Garlic Knots Recipe For Every Occasion

The Best Buttery Garlic Knots Recipe for Cozy Family Dinners

Crispy, golden garlic knots have become my ultimate crowd-pleaser at potlucks and family gatherings.

Knotted dough spirals burst with aromatic herbs and rich, buttery goodness.

Small bakeries and pizzerias inspired this simple yet delectable treat that anyone can master.

Soft, pillowy dough wrapped into playful twists creates an irresistible appetizer or side dish.

Warm bread fresh from the oven carries an incredible aroma that draws people closer.

Professional chefs and home cooks alike appreciate how quickly these savory delights come together.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe for every social event and casual dinner party.

Make these garlic knots and watch smiles spread around the table.

What Makes Garlic Knots Recipe a Favorite

  • Craft with Ease: Perfect for home bakers of all skill levels, these garlic knots require minimal technical expertise and deliver delightful results every single time.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Perfection: Guaranteed to be a hit at parties, game nights, or family dinners, these knots will vanish from the serving plate in minutes with their irresistible aroma and flavor.
  • Quick Kitchen Adventure: From mixing ingredients to pulling golden-brown knots from the oven, this recipe offers a speedy culinary experience that transforms simple pantry staples into a mouthwatering treat.
  • Versatile Comfort Food: Adaptable for appetizers, side dishes, or casual snacking, these garlic knots complement nearly any meal and satisfy both kids and adults with their warm, buttery goodness.

Ingredients for Garlic Knots

Main Ingredients:
  • Flour: A key ingredient that provides the base structure for the soft and chewy garlic knots.
  • Water: Essential liquid that helps activate the yeast and bind the ingredients together.
  • Yeast: A crucial leavening agent that makes the dough rise and creates a light, airy texture.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and helps control yeast growth in the dough.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Garlic, Oregano: Classic herbs that add a bold and aromatic taste to the garlic knots.
  • Sugar: Helps activate the yeast and provides a subtle sweetness to balance the savory flavors.
Finishing Ingredients:
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps create a golden brown, crispy exterior when brushed on the knots.

How to Make Garlic Knots Perfectly

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let the mixture sit and become frothy, allowing the yeast to wake up and get bubbly.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough Base

In a large mixing bowl, blend:
  • Flour
  • Salt

Mix the dry ingredients thoroughly. Pour in the activated yeast mixture and stir until a rough, shaggy dough forms.

Step 3: Knead to Perfection

Transfer the dough to a floured surface. Knead vigorously for about 10 minutes, transforming the sticky mass into a smooth, elastic ball of dough.

Step 4: First Rise

Place the dough in an oiled bowl, covering it completely. Let it rest in a warm, cozy spot for approximately one hour until it doubles in size.

Step 5: Shape the Knots

Punch down the risen dough. Divide into small portions.

Roll each piece into a rope and tie into adorable knots.

Step 6: Garlic Butter Magic

Prepare a flavorful butter mixture with:
  • Melted butter
  • Minced garlic
  • Dried oregano

Brush the knots generously with this aromatic blend.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place the knots on a greased baking sheet. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes until they turn a beautiful golden brown.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Serve warm and watch them disappear in minutes!

Tips for Delicious Garlic Knots

  • Ensure water is warm (not hot) to help yeast bloom perfectly without killing the microorganisms.
  • Use the heel of your hand to stretch and fold dough, creating a smooth elastic texture that guarantees soft garlic knots.
  • Allow dough to rise in a draft-free, warm area like near a preheated oven to help it double in size and develop rich flavor.
  • Mix minced fresh garlic with melted butter for an intense, aromatic coating that elevates the knots' taste and appearance.
  • Cool garlic knots completely before storing in an airtight container to maintain crispness and prevent sogginess.

Variations for Garlic Knots

  • Gluten-Free Garlic Knots: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free blend for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
  • Vegan Herb Knots: Swap butter with olive oil and use plant-based yeast to create dairy-free, egg-free version.
  • Whole Wheat Rustic Knots: Substitute half white flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber and nutty flavor.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Knots: Use riced cauliflower and almond flour as base to reduce carbohydrate content for keto dieters.

Best Pairings for Garlic Knots

Pair these garlic knots with bold, rich partners that enhance their garlicky goodness.

