Easy Homemade Garlic Knots: Fluffy, Cheesy, and Irresistibly Delicious
Discover how to make the best homemade garlic knots that are surprisingly simple, incredibly light, and generously smothered in a rich garlic butter sauce and savory Parmesan cheese. Forget dry, store-bought versions – these are pure bliss!
Who’s ready to elevate their meal experience with some insanely delicious garlic knots? I’m not exaggerating when I tell you that I dream of these warm, garlicky delights. Their soft, airy texture practically melts in your mouth, leaving a savory burst of flavor that will have you reaching for more. These aren’t just any side dish; they’re a culinary revelation that brings comfort and joy to any table.
You might think making such delectable bread from scratch is tricky, but I promise you, it’s surprisingly straightforward. Whether you’re a baking newbie looking for an impressive yet easy recipe or a seasoned pro seeking a reliable crowd-pleaser, you’ll find these homemade garlic knots totally doable and immensely rewarding. The process is designed to be accessible, transforming simple ingredients into a gourmet-level treat.
Plus, you have options that cater to your schedule and preferences. You can opt for convenience with quality store-bought Italian seasoning, which still delivers fantastic flavor. Or, if you’re feeling a bit more ambitious and want to truly customize your taste, take a few extra minutes to mix up your own Italian seasoning blend. Making your own seasoning is easier than you think and allows you to control exactly what goes into your seasoning—no extra fillers, just pure, vibrant flavor tailored to your liking. It’s a small step that can make a big difference.
And, if you’re looking for the ultimate cozy meal to pair with these scrumptious, buttery garlic knots, why not ladle up some Crock Pot Tortellini Soup? The rich, flavorful broth and tender tortellini make a perfect, hearty match for these garlicky bread bites, creating a meal that feels both comforting and special.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Easy Garlic Knots Recipe
There are countless reasons why these homemade garlic knots will become your new favorite recipe. Beyond their incredible taste, they offer convenience and versatility that make them perfect for any occasion.
- Super Easy to Make: Don’t let the idea of making dough intimidate you! This recipe requires no advanced baking skills. The dough comes together with minimal fuss, making it perfect for beginners and busy cooks alike. The simple tying method creates beautiful knots effortlessly, allowing you to achieve bakery-quality results right in your own kitchen.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: These garlic knots are a dream for meal planning. You can easily make a batch ahead of time, store the uncooked dough, or even freeze the baked knots. Reheat them for quick and delicious sides throughout the week, and they’ll taste just as fresh and delightful as when they first came out of the oven.
- Versatile Side Dish: These garlic knots are truly the perfect complement to virtually any main course. Serve them alongside hearty soups, rich pasta dishes, fresh salads, or even as an accompaniment to your next pizza night. Their savory flavor and soft texture make them an ideal pairing for a wide array of meals.
- Better Than Takeout: Forget the often dry and flavorless garlic bread from pizza places. Homemade means you control the freshness of ingredients, the amount of garlic, and the generous coating of butter and cheese. The result is a superior flavor and texture that no takeout can match.
- A Crowd-Pleaser for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual family dinner, a potluck with friends, or a special holiday gathering, these garlic knots are always a hit. Their universal appeal ensures they’ll disappear quickly, leaving everyone impressed with your baking skills.
- Customizable Flavor Profile: While the classic garlic butter and Parmesan are divine, you can easily adjust the herbs and spices to your preference. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick, or a touch of fresh parsley for brightness. The recipe serves as a perfect canvas for your culinary creativity.
Essential Ingredients for Your Fluffy Garlic Knots
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating these incredible garlic knots. Be sure to scroll to the bottom of the post for the FULL PRINTABLE recipe card with exact measurements.
For the Homemade Dough: The Foundation of Fluffiness
- All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of our dough, all-purpose flour provides the structure and texture for perfectly light and airy knots. Ensure it’s fresh for the best results.
- Salt: Essential for flavor, salt also plays a crucial role in regulating yeast activity and strengthening the gluten network in the dough.
- Active Dry Yeast: This magical ingredient is what makes our knots rise, creating that irresistible fluffy interior. Make sure your yeast is active for successful proofing.
- Water (Lukewarm): The perfect temperature water is key for activating the active dry yeast. It should be warm to the touch, but not hot enough to kill the yeast.
- Olive Oil: Adds richness, flavor, and helps to tenderize the dough, contributing to its soft texture and slight golden hue when baked.
For the Irresistible Topping: The Garlic Butter Perfection
- Butter (Melted): The foundation of our luscious garlic butter sauce. Unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness, but salted works too—just adjust the added salt accordingly.
