Garlic Knots
Soft, golden, and packed with buttery garlic flavor, these homemade garlic knots are what carb lovers’ dreams are made of. Whether you’re serving them alongside a big bowl of pasta or enjoying them as a snack dipped in marinara, their irresistible pull-apart texture makes them a crowd favorite every time.
What makes garlic knots so special is how simple ingredients can transform into something so fragrant and comforting. From the tender dough to the garlicky topping, every bite bursts with flavor and warmth. And the best part? You don’t have to be a seasoned baker to pull them off perfectly.
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Knots Recipe
Garlic knots bring together the best of everything: fluffy bread, rich butter, and bold garlic. They’re easy to make at home, freeze beautifully, and bake up quickly, making them a go-to side or snack. Plus, you can easily adjust the level of garlic or add herbs and cheese for extra flair.
Can I Use Store-Bought Dough for Garlic Knots?
Absolutely! While homemade dough gives you full control over flavor and texture, store-bought pizza dough works great if you’re short on time. Just let it come to room temperature before shaping so it’s easier to work with.
Ingredients for the Garlic Knots
To make truly flavorful garlic knots, each ingredient plays a key role. This recipe keeps it classic with a few simple pantry staples that deliver big results.
- All-purpose flour
- Active dry yeast
- Warm water
- Sugar
- Salt
- Olive oil
- Unsalted butter
- Garlic cloves
- Fresh parsley
- Parmesan cheese (optional)
The flour provides the structure, while the yeast helps the dough rise and become fluffy. Olive oil adds tenderness, and the buttery garlic topping takes everything to the next level. Don’t skip the parsley—it adds fresh color and aroma.

How To Make the Garlic Knots
Step 1: Make the Dough
In a large bowl, mix the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy. Add the flour, salt, and olive oil, then stir until the dough comes together.
Step 2: Knead and Let Rise
Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8 minutes until smooth. Place it in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Step 3: Shape the Knots
Punch down the dough and divide it into equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope and tie into a knot. Place knots on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 4: Second Rise
Cover the shaped knots with a clean towel and let them rest for another 20-30 minutes.
Step 5: Bake the Knots
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the knots for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
Step 6: Make the Garlic Butter
While the knots bake, melt the butter in a pan and add minced garlic. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, then stir in chopped parsley.
Step 7: Brush and Serve
Once the knots are out of the oven, brush them generously with the garlic butter. Sprinkle with Parmesan if using and serve warm.
Serving and Storing These Garlic Knots
These garlic knots are best enjoyed warm, straight from the oven when the butter is still glistening and the bread is soft and fluffy inside. They’re perfect for serving with pasta, soup, or as part of a game-day appetizer spread. This recipe makes about 12 knots, feeding 4 to 6 people.
To store leftovers, let them cool completely and keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven at 350°F for 5 minutes. You can also freeze them before baking—just shape the knots, freeze on a tray, and transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen with a few extra minutes added.
What to Serve With Garlic Knots?
Marinara Sauce
The classic dipping companion. A warm, herby marinara brings out the garlic flavor beautifully.
Creamy Tomato Soup
Velvety and comforting, this soup turns garlic knots into a cozy meal.
Spaghetti and Meatballs
Pair them with a hearty pasta dish for a complete Italian-style dinner.
Caesar Salad
The crisp greens and creamy dressing contrast perfectly with the warm bread.
Grilled Chicken Parmesan
Use the knots to soak up any extra sauce from a juicy chicken parm.
Lasagna
Rich and cheesy lasagna calls for a garlicky bread side to balance every bite.
Caprese Skewers
Keep it light and fresh with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil for a great contrast.
Want More Bread Side Ideas?
If you love these garlic knots, you’ll probably enjoy these other favorites:
- Canned Biscuit Sugar Donuts for an easy sweet treat.
- Fluffy Cottage Cheese Cloud Bread for a high-protein, low-carb option.
- Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Cheesy Breadsticks if you crave savory and melty.
- Creamy Mushroom Sauce for Steak that pairs perfectly with crusty bread.
- BBQ Chicken Pizza with a buttery garlic knot crust for the win.
Save This Recipe For Later
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest appetizer or dinner board so you can come back to it any time.
I’d love to know how yours turned out. Did you go heavy on the garlic or add cheese on top? Leave a comment below and share your twist!
Explore beautifully curated homemade snack and bread ideas on Luna Meals on Pinterest and discover your next favorite bake.
Conclusion
Garlic knots are that perfect fusion of simple and indulgent. They don’t take a ton of ingredients or fancy techniques, but they deliver big on flavor and satisfaction. Whether you’re baking them for a dinner party or as a cozy treat, they’re sure to win over everyone at the table.

Garlic Knots
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 garlic knots
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These homemade garlic knots are soft, buttery, and bursting with fresh garlic flavor. Perfect as a side dish or appetizer, they pair well with pasta, soup, or salads. This garlic knots recipe uses simple pantry staples and can be made with homemade or store-bought dough. Great for weeknight meals, parties, or weekend treats.
Ingredients
1 cup warm water
2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
1 teaspoon sugar
2½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit until foamy, about 5–10 minutes.
2. Add flour, salt, and olive oil to the bowl. Stir until the dough comes together.
3. Transfer dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled.
5. Punch down the dough and divide into 12 equal pieces. Roll each into a rope and tie into a knot.
6. Arrange knots on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover and let rise again for 20–30 minutes.
7. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake knots for 12–15 minutes or until golden.
8. While baking, melt butter in a small saucepan and add minced garlic. Cook for 1–2 minutes.
9. Stir in chopped parsley and remove from heat.
10. Brush baked knots with garlic butter. Sprinkle with Parmesan if desired and serve warm.
Notes
Use fresh garlic for the best flavor.
Don’t overbake to keep them soft inside.
Let the dough rest at room temperature before shaping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer / Side
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 garlic knot
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg


