If you’ve ever sat at a pizza place and inhaled those soft, buttery, irresistible garlic knots before your main dish arrived, you already know why we’re here today. Garlic knots are dangerous—in the best way possible. They’re fluffy, chewy, dripping in garlicky butter, and absolutely impossible to eat “just one.” Have you ever actually managed that? Yeah, me neither.
My obsession with garlic knots started young, when I realized these tiny bread wonders were basically the love child of garlic bread and a warm dinner roll. And IMO, they’re one of the most satisfying fun baking recipes out there. Soft dough, warm butter, fresh garlic, a little parmesan… you can practically smell them already.
Whether you want Homemade Garlic Knots From Scratch, Quick Garlic Knots, Crescent Roll Garlic Knots, or even Gluten Free Garlic Knots, this recipe gives you a perfect base and tons of variations. So let’s make garlic knots that taste like they came straight from a pizzeria—but better.
Why Garlic Knots Never Fail to Impress
Garlic knots check every box. They’re simple, comforting, flavorful, and universally adored. You can serve them with pasta, pizza, salads, soups, or—let’s be honest—by themselves at midnight when cravings hit.
But what makes them so irresistible?
- Soft, warm dough that pulls apart perfectly
- A buttery garlic coating that hits every craving
- A slight golden crust with fluffy centers
- Endless variations—from cheesy to herby to spicy
Have you ever noticed how certain recipes just scream “homemade love”? Garlic knots are exactly that.
Ingredients You’ll Need (With Quantities)
This recipe makes 12 garlic knots.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Rise Time: 1 hour
Bake Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour 35 minutes
For the Dough
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 cup warm water (110°F)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Garlic Butter
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
This simple combo gives you Homemade Buttery Garlic Knots that rival any restaurant.
How to Make Garlic Knots (Step-by-Step and Beginner-Friendly)
I’m breaking down the process slowly so nothing feels overwhelming. Making knots looks complicated, but it’s actually easier than tying your shoelaces. Kind of.
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. If it doesn’t foam, your yeast may be expired or the water too hot/cold.
This step gives your knots their gorgeous fluff. Have you ever seen dough rise and felt strangely proud? Same.
Step 2: Form the Dough
Add olive oil, flour, and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir until a dough forms. Knead with your hands for 5–7 minutes until smooth.
The dough should be soft, slightly tacky, and elastic—think “soft pillow vibes.”
Kneading counts as arm day, FYI.
Step 3: Let the Dough Rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise for 1 hour in a warm area. It should double in size.
This step turns simple ingredients into fluffy, bakery-quality dough.
Perfect for any bread knots recipes, garlic rolls homemade, or easy cooking recipes.
Step 4: Shape Your Garlic Knots
Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope about 6 inches long. Tie each rope into a loose knot, then tuck the ends underneath.
You’ll feel like a bread artist instantly—trust me.
This is the foundation of all garlic knot bread recipe variations.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden
Place the knots on a lined baking sheet. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes, or until lightly golden on top.
Your kitchen will smell like a dream, and everyone will magically wander toward the oven.
Step 6: Brush With Garlic Butter
While the knots are hot, brush them generously with the garlic butter mixture. Make sure every twist gets coated. Sprinkle parmesan on top.
THIS is the moment garlic knots become swoon-worthy.
These instantly turn into The Best Homemade Garlic Knots you’ve ever tasted.
Garlic Knot Variations You’ll Love
Let’s upgrade your knots because options = happiness.
Cheesy Garlic Rolls
Top with mozzarella before baking for gooey centers.
Crescent Roll Garlic Knots
Use canned crescent dough for super easy garlic knots recipe moments.
Garlic Bread Bites
Cut dough smaller for bite-sized versions—amazing for parties.
Gluten Free Garlic Knots
Use gluten-free flour and 1 extra tablespoon olive oil.
Garlic Buns
Bake the knots closer together so they rise into soft pull-apart buns.
