Homemade Garlic Knots
Are you ready to make your kitchen smell like an Italian bakery? I have a recipe that will knock your socks off.
We are going to bake the most amazing, soft, and buttery garlic knots from scratch. I promise it’s easier than you think.
You don’t need to be a professional baker to pull this off. These little knots of joy are perfect for dinner, parties, or just because. Let’s get baking!
Why You’ll Love These Garlic Knots
I just know you’re going to fall in love with this recipe. First, the smell alone is HEAVENLY. As they bake, your whole house fills with the warm scent of garlic and fresh bread.
These knots are incredibly soft and fluffy on the inside with a perfect golden-brown outside. They are also super fun to make! Tying the little knots is a great activity to do with kids.
These knots are drenched in a delicious garlic butter sauce that makes them irresistible. They taste way better than anything you can buy at the store. If you are a big fan of garlic bread, you should also try my homemade cheesy garlic bread.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Bread Flour: This gives your knots that wonderful, chewy texture we all love.
- Instant Yeast: This is the magic that makes your dough rise beautifully.
- Sugar: A little bit of sugar helps to feed the yeast.
- Salt: Salt adds flavor and helps control the yeast’s activity.
- Garlic Powder: We add this right into the dough for extra garlicky goodness.
- Olive Oil: This adds richness to the dough and keeps it soft.
- Warm Water: This helps activate the yeast and bring the dough together.
- Salted Butter: This is the base for our rich and savory topping.
- Minced Garlic: You can never have too much fresh garlic, right?
- Fresh Basil: This adds a wonderful, fresh flavor to the butter sauce.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: A little cheese makes everything better, and it’s optional but recommended!
How to Make Garlic Knots
Making these garlic knots is so rewarding. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have warm, buttery knots in no time!
Step 1: Make the Dough
First, mix your dry ingredients. In your stand mixer bowl, whisk together 4 cups of bread flour, instant yeast, sugar, salt, and garlic powder. Then, add the olive oil and warm water.
Step 2: Knead and Rise
Now, knead the dough. Use the dough hook on your mixer to knead on low speed for about 5-7 minutes. The dough should be smooth. Place it in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise for 1-2 hours until it doubles in size.
Step 3: Shape the Knots
Next, shape your knots. Gently punch down the dough and place it on a floured surface. Roll it into a long rope and cut it into 12 equal pieces. Tie each piece into a simple knot and place them on your baking sheet.
Step 4: Let Them Rise Again
It’s time to let the knots rise one more time. Cover the baking sheet with a clean kitchen towel. Let the knots sit in a warm spot for about 30 minutes. They will get a little puffier. While they rise, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Step 5: Bake and Butter
Finally, bake your garlic knots! Bake them for 12-15 minutes until they are golden brown. While they bake, melt the butter and mix in the garlic and basil. Brush the warm knots with the garlic butter. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if you like. ENJOY!
Tips for the Best Garlic Knots
Here are my favorite little tricks to make sure your garlic knots turn out perfect every single time.
- Use warm water. Make sure your water is warm, not hot. This helps the yeast wake up without killing it.
- Don’t over-knead. Knead just until the dough is smooth. Over-kneading can make your knots tough.
- Proper rising time. Let the dough fully double in size. This step is key for a light, airy texture.
- Evenly sized knots. Try to cut your dough into equal pieces. This ensures they all bake evenly in the oven.
- Brush while warm. Apply the garlic butter when the knots are fresh from the oven so it soaks right in.
- Fresh is best. Use fresh garlic and basil if you can. It really makes the flavor pop!
Variations and Substitutions
Want to mix things up a bit? Here are some fun ideas to put your own spin on these garlic knots.
- Add some spice. Mix a little red pepper flake into the garlic butter for a spicy kick. You will love the heat!
- Try different herbs. Don’t have basil? Use fresh parsley, oregano, or rosemary instead for a new flavor.
- Make them cheesy. Stuff a small cube of mozzarella cheese inside each knot before baking for a gooey surprise.
- Everything bagel knots. Brush the knots with egg wash and sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning before you bake them.
- Whole wheat flour. You can swap half of the bread flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier, nuttier taste.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
These garlic knots are best when they are fresh and warm, but you can make them ahead of time! You can prepare the dough, let it rise, and then store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just let it come to room temperature before you shape and bake it.
If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat them, just pop them in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes until they are warm and soft again.
Recipe FAQs
How do I know when the dough is done rising?
Your dough is ready when it has doubled in size. You can test it by gently poking it with your finger. If the dent stays, it’s ready to go!
Can I make these without a stand mixer?
Yes, you can! Just mix the ingredients in a large bowl with a wooden spoon. Then, knead the dough by hand on a floured surface for about 10 minutes.
Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
You sure can. Just be sure to activate it in the warm water with the sugar for about 5 minutes before adding it to the flour mixture.
Can I freeze these garlic knots?
Yes! Let them cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They will last for up to 3 months. Reheat them in the oven when you’re ready to eat.
What to serve with garlic knots?
These knots are perfect with so many meals! I love to serve them with a warm bowl of tomato tortellini soup or my creamy broccoli cheddar potato soup. They are also great with pasta dish, like a hearty baked rigatoni with ground beef.
Why are my garlic knots tough?
Tough knots are usually caused by using too much flour or over-kneading the dough. Be sure to measure your flour correctly and stop kneading once the dough is smooth.
Homemade Garlic Knots
Ingredients
- 4 cups bread flour
- 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil plus more for greasing
- 1 ½ cups warm water (110-115°F)
For the Garlic Butter
- ½ cup salted butter (melted)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil (minced)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Make the dough: In a stand mixer bowl, whisk together 4 c of bread flour, yeast, sugar, salt, and garlic powder. Add the olive oil and warm water.
- Knead the dough: Using the dough hook, knead on low speed for 5-7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. Place it in a greased bowl and cover.
- Let it rise: Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size. This step is crucial for a light texture.
- Shape the knots: Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope and tie it into a knot. Place them on a baking sheet.
- Second rise and bake: Cover the knots and let them rise for another 30 minutes. Bake at 400°F for 12-15 minutes until they are golden brown.
- Add garlic butter: While the knots bake, mix the melted butter, garlic, and basil. Brush the butter mixture over the warm knots. Sprinkle with Parmesan and serve.
Notes
- Ensure your water temperature is just right to activate the yeast.
- You can use all-purpose flour if you do not have bread flour.
- Feel free to add other herbs like parsley or oregano to the butter.
- Store any leftover garlic knots in an airtight container for freshness.
- These knots are delicious when served warm right from the oven.
