Introduction
Garlic Knots are a beloved appetizer and side dish that originated in Italian-American pizzerias. They are made from pizza dough, tied into little knots, baked until golden, and brushed with a fragrant garlic butter sauce. Soft, fluffy, and bursting with garlic flavor, they’re a perfect accompaniment to pasta, pizza, soups, or salads.
These little knots of joy are a restaurant favorite, but the good news is you can make them just as delicious at home. With simple ingredients like flour, yeast, butter, and garlic, this recipe is approachable yet delivers bakery-quality results.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love Garlic Knots because they’re comfort food at its best—warm, pillowy bread kissed with garlicky butter and a sprinkle of Parmesan. They’re fun to shape, bake, and, most importantly, to eat.
They’re also incredibly versatile. You can serve them as a snack, dip them in marinara, or pair them with a full Italian meal. The aroma that fills the kitchen while baking is another reason I adore them—it’s irresistible and instantly makes the home feel cozy.
Why It’s a Must-Try Dish
- Easy to make with simple pantry ingredients.
- Perfect balance of soft bread and savory garlic butter.
- Works as an appetizer, snack, or side dish.
- Freezer-friendly for meal prep or parties.
- A guaranteed crowd-pleaser for family and guests.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes (plus 1 hour rise time)
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: ~1 hour 35 minutes
- Servings: 12 garlic knots
- Calories: ~180 kcal per knot
Cuisine and Course
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Course: Appetizer / Snack / Side
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water (110°F / 45°C)
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For Garlic Butter Coating:
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp Parmesan cheese, grated (optional)
- Pinch of salt
Simple Cooking Directions
- Make dough, knead, and let it rise.
- Roll into strips, tie into knots, and bake.
- Brush with garlic butter and sprinkle with parsley and Parmesan.
Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation Method
Step 1: Make the Dough
- In a bowl, dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Add flour, salt, and olive oil. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead for 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled.
Step 2: Shape the Knots
- Punch down dough and transfer to a floured surface.
- Roll dough into a rectangle and cut into 12 strips.
- Tie each strip into a knot and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 3: Bake
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Bake knots for 12–15 minutes until golden brown.
Step 4: Make Garlic Butter
- While knots bake, melt butter in a pan.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in parsley and salt.
Step 5: Coat and Serve
- Brush warm knots with garlic butter.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan, if desired.
How to Serve
- Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping.
- Pair with pasta dishes, pizza, or soups.
- Add to a bread basket for family dinners or parties.
Additional Recipe Tips
- Make sure yeast is active (foamy after mixing with water and sugar).
- Don’t overbake; knots should be golden, not too dark.
- Brush with garlic butter immediately after baking for best flavor.
- For stronger flavor, add garlic powder to the dough itself.
Variations
- Cheesy Garlic Knots: Stuff dough with mozzarella before tying.
- Spicy Garlic Knots: Add red pepper flakes to garlic butter.
- Herbed Garlic Knots: Add oregano, basil, or rosemary.
- Whole Wheat Knots: Use half whole wheat flour for a healthier twist.
Freezing and Storage
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Refrigeration: Store in fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat before serving.
- Freezing (Unbaked): Freeze shaped knots (before baking) for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few minutes to cooking time.
- Freezing (Baked): Freeze baked knots for up to 1 month. Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes.
Special Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowl
- Baking sheet lined with parchment paper
- Pastry brush (for garlic butter)
Conclusion
Garlic Knots are soft, buttery, and full of garlicky goodness—a perfect appetizer or side dish that everyone loves. With a few pantry staples, you can bake restaurant-style garlic knots at home. Whether served with marinara, pasta, or as part of a party spread, these golden knots are irresistible and always a crowd favorite.
Garlic Knots
Description
Garlic Knots are a beloved appetizer and side dish that originated in Italian-American pizzerias. They are made from pizza dough, tied into little knots, baked until golden, and brushed with a fragrant garlic butter sauce.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
For Garlic Butter Coating:
Instructions
-
Step 1: Make the Dough : In a bowl, dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.Add flour, salt, and olive oil. Mix until a dough forms. Knead for 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic.Place in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled.
-
Step 2: Shape the Knots : Punch down dough and transfer to a floured surface.Roll dough into a rectangle and cut into 12 strips.Tie each strip into a knot and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
-
Step 3: Bake : Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).Bake knots for 12–15 minutes until golden brown.
-
Step 4: Make Garlic Butter : While knots bake, melt butter in a pan.Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.Stir in parsley and salt.
-
Step 5: Coat and Serve : Brush warm knots with garlic butter.Sprinkle with Parmesan, if desired.