Garlic knots adapt to almost any craving. Ever wanted bread that fits every mood? This is it.
Why Homemade Garlic Knots Beat Store-Bought Every Time
I love shortcuts, but garlic knots are worth doing from scratch when you can. Here’s why:
You control the texture
Soft or chewy? Fluffy or crispy? You decide.
They taste fresher
Warm, homemade dough hits differently.
They smell incredible
Your entire home turns into a bakery.
They use simple ingredients
Just flour, yeast, water, oil, and garlic. No strange preservatives.
They impress everyone
Serving homemade knots is a flex—admit it.
Whether you want garlic bread knots, homemade garlic knot rolls, or quick recipes snacks for guests, these satisfy instantly.
Best Ways to Serve Garlic Knots
Garlic knots go with literally everything:
- Pizza
- Pasta
- Soups
- Salads
- Marinara dipping sauce
- Alfredo sauce
- Ranch (don’t judge)
They also make amazing sides for Indian snack recipes, fair food recipes, and easy snack recipes you’d serve at game night.
Honestly, garlic knots can be the main course if you believe in yourself.
Tips for Perfect Garlic Knots Every Time
Here are the small things that make a huge difference:
- Use warm—not hot—water for yeast
- Don’t over-flour the dough
- Let the dough rise fully
- Don’t tie knots too tight
- Brush with garlic butter while they’re hot
- Serve immediately for ultimate softness
Have you ever wondered why restaurant garlic knots feel so soft? It’s all in the timing and butter.
Extra Fun Twists for Creative Bakers
Want to surprise your guests? Try these ideas:
Sweet Cinnamon Knots
Swap garlic butter for cinnamon sugar for a dessert version—hello, sweet snacks recipes and bread recipes sweet.
Spicy Garlic Knots
Add chili flakes to the butter.
Herb Explosion Knots
Add rosemary, thyme, and oregano.
Stuffed Garlic Knots
Wrap dough around small mozzarella balls.
These twists turn simple knots into unforgettable treats.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I freeze garlic knots?
Yes. Freeze them after baking, then reheat at 350°F for 8 minutes.
2. Can I use store-bought dough?
Absolutely. Pizza dough works great for super easy garlic knots recipe nights.
3. Why are my knots dense?
Your dough may not have risen long enough.
4. Can I make these dairy-free?
Yes—use olive oil instead of butter.
5. How do I reheat garlic knots?
Warm them in the oven at 300°F for 5–7 minutes.
Garlic Knots Recipe: Soft, Buttery Perfection You’ll Want Daily
12
Knots1
hour35
minutesThis garlic knots recipe creates warm, soft, buttery bread twists coated in garlic, parsley, and parmesan. They’re easy to make, great for beginners, customizable, and perfect as a snack or side dish. Whether served with pasta, pizza, or dips, these homemade knots guarantee irresistible flavor and bakery-quality texture.
Ingredients
-
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
-
1 cup warm water
-
2 tablespoons sugar
-
2 tablespoons olive oil
-
3 cups all-purpose flour
-
1 teaspoon salt
- Garlic Butter:
-
1/4 cup butter, melted
-
3 cloves garlic, minced
-
1 tablespoon olive oil
-
1 tablespoon parsley
-
2 tablespoons parmesan
-
1/2 teaspoon salt
How To Make Garlic Knots
- Activate yeast with warm water and sugar.
- Mix oil, flour, and salt to form dough.
- Knead for 5–7 minutes.
- Let dough rise for 1 hour.
- Roll into ropes and tie into knots.
- Bake 12–15 minutes at 400°F.
- Brush hot knots with garlic butter.
Conclusion
Garlic knots are one of those recipes that feel fancy but stay incredibly simple. They’re warm, buttery, garlicky, and hands-down addictive. Whether you make them from scratch or use crescent dough on a busy night, these knots deliver pure comfort in every bite.
Try them once, and you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them.
