Garlic knots are the kind of appetizer that disappear quickly. Warm, buttery, and full of garlicky goodness, they’re the perfect way to start a meal—or even enjoy as a savory snack. This homemade version takes everything you love about classic pizzeria garlic knots and brings it to your own kitchen with easy-to-follow steps and pantry staples.
Originating as a clever way for pizzerias to use leftover dough, garlic knots have taken on a life of their own. And for good reason: they’re chewy, flavorful, and the garlic butter coating makes them downright irresistible.
There’s something rewarding about making garlic knots from scratch. Kneading the dough, forming the little twists, and watching them rise and bake—it’s a hands-on process that’s as fun as it is delicious.
This recipe uses a simple yeast dough that’s soft, elastic, and easy to work with. Even if you’ve never made bread before, don’t worry. The steps are beginner-friendly and designed to guide you through every stage.
One of the best things about these knots is their versatility. Serve them with marinara for dipping, pair them with pasta, or enjoy them as a standalone snack. They’re a crowd-pleaser, whether at a dinner party, game day gathering, or weeknight dinner.
What makes these knots shine is the garlic butter. Brushed on both before and after baking, it soaks into every crevice of the dough, infusing the knots with bold flavor and a glossy finish. A sprinkle of parsley adds color and freshness.
You can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it, which makes this recipe perfect for entertaining. Just shape, proof, bake, and serve.
The texture is a dream: slightly crisp on the outside with a soft, tender center. Each bite delivers the perfect mix of bread, butter, and garlic—a trio that never disappoints.
And yes, kids love them too. Garlic knots are approachable and fun to eat, making them a hit at family meals. They’re also a great way to introduce younger bakers to bread making.
If you want to elevate them further, sprinkle some grated parmesan or mozzarella before baking. You can even stuff them with cheese for a gooey surprise.
These knots store well and reheat beautifully. Just pop them in the oven or air fryer for a few minutes to revive that fresh-from-the-oven texture.
While they look fancy, they’re actually quite simple to make. The twisting might seem tricky at first, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll be knotting dough like a pro.
They’re also budget-friendly. Made with basic ingredients, they deliver a gourmet experience without the gourmet price tag.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just indulging yourself, homemade garlic knots bring the comfort and flavor of a pizzeria right to your kitchen.
Servings:
Makes about 16 garlic knots
Time:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Rise Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/4 tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup warm water (110°F)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Garlic Butter:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley
- Optional: 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Add flour, salt, and olive oil. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour.
- Punch down the dough and divide into 16 equal pieces.
- Roll each piece into a rope and tie into a knot.
- Place knots on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- In a small bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, garlic powder, and half the parsley.
- Brush knots with garlic butter.
- Cover and let rise for 20 minutes while preheating oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake for 14–16 minutes until golden brown.
- Remove from oven and brush with more garlic butter.
- Sprinkle with remaining parsley and parmesan if using.
Tips:
- Use fresh garlic for best flavor, but garlic powder adds depth.
- Add a sprinkle of mozzarella before baking for cheesy garlic knots.
- Don’t skip the second garlic butter brushing—it adds shine and flavor.
- These can be frozen after baking; just reheat before serving.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
These garlic knots are everything you love about garlic bread, twisted into a fun, soft, buttery knot. They’re easy, delicious, and make any meal feel a little more special.
Summary:
Homemade Garlic Knots are buttery, garlicky, and baked to golden perfection. Perfect as a side dish, appetizer, or snack, they’re easy to make and even easier to love.