Choose a medium-bodied Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese to cut through the buttery richness and complement the herb-infused bread.

Serve alongside a vibrant, tangy marinara sauce that adds bright acidity and balances the knots’ intense garlic and butter profile.

Create a fresh counterpoint with a light arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette, which provides a peppery, citrusy contrast to the warm, dense garlic knots.

Proper Storage for Garlic Knots

  • Store leftover garlic knots in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
  • Place cooled knots in a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper. Freeze for up to 2 months for maximum freshness.
  • Warm refrigerated knots at 350F for 5-7 minutes until heated through. Wrap in foil to retain moisture and prevent burning.
  • Reheat for 15-20 seconds, checking to avoid tough texture. Add a damp paper towel to help maintain softness and prevent dryness.

FAQs

  • Are garlic knots difficult to make at home?

No, garlic knots are surprisingly easy to prepare with basic baking skills. The recipe requires simple ingredients and straightforward steps that even beginner bakers can master.

  • What type of flour works best for garlic knots?

All-purpose flour is perfect for this recipe. It provides the right texture and structure for soft, chewy garlic knots with a nice golden crust.

  • Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance. After kneading, let it rise, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours before shaping and baking. This helps develop deeper flavor and saves time on the day of serving.

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Garlic Knots Recipe For Every Occasion

Garlic Knots Recipe For Every Occasion


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4.6 from 18 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Irresistible garlic knots bring Italian street charm straight to home kitchens, creating delicious comfort with simple ingredients. Warm, buttery twists of dough promise golden perfection that delights friends and family at any gathering.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 1/4 cups (280 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup (180 milliliters) warm water (100°F to 110°F)
  • 4 tablespoons (60 milliliters) melted butter

Yeast and Seasoning:

  • 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons or 7 grams) active dry yeast
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano

Aromatics and Optional Topping:

  • 3 cloves minced garlic
  • Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Activate yeast by dissolving it in warm water with sugar, allowing the mixture to become foamy and fragrant for 5-10 minutes.
  2. Combine flour and salt in a spacious mixing bowl, creating a foundation for the dough.
  3. Pour the activated yeast mixture into the flour, stirring until a rough, shaggy texture forms.
  4. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead vigorously for 10 minutes, developing a smooth and elastic consistency.
  5. Coat a clean bowl with olive oil, place the dough inside, and cover with a damp cloth, allowing it to rise in a warm environment for approximately 1 hour until it doubles in volume.
  6. Gently deflate the risen dough and divide it into uniform portions.
  7. Roll each portion into slender ropes and elegantly twist them into delicate knots.
  8. Arrange the knots on a greased baking sheet, maintaining slight separation between each piece.
  9. Generously brush the knots with a garlic-infused butter mixture, incorporating dried oregano for enhanced flavor.
  10. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes until they transform into golden, aromatic delicacies.

Notes

  • Gluten-Free Option: Swap traditional flour with a gluten-free blend to accommodate those with wheat sensitivities, ensuring everyone can enjoy these delectable knots.
  • Perfect Kneading Technique: Use the heel of your hand to push and fold the dough, creating a smooth and elastic texture that guarantees soft, pillowy garlic knots.
  • Flavor Boost: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary or thyme in the garlic butter mixture to add unique, personalized taste dimensions to your knots.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate overnight, allowing flavors to develop and saving time during busy meal preparations.
  • Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 150 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 250 mg
  • Fat: 6 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 15 mg
Mike Reynolds

Mike Reynolds

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Farm-to-table cuisine, Seasonal recipe development, Sustainable cooking techniques, Food photography

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College (A-B Tech)
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Mike studied culinary arts with a strong focus on farm-to-table principles and sustainable cooking. His training emphasized the importance of fresh, local ingredients and environmentally responsible practices in the kitchen.


Mike’s food journey began deep in the Blue Ridge Mountains, where weekends at farmers’ markets and home-cooked meals sparked a lifelong obsession with simple, seasonal eating.
After earning his Associate Degree in Culinary Arts from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, he set out to bring farm-to-table cooking into everyday kitchens, without the fuss.
Mike’s philosophy is all about keeping it fresh, unfussy, and full of heart. When he’s not crafting new single-serving recipes, he’s hiking mountain trails, chatting with local farmers, or experimenting with wild ingredients in his backyard kitchen.

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