and garlic salt or powder. The moment the knots come out, brush them generously with this glorious garlic butter, shower with grated parmesan, and serve while warm. The aroma alone is pure happiness.

How to Serve Homemade Garlic Knots

Garnishes

A sprinkle of extra fresh parsley and a bit more parmesan right before serving ramps up both the beauty and flavor. For the daring, add a few red pepper flakes for a gentle kick, or a whisper of cracked black pepper for depth. Presentation matters—after all, half the joy is in how mouthwatering they look on the plate!

Side Dishes

Serve your Homemade Garlic Knots with a big bowl of warm marinara sauce for dipping—classic and always a crowd-pleaser. They also shine next to hearty pasta dishes, creamy soups, or a crisp Caesar salad. Honestly, they could steal the spotlight at any meal, from a lasagna dinner to a casual weekend lunch.

Creative Ways to Present

Pile your garlic knots in a rustic bread basket lined with a tea towel, or arrange them on a wooden platter with a bowl of red sauce for dipping. For parties, skewer them onto sticks to make “garlic knot pops” or nestle them around a baked camembert for a pull-apart centerpiece. Any way you serve them, you’ll get oohs and aahs!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have any remaining Homemade Garlic Knots, let them cool completely before popping them in an airtight container. They’ll stay soft and tasty for up to 2 days at room temperature, though they almost beg to be eaten while warm.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap cooled knots individually in plastic wrap and tuck them all into a zip-top freezer bag. When sealed this way, they can be frozen for up to two months. Mark the date on the bag so you’ll know exactly when to bring out your secret stash!

Reheating

To bring back that just-baked magic, warm leftover knots in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes (straight from the freezer, give them a few minutes longer). You can also zap them in the microwave for 15–20 seconds, though the oven keeps them crispier. Brush with a little extra garlic butter if you want to refresh the flavor.

FAQs

Can I make Homemade Garlic Knots without a stand mixer?

Absolutely! If you don’t have a mixer, just use a big mixing bowl and mix everything together with a wooden spoon, then knead by hand for about 10 minutes. It’s a little extra work, but worth it for those irresistible results.

What’s the best way to ensure my dough rises well?

Let the dough sit in a warm, draft-free area—an off oven with just the light turned on works wonders. If your kitchen is chilly, you can set the bowl over a pot of warm water for faster rising. Be patient, and your Homemade Garlic Knots will turn out beautifully fluffy every time.

Can I use pre-minced garlic from a jar?

You can, but nothing beats the punchy flavor of fresh garlic! If using jarred, you might want to add a little extra, since it’s milder than fresh. The mingling flavors are part of what makes these knots special.

How do I keep Homemade Garlic Knots soft if I’m making them ahead?

Let them cool completely and then store them in an airtight container, or wrap tightly in foil. For the softest texture, reheat briefly in the oven and brush with a little more melted butter before serving.

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?

Yes, all-purpose flour works in this recipe, though the garlic knots might be slightly less chewy and structured. They’ll still taste fantastic—the difference is subtle, so use what you have on hand!

Final Thoughts

There’s something supremely satisfying about making a batch of Homemade Garlic Knots from scratch, sharing them hot from the oven, and watching them disappear almost as fast as you made them. Give this recipe a try—you’ll fall in love with the process, the aroma, and most importantly, every last delicious bite!

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