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Easy Garlic Knots

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Easy Garlic Knots are homemade but simple to make. Topped with garlic butter and parmesan cheese, these buttery rolls are perfect alongside dinner or with sauce for dipping.

overhead shot of a pile of garlic knots topped with parsley.

Soft and Fluffy Garlic Knots

There’s nothing better than experiencing the delicious homemade taste of these easy garlic knots!

The soft, fluffy dough is filled with garlic, coated with a yummy garlic butter mixture, and baked until golden. These knots aren’t just a delicious appetizer to go with pasta. They are the ultimate comfort food!

Making these tasty garlic knots is easy using just a few simple ingredients. A mix of flour, yeast, salt, sugar, and olive oil forms the ideal base for slathering with garlic butter.

Soon, your kitchen will be filled with the tempting smell of these golden-brown knots. Your whole family is going to love them!

These knots require two rises, but it goes quickly and it is totally worth it. There’s not much labor involved, just a little waiting. You’ll be so happy you made them. I think I will try them with some marinated garlic next time! 

The knots are small, so you won’t feel bad about eating your fair share. And maybe a couple extra.

Why you’ll love Easy Garlic Knots

Flavor Explosion  – The combination of fresh garlic, herbs, and a buttery glaze ensures an explosion of flavor in every bite.

Versatility – Serve these knots as an appetizer, alongside pasta, and soup, or as a delightful side to main dishes like lasagna.

Quick and Easy – With minimal ingredients and straightforward instructions, this recipe for garlic knots is one you’ll want to keep in your recipe collection.

Freezer-Friendly – Make a batch ahead and freeze them. They’re perfect for spontaneous gatherings or cozy nights with the family.

garlic knots being brushed with garlic butter.

Equipment you’ll need

Ingredients

Below is a list of the ingredients you’ll need to gather to make this recipe, why you need them, and possible substitutions. Scroll all the way down for the full recipe card with measurements.

For the Knots:

  • All-Purpose Flour – A great choice for these easy garlic knots. When measured correctly, they’ll always yield a sturdy bread with a fluffy interior. Basically an elevated crescent roll!
  • Instant Yeast – Check to make sure your yeast is fresh, otherwise the bread won’t rise.
  • Salt – A bit to enhance the flavor.
  • Granulated White Sugar – Using sugar also enhances the flavor, but it’s also what the yeast feeds on.
  • Olive Oil – Needed fat for moisture and softness.
  • Warm Water – In order for yeast to activate, it needs warm water and sugar. Make sure it’s not too hot or it’ll kill the yeast.

For the Garlic Butter:

  • Salted Butter – Just so we don’t have to add any extra salt. Of course, if you only have unsalted, go ahead and use it. You’ll want to be sure to add a pinch of salt to the garlic butter in this case.
  • Garlic Cloves – mince the garlic and have it prepped and ready. Garlic powder can be used in a pinch.
  • Fresh Parsley or Dried Parsley – herbs and garlic go hand in hand for a ton of flavor!
overhead shot of labeled ingredients laid out to make garlic knots.

How to make Easy Garlic Knots

This section shows you how to make this recipe, with process photos showing the steps to help you visualize it. For full instructions, including amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card below.

  1. Step One: Combine the dry ingredients in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted. Mix with the paddle attachment, then add in the olive oil and water and beat until the dough starts to come together.
olive oil pouring into a mixing bowl of flour.
  1. Step Two: With the dough hook attachment this time, knead the mixture for about 5 minutes or until it forms a soft dough.
dough ball in a mixing bowl.
  1. Step Three: Remove the dough from the bowl and use your hands to form a ball. Place it in a large bowl greased with oil and roll it around so the dough is coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and allow the dough to rise in a warm place until it doubles in size, approximately 30-40 minutes, depending on how warm your kitchen is.
ball of dough proofing in a glass bowl.
  1. Step Four: Transfer the risen dough to a clean, lightly floured surface and use a rolling pin to roll out a large rectangle. It should be about 1/2″ thick. Cut the dough into 16 strips.
  1. Step Five: Roll each strip into a rope, then fold the ends towards one another to tie each rope into a knot. Place each knot onto the prepared baking sheet, about 1″ apart. Repeat with the remainder of the dough. Cover again with plastic wrap for another rise. They should double in size again (about half an hour).
dough strips being shaped into knots.
  1. Step Six: Bake the knots in a preheated 375°F oven for 12-15 minutes or until slightly golden brown. Remove from the oven and while they are still warm, brush them with the garlic butter and enjoy!

