Homemade garlic knots

Featured in: Snack & Appetizer Ideas

These soft, fluffy knots are crafted from a simple dough, kneaded and tied into small loops before baking to a golden brown. They are brushed immediately after baking with a fragrant garlic butter infused with fresh parsley and optionally sprinkled with Parmesan for a rich finish. Perfect as a savory snack or appetizer, their tender texture complements the aromatic butter coating beautifully.

Updated on Sat, 13 Dec 2025 12:38:00 GMT
Golden-brown Homemade Garlic Knots, brushed with garlicky butter, perfect for dipping in marinara sauce. Save to Pinterest
Golden-brown Homemade Garlic Knots, brushed with garlicky butter, perfect for dipping in marinara sauce. | vectorgrill.com

Soft, fluffy knots of dough brushed with aromatic garlic butter—perfect as a quick snack or appetizer for any occasion.

This recipe quickly became a family favorite at our gatherings—everyone loves these garlic knots!

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

Combine Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt. Mix well.
Add Liquids:
Add warm water and olive oil. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
Knead Dough:
Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
Rest Dough:
Cover and let rest for 10 minutes to relax the gluten.
Preheat Oven:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Form Knots:
Divide dough into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope about 6 inches (15 cm) long and tie into a knot.
Arrange Knots:
Place knots on the baking sheet, spacing evenly.
Bake:
Bake for 13 15 minutes, or until golden brown.
Prepare Garlic Butter:
Meanwhile, melt butter in a small saucepan. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute on low heat. Stir in parsley and salt.
Brush Knots:
Remove knots from oven. Immediately brush generously with garlic butter and sprinkle with Parmesan, if using.
Serve:
Serve warm.
Freshly baked Homemade Garlic Knots glistening from garlic butter, a comforting appetizer you'll love. Save to Pinterest
Freshly baked Homemade Garlic Knots glistening from garlic butter, a comforting appetizer you'll love. | vectorgrill.com

Making garlic knots has become a special ritual with my family, filling the kitchen with a warm, inviting aroma.

Notes

Serve with marinara sauce for dipping or sprinkle more Parmesan for extra flavor.

Required Tools

Mixing bowl, measuring cups and spoons, baking sheet, parchment paper, small saucepan, pastry brush.

Allergen Information

Contains wheat (gluten) and dairy (butter, Parmesan). Double-check cheese labels if vegetarian. May contain traces of nuts or soy depending on ingredient brands.

These warm Homemade Garlic Knots, savory and soft, are brushed with garlic and herb-infused butter. Save to Pinterest
These warm Homemade Garlic Knots, savory and soft, are brushed with garlic and herb-infused butter. | vectorgrill.com

These garlic knots are best enjoyed fresh and warm but can be stored and reheated without losing their delightful texture.

Recipe Questions & Answers

How do I shape the dough into knots?

Divide the dough into equal portions, roll each into a rope about 6 inches long, then tie each rope into a loose knot before baking.

Can I prepare the knots ahead of time?

Yes, knots can be made in advance and reheated briefly before serving to maintain softness and warmth.

What type of butter is best for the garlic coating?

Unsalted butter is preferred to control salt levels, melted gently with minced garlic and parsley for a fresh, aromatic coating.

Is Parmesan cheese necessary for the flavor?

Parmesan adds a savory depth but is optional; the aromatic garlic butter alone provides rich flavor.

What sides pair well with these garlic knots?

They are delightful on their own or served alongside marinara sauce for dipping, complementing Italian-American flavors.

Homemade garlic knots

Soft, fluffy knots brushed with garlicky butter deliver a flavorful, easy-to-make treat.

Prep Time
15 mins
Time to Cook
15 mins
Overall Time
30 mins
Created by Chloe Moore


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type Italian-American

Makes 12 Portions

Dietary Info Vegetarian-Friendly

What You’ll Use

Dough

01 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 1 teaspoon instant dry yeast
03 1 teaspoon 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

Step 01

Combine dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, blend flour, instant dry yeast, sugar, and salt thoroughly.

Step 02

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

Step 03

Knead dough: Transfer dough onto 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.

Step 05

Prepare baking sheet: Preheat 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 rope about 6 inches long and tie into knots.

Step 07

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

Step 08

Bake knots: Bake for 13 to 15 minutes 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 and garnish: Remove the knots from the oven and immediately brush them generously with garlic butter. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if desired.

Step 11

Serve warm: Serve the knots warm, optionally with marinara sauce for dipping.

What You’ll Need

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

Allergy Info

Look over each item for allergens and check with your doctor if unsure.
  • Contains wheat (gluten) and dairy (butter, Parmesan).
  • May contain traces of nuts or soy depending on ingredient brands.

Nutrition Breakdown (per portion)

Nutrition data is for learning only—not a substitute for professional medical advice.
  • Caloric Value: 120
  • Fats: 5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 16 g
  • Proteins: 3 g