- Garlic (Minced): Freshly minced garlic is non-negotiable for that authentic, pungent, and aromatic garlic flavor. Avoid garlic powder for the topping; fresh is truly best here.
- Italian Seasoning: A delightful blend of herbs like oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary that infuses our knots with classic Italian-inspired flavor. Use store-bought or your homemade blend.
- Parmesan Cheese (Grated): A generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan adds a salty, nutty, and umami-rich finish, creating a delicious crust and an extra layer of savory flavor.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Bake Perfect Garlic Knots
Creating these delightful garlic knots from scratch is a straightforward process. Follow these detailed steps for guaranteed success and a batch of warm, garlicky goodness.
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and active dry yeast. This ensures even distribution of the dry ingredients. Next, gradually add the lukewarm water and olive oil. Mix on low speed, or with floured hands, until a shaggy, somewhat sticky dough forms. Increase speed (or continue kneading by hand) for about 10 minutes until the dough becomes smooth, elastic, and pulls away cleanly from the sides of the bowl. This kneading develops the gluten, crucial for a light and chewy texture.
- Let the Dough Rise (First Proof): Lightly oil a large, clean bowl. Transfer the kneaded dough to this bowl, turning it once to coat all sides with oil. This prevents it from drying out. Cover the bowl tightly with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Place it in a warm, draft-free area for about 1 hour, or until the dough has impressively doubled in size. A slightly warm oven (turned off, with just the light on) or a microwave with a cup of boiling water can create an ideal proofing environment.
- Portion and Store Extra Dough (Optional): Once risen, gently punch down the dough to release the air. Divide the dough into three equal parts. If you’re not making all the knots at once, place one or two portions in separate plastic bags, seal them tightly, and refrigerate for up to 5 days. This versatile dough can be used later for more garlic knots, homemade pizzas, calzones, or even savory flatbreads.
- Shape the Knots: Take one portion of the dough you intend to bake. On a lightly floured surface, divide this portion into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope, approximately 6-8 inches long and about ½ inch thick. Gently tie each rope into a simple overhand knot. Arrange the shaped knots on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between them to allow for further rising and even baking.
- Rest and Preheat (Second Proof): Cover the baking sheet with the knots and let them rest for another 20-30 minutes in a warm spot. During this time, they will slightly puff up, enhancing their final texture. While they are resting, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking.
- Add Garlic Butter (Pre-Bake): In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, finely minced garlic, and Italian seasoning until well combined. This aromatic mixture is what gives our knots their signature flavor. Lightly brush this garlic butter mixture over each dough knot, making sure to coat the tops evenly.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Carefully place the baking sheet with the brushed garlic knots into the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until they turn a beautiful golden brown color and are cooked through. They should sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Final Touch (Post-Bake): Once out of the oven, immediately brush the warm knots with any remaining garlic butter mixture. The heat of the knots will absorb the butter, infusing them with even more flavor and moisture. Then, sprinkle generously with grated Parmesan cheese while they are still warm, allowing the cheese to slightly melt and adhere.
- Serve and Enjoy: These homemade garlic knots are best enjoyed warm, fresh out of the oven. They are absolutely perfect as a side dish or a savory snack. Serve them with a side of marinara sauce for dipping to complete the experience!
Expert Tips & Tricks for the Best Garlic Knots
Achieve garlic knot perfection with these helpful tips and tricks:
- Refrigerated Dough Ideas: The portion of dough you set aside in the fridge is incredibly versatile! Don’t let it go to waste. Use it to whip up a quick and delicious pizza for dinner, stuff it with your favorite fillings to make savory calzones, or roll it out thin for some homemade flatbread to serve with dips.
- Prevent Over-Browning: If your garlic knots start to brown too quickly in the oven before they’re fully cooked through, tent them loosely with a piece of aluminum foil. This will protect the tops from getting too dark while allowing the insides to finish baking evenly.
- Dough Hydration is Key: The texture of your dough is critical. If your dough feels too dry and stiff after mixing, don’t hesitate to add a splash more water, one teaspoon at a time, until it reaches a soft, pliable consistency. A well-hydrated dough will result in noticeably softer, fluffier garlic knots.
- Achieving Uniform Knots: For consistently baked and professional-looking knots, use a pizza cutter or a bench scraper to divide the dough into even strips. This helps you get more uniform pieces, which means your knots will bake evenly and look appealing on the plate.
- Refresh Leftovers Like New: If you’re lucky enough to have leftover garlic knots (they tend to disappear fast!), you can easily refresh them. Simply pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. They’ll taste almost as good as when they were fresh out of the oven, regaining their warmth and soft texture.
- Don’t Over-Knead or Under-Knead: Proper kneading is essential. Under-kneaded dough will result in dense knots, while over-kneaded dough can become tough. Aim for a dough that is smooth and elastic. If using a stand mixer, a good indicator is when the dough pulls cleanly away from the sides of the bowl.
- Maximize Yeast Activity: Ensure your water is lukewarm, around 105-115°F (40-46°C). Water that’s too cold won’t activate the yeast, and water that’s too hot will kill it. A warm, draft-free spot for rising is also critical for optimal fluffiness.
- Garlic Quality Matters: Always use fresh garlic for the topping. Pre-minced garlic in a jar often lacks the pungent flavor and aroma of fresh cloves, which is vital for truly delicious garlic knots.
Frequently Asked Questions About Homemade Garlic Knots
The portion of dough you set aside can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For best results, make sure it’s wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or placed in a sealed plastic bag to prevent it from drying out and to maintain its freshness. This makes future baking sessions even quicker!
Absolutely! Once your delicious garlic knots have completely cooled to room temperature, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing much quality. To reheat, simply place them on a baking sheet and bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warm and slightly crispy, typically about 10-15 minutes.
Here’s a fantastic hack for a faster rise: place your bowl of dough in the microwave (ensure it’s turned off!). Alongside the dough, place a cup of boiling water. Shut the microwave door to trap that steam and warmth inside. This cozy, steamy environment provides the perfect conditions to activate the yeast and significantly speeds up the dough’s rising process.
All-purpose flour works wonderfully for these garlic knots, providing a good balance of structure and tenderness. If you prefer a slightly chewier texture, you could try using bread flour, but it might require a touch more liquid. For a lighter, more delicate crumb, all-purpose is usually ideal.
Yes, you can! Instant yeast can be used interchangeably with active dry yeast in most recipes. The main difference is that instant yeast doesn’t require proofing in water first; you can typically mix it directly with your dry ingredients. If using instant yeast, you might find the dough rises a bit faster, so keep an eye on it.
To make these garlic knots dairy-free, simply substitute the butter with a good quality plant-based butter alternative and omit the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free Parmesan substitute. The dough itself is naturally dairy-free (using olive oil and water), so the main changes are in the topping.
Delicious Pairings: What to Serve with Your Garlic Knots
These versatile garlic knots are the perfect accompaniment to a wide variety of meals. Here are some of our favorite pairings that will turn any dinner into a feast:
- Roasted Garlic, Chicken & Herb White Pizza: A natural pairing, the garlicky knots complement the flavors of a white pizza beautifully, adding extra texture and flavor.
- Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup: Dip these fluffy knots into the rich, creamy broth of a chicken tortellini soup for an incredibly comforting and satisfying meal.
- Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup: The earthy flavors of wild rice soup are wonderfully enhanced by the savory notes of garlic knots.
- Lasagna Soup: Recreate the joy of lasagna with a bowl of this hearty soup and a side of garlic knots for dipping up every last drop of flavorful broth.
- Creamy Tomato Soup: The classic combination of bread and tomato soup is elevated with these garlicky, cheesy knots, perfect for a cozy lunch or light dinner.
- Garlic Tomato Baked Chicken: The robust flavors of baked chicken with garlic and tomato are perfectly balanced by the soft, buttery garlic knots.
- Homemade Lasagna: No Italian-inspired pasta dish is complete without a side of garlic bread, and these knots take that tradition to a new, delicious level.
- Tuscan Chicken Pasta: The creamy, herb-infused sauce of Tuscan chicken pasta is ideal for soaking up with these flavorful garlic knots.
Parmesan Garlic Knots
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Ingredients
Dough
- 8 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp salt
- 2 1/2 tsp active dry yeast
- 2 2/3 cup lukewarm water
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
Topping
- 6 Tbsp butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3/4 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
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Whisk together flour, salt and yeast in a large mixing bowl (or stand mixer). Pour in water and olive oil, stirring until a shaggy dough forms. Knead dough with floured hands or a stand mixer for about 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
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Place dough in a large bowl. Cover with towel and let rise in a warm draft-free place for about 1 hour until it has doubled in size.
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Divide the dough into 3 equal portions. Place 1 portion in a plastic bag and store in the fridge for up to 5 days. This can be used to make more garlic knots, pizza or even calzones.
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With the remaining dough divide into 12 equal portions. Roll each portion into a 6-8 inch rope. Tie gently in a knot and place on a lined baking sheet. Repeat with remaining dough leaving about 2 inches between them on the baking sheet.
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Cover and let rest for 20-30 minutes. Preheat oven to 400º F.
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Stir together butter, garlic and Italian seasoning. Lightly brush over each piece of dough. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and set.
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Remove from oven and brush with the remaining garlic butter. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
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Serve warm or at room temperature with marinara sauce.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
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