Golden, fluffy, and buttery—Homemade Garlic Knots are the kind of savory snack that disappears faster than you can bake a second batch. With a soft, pillowy interior and a crisp, golden crust brushed with garlicky, herby butter, these knots are pure comfort food. Whether you’re serving them as a side with pasta or nibbling one (or five) straight off the tray, they always hit the spot.

Made with basic pantry ingredients and minimal kneading, these garlic knots are a game-changer for home bakers. You can make them from scratch or use pizza dough for a quick shortcut. The real magic, though, lies in the buttery garlic glaze that soaks into every twist and turn of the knot. They’re the kind of thing you’ll want to make weekly.

What Kind of Dough Should I Use for Garlic Knots?

You can use homemade dough or store-bought pizza dough—either works beautifully. For a fluffier result, homemade dough gives you control over rise and texture, but refrigerated pizza dough is a great time-saver that still delivers.

Ingredients for the Homemade Garlic Knots

All-Purpose Flour – The base of the dough that provides structure and chew. You want a flour that forms gluten easily for stretch and softness.

Instant Yeast – Helps the dough rise quickly and gives that classic puffy, airy bread texture.

Sugar – Just a little to feed the yeast and give the knots a touch of subtle sweetness.

Warm Water – Activates the yeast and binds everything together. It should feel like warm bath water—not too hot.

Olive Oil – Adds moisture to the dough and a lovely flavor depth.

Salt – Enhances every flavor in the dough and balances the sweetness.

Unsalted Butter – The base for the garlic topping. You’ll melt this down and brush it on after baking for that signature buttery shine.

Fresh Garlic – Finely minced garlic delivers bold, rich flavor. Use fresh over pre-minced for the best taste.

Parsley – Chopped parsley adds color and a herby brightness that balances the richness of the butter.

Sea Salt Flakes – For sprinkling on top. They add crunch and elevate the garlic butter flavor.

How To Make the Homemade Garlic Knots

Step 1: Make the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and instant yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy. Add flour, salt, and olive oil. Stir until a soft dough forms. Knead for about 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Step 2: Let it Rise

Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Step 3: Shape the Knots

Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope (about 8 inches long) and tie it into a knot. Place each knot on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 4: Second Rise

Loosely cover the shaped knots and let them rise again for 20–30 minutes. This step helps them bake up fluffier.

Step 5: Bake

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the knots for 15–18 minutes, or until golden brown on top.

Step 6: Make the Garlic Butter

While the knots bake, melt the unsalted butter in a small saucepan. Stir in the minced garlic and let it simmer for 1–2 minutes. Remove from heat and add chopped parsley.

Step 7: Brush and Serve

Once baked, immediately brush the hot knots with the garlic butter mixture. Sprinkle with sea salt flakes and serve warm.

How to Serve and Store Garlic Knots

These garlic knots are at their best served warm, right out of the oven, brushed generously with garlic butter. They’re a fantastic side dish for pasta, soups, or even salads. Want to turn them into a snack? Add a side of marinara or warm cheese dip.

To store leftovers, let the knots cool completely and keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days and reheat in the oven to revive that soft interior and crisp top. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my yeast is active?

When mixed with warm water and sugar, the yeast should foam up after 5–10 minutes. If it doesn’t, it may be expired or the water might have been too hot or too cold.

Can I use pre-made dough?

Yes! Store-bought pizza dough is a great shortcut and works well for this recipe. Let it come to room temperature before shaping.

What if I don’t have fresh garlic?

You can use garlic powder as a substitute. Start with 1 teaspoon mixed into the melted butter.

Can I make these knots ahead of time?

Absolutely. Shape the knots and refrigerate them before the second rise. When ready to bake, let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, then continue as directed.

How do I keep garlic knots soft the next day?

Wrap them in foil and reheat in a warm oven (around 300°F) for 5–10 minutes. The foil traps steam to keep them moist.

Can I add cheese?

Definitely! Sprinkle some grated Parmesan or mozzarella before baking for a cheesy twist.

Want More Bread Ideas?

If you can’t get enough of soft, buttery baked goods, you might love these other warm and comforting recipes from Life with Jam:

• Red Lobster’s Cheese Biscuit Loaf for cheesy, savory indulgence.
• Parmesan and Spinach Cheese Twists with crisp puff pastry layers.
• Mini Lemon Bundt Cakes if you’re into sweet-and-tangy treats.
• Blueberry Cottage Cheese Breakfast Bake for something fruity and protein-packed.
• Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes to complete your savory garlic obsession.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest bread board so you can revisit it whenever the garlic craving strikes.

And if you make a batch, let me know how it went! Did you use homemade dough or grab pizza dough? Did you toss in some cheese? Share your twist in the comments.

Want more tasty ideas like this? Follow along on Pinterest @hallarecipes where I share my daily favorites from Life with Jam.