What to serve with Easy Garlic Knots

These homemade garlic knots are great with marinara sauce for dipping. You can also top them with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese before serving.

Serve these garlic knots alongside your favorite pasta dish like Crock Pot chicken alfredo. They are also great for dipping in your favorite soup or stew. or have them on the side of baked ziti, slow cooker mac and cheese, or ravioli lasagna.

If you’re ever thinking of halving the recipe, don’t do it. You’ll always find ways to use them up!

Tips & Suggestions

  • Allow the dough to rise in a warm place for that perfect, airy texture. This could mean away from any draft or window, using the proofing tray at the bottom of your oven, or using the warm function of your oven and leaving it inside. If you choose to use the oven, replace the plastic wrap with a kitchen towel.
  • Customize your garlic knots by adding a dash of garlic powder or dried oregano to the dough for an extra burst of flavor.
  • For a crispy finish, sprinkle Parmesan cheese before baking.

How to reheat and store Easy Garlic Knots

How to store leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days.

Can I freeze homemade garlic knots?

Absolutely! You can freeze leftover garlic knots to enjoy them later.

Make sure they are cooled completely, then place them in an airtight container or a freezer bag before freezing. This way, you can conveniently thaw and reheat them whenever a garlic knot craving strikes. Frozen garlic knots can be stored for up to 1 month in the freezer.

Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

How to reheat garlic knots

Microwave for a quick warm-up or pop them in the oven to revive that fresh-from-the-bakery feel.

garlic knot dipping into marinara sauce.

FAQs

How can I get brown tops on my garlic knots?

For a nice brown color, try putting them higher in the oven to get more heat from the top. You can use milk wash, egg wash, or butter to help them brown. Be careful about putting them too high in the oven, though. Burnt garlic isn’t tasty.

Why are garlic knots so good?

Since garlic knots are usually made from homemade pizza dough, they share a taste and texture similar to pizza crust—only better! The addition of rich melted butter and flavorful seasonings makes this garlic knots recipe so delicious that they don’t require any extra sauce, cheese, or toppings.

Can I use regular dry active yeast instead?

Yes, they can be used interchangeably, but active dry yeast has to be dissolved in water before you use it. Instant yeast can go straight into the dough. 

Need more bread roll recipes? Try these:

One Hour Dinner Rolls

Crescent Roll Pepperoni Pizza Roll Ups

Holiday Garlic Herb Rolls

Easy Garlic Cheese Bombs

Click here for my entire collection of bread recipes.

plate full of garlic knots sprinkled with parmesan cheese.

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overhead shot of a pile of garlic knots topped with parsley.

Easy Garlic Knots

Melissa Williams | Persnickety Plates
Easy Garlic Knots are homemade but simple to make. Topped with garlic butter and parmesan cheese, these buttery rolls are perfect alongside dinner or with sauce for dipping.
4.58 from 7 votes
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Rise Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 16 knots
Calories 105 kcal

Ingredients
 

For the Knots

  • 2 ¼ cups all purpose flour
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast 1 packet
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons granulated white sugar
  • 1 Tablespoon olive oil
  • ¾ cup warm water

For the Garlic Butter

  • ¼ cup salted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic 2 cloves
  • 2 teaspoons fresh parsley or dried parsley

Instructions
 

  • To the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, stir together the flour, yeast, salt, and sugar.
    2 1/4 cups all purpose flour, 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast, 1 teaspoon salt, 2 teaspoons granulated white sugar
  • Add in the olive oil and water and beat until the dough starts to come together.
    1 Tablespoon olive oil, 3/4 cup warm water
  • Swap out the paddle attachment for the dough hook and let the mixture knead for at least 5 minutes until a soft dough forms. Use your hands to form the dough into a ball.
  • Lightly coat a large bowl with olive oil and add in the dough ball. Roll the ball around so it is lightly coated with olive oil. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and allow the dough to rise in a warm place until it doubles in size, approximately 30-40 minutes.
  • Lightly flour a large cutting board (or any clean surface) and add the risen dough. Use a rolling pin to roll the dough out to a large rectangle, about 1/2″ thick.
  • Line a baking sheet with a silicone mat or parchment paper and set aside.
  • Cut the dough into 16 strips. Roll each strip into a rope, then tie each rope into a knot. Place each knot onto the prepared baking sheet, about 1″ apart. Repeat until out of dough.
  • Cover the knots with plastic wrap and allow to rise again in a warm place, until puffed and about double in size. Again, this took about a half hour for me.
  • Preheat the oven to 375°F.
  • Bake the knots for 12-15 minutes or until slightly golden brown. Remove from the oven.
  • While the knots are baking, add the butter, minced garlic, and parsley to a small saucepan and melt over medium heat.
    1/4 cup salted butter, 2 cloves garlic, 2 teaspoons fresh parsley
  • Once the knots are done baking, immediately brush them with the garlic butter and serve. Sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese for added flavor.

Notes

Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Slightly adapted from A Kitchen Addiction
 

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 105kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 3gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 8mgSodium: 173mgPotassium: 35mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 89IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 3mgIron: 1mg

Nutritional information is an estimate and provided to you as a courtesy. You should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe using your preferred nutrition calculator.

Tried this recipe? Tag me!Mention @melissa_pplates or tag #persnicketyplates!

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Originally published March 20, 2014

Simple Garlic Knots | Persnickety Plates
These Simple Garlic Knots are a delicious side dish to a Sunday dinner. Perfect for large gatherings or a quick late night snack, these buttery rolls will disappear quickly!
These Simple Garlic Knots are a delicious side dish to a Sunday dinner. Perfect for large gatherings or a quick late night snack, these buttery rolls will disappear quickly!


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  1. Karen says

    These look so good! My best friend made a very similar recipe for me a while back except she brushed them with olive oil instead of butter and I just thought to myself “Why isn’t this butter.” So yeah, good call 🙂

  2. Natalya says

    5 stars
    Just made these – and they were fantastic! My kids kept wanting to grab them while they were hot! I made them to go with a soup – and half of them were gone before the soup finished.

    Adding this to my recipes and pinning it too!

  3. Mary Solstad says

    These were sooooo amazingly good. We’d planned on eating them with spaghetti but as soon as they were done my husband and I took them out to the front porch with glasses of wine and proceeded to eat every single one of these delectable morsels!

    • Melissa Williams says

      Wine + garlic knots sounds absolutely perfect!! Thanks for sharing =)

  4. Amber says

    Can these be frozen after they are baked?? They are delicious by the way!!!

    • Melissa Williams says

      Thanks! I haven’t tried it, but I think you can freeze them after they’re baked. They should keep for about a month frozen. Just take them out the night before you want to use them to thaw, I think 🙂

    • Amber says

      Great!!! Thanks!! If I didn’t bake them first, I could freeze the dough right?

    • Melissa Williams says

      Yep – it’ll take a lil more planning, but it’ll work out even better that way 🙂

  5. Heather says

    What can I use if I cannot find instant yeast?
    Can I use just regular packet of star brand active dry yeast? Please let me know by e-mailing me at midnight0675@frontier.com

    • Melissa Williams says

      Hi Heather –
      Yes, they can be used interchangeably, but active dry yeast has to be dissolved in water before you use it. Instant yeast can go straight into the dough. Hope that helps!

  6. Stephanie says

    Hi. Normally you activate the yeast with water and sugar before adding dry ingredients. Are the directions correct? Just much all together?

    • Melissa Williams says

      Hi 🙂 yes, I used instant yeast in this one so it can all go in at once.

  7. Stefi says

    Hi there! I’m so excited to make these but it seems the dough has come out a little dry. Is this the usual case?

    • Melissa Williams says

      Hi, no it’s not usually dry. Let me know how they turn out!

  8. Zoe says

    What can I use if I don’t have any fresh minced garlic on hand? Can I use dried minced garlic or garlic powder?

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