Simple Homemade Garlic Knots Recipe: Bake Up Buttery Bliss

Warm, golden-brown garlic knots emerge as a crowd-pleasing appetizer that connects bread lovers worldwide.

These delectable twists of dough capture the essence of comfort food with their irresistible aroma.

A simple yet magical garlic knots recipe turns basic ingredients into something extraordinary.

Soft, pillowy dough wrapped in a rich blend of garlic, butter, and herbs creates an instant kitchen sensation.

Each knot promises a burst of flavor that dances between crispy edges and tender centers.

Restaurants and home cooks alike celebrate this Italian-inspired treat that transforms an ordinary meal into a memorable experience.

Brace yourself for a culinary journey that will have everyone reaching for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes

Calories: 175 kcal

Servings: 11

Main Ingredients In Garlic Knots

• Flour: Essential foundation for creating soft, chewy knots with perfect texture.
• Salt: Enhances flavor and controls yeast activity for balanced bread.
• Olive Oil: Adds rich flavor and helps create a tender, smooth dough.
• Yeast: Magical ingredient that makes dough rise and develop airy structure.
• Sugar: Feeds yeast and helps activate its rising properties.

• Warm Water: Crucial for awakening and activating yeast's rising power.
• Sugar: Provides food for yeast to create delightful bread texture.

• Butter: Provides rich, luxurious coating that makes knots irresistibly delicious.
• Garlic: Brings bold, aromatic punch that transforms simple bread into flavor sensation.
• Parsley: Adds fresh, green brightness and visual appeal to the golden knots.
• Salt: Elevates and balances the garlic and butter flavors.

Kitchen Tools For Garlic Knots

• Mixing Bowl: Large bowl for combining ingredients and kneading dough.
• Stand Mixer (optional): Helpful for kneading dough quickly and easily.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measurements for flour, water, and other ingredients.
• Baking Sheet: Parchment-lined sheet for shaping and baking knots.
• Kitchen Towel: Used to cover dough during rising process.
• Small Bowl: For mixing yeast and preparing garlic butter topping.
• Pastry Brush: For generously coating knots with garlic butter.
• Dough Hook (optional): Attachment for stand mixer to knead dough.
• Floured Surface: Clean countertop or cutting board for kneading.

How To Bake Garlic Knots Easily

• Dough Creation

Grab your mixing bowl and prepare for a magical baking adventure. Mix warm water with a touch of sugar and yeast, letting the mixture bubble and come alive. Combine flour and a pinch of salt, then introduce the yeast blend and a splash of olive oil. Knead the dough until it feels smooth and springy, working it with love and enthusiasm.

• Dough Transformation

After letting the dough rest and rise, gently deflate it and divide into playful little portions. Roll each piece into a rope-like shape and twist into a casual knot. Arrange these charming knots on a baking sheet, giving them space to breathe and expand.

• Oven Magic

Heat your oven to a toasty 400F. Slide the knots inside and watch them transform into golden, puffy delights. Keep an eye on them until they turn a beautiful sun-kissed color.

• Flavor Explosion

While the knots are still warm, create a dreamy garlic butter mixture. Generously brush each knot with this liquid gold, ensuring every crevice is coated with garlicky goodness. The aroma will make everyone’s mouth water instantly.

Garlic Knot Tips And Flavor Ideas

• Perfectly Soft Texture: Knead the dough thoroughly to develop gluten, ensuring a soft and chewy interior. Avoid overworking the dough, which can make the knots tough and dense.
• No-Fail Yeast Activation: Always use warm water between 100-110°F to activate yeast without killing it. Test water temperature with your wrist – it should feel comfortably warm, not hot.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace wheat flour with a gluten-free blend containing xanthan gum. Add an extra egg to improve binding and texture for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Transformation: Substitute dairy butter with olive oil or plant-based butter. Use almond milk or water instead of regular milk, and ensure your yeast is vegan-friendly for a completely plant-based recipe.
• Flavor Adventure: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano in the garlic butter topping. Sprinkle grated parmesan or nutritional yeast for an extra flavor boost that complements the classic garlic profile.

Simple Ways To Serve Garlic Knots

• Party Platter Perfection: Arrange garlic knots on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of marinara sauce, ranch dressing, and herb-infused olive oil for dipping. Guests will love the interactive and delicious presentation.
• Appetizer Sidekick: Serve alongside classic Italian dishes like spaghetti, lasagna, or as a companion to a fresh Caesar salad. These knots complement main courses beautifully and add a warm, comforting touch to the meal.
• Game Day Crowd-Pleaser: Stack garlic knots on a large platter for sports gatherings or movie nights. Their bite-sized nature makes them perfect for casual snacking, and the aromatic garlic butter will keep everyone coming back for more.
• Brunch Surprise: Offer these knots as a unique breakfast side with scrambled eggs or as part of a weekend brunch spread. Their soft texture and rich flavor provide a delightful morning treat that breaks away from traditional breakfast breads.

Keep Garlic Knots Warm And Fresh

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store cooled garlic knots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Wrap them individually in aluminum foil to maintain moisture and prevent drying.
• Freezing Magic: Freeze unbaked or baked knots flat on a baking sheet, then transfer to freezer bags. Frozen unbaked knots can stay fresh for 1 month, while baked knots remain tasty for 2 weeks. Thaw at room temperature before reheating.
• Reheating Perfection: Warm refrigerated or frozen knots in a preheated oven at 350F for 5-7 minutes. Brush with extra garlic butter to restore their crispy exterior and soft interior. Microwave briefly only if absolutely necessary, as it may make them tough.
• Party Prep Hack: Prepare dough and shape knots a day ahead, then cover and refrigerate overnight. Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking to allow them to come to room temperature, ensuring perfect rising and texture.

Crispy Garlic Knots Recipe

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• Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
• Yield: 11 1x

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Description

Classic garlic knots from Italian-American kitchens bring irresistible comfort to bread lovers. Crispy exterior and buttery herb coating make these simple appetizers a crowd-pleasing addition to any meal you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 cups (375 g) all-purpose flour
• 2 ¼ tsps (1 packet) instant yeast
• 1 cup (240 ml) warm water (110°F/45°C)
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• ¼ cup (60 g) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tsps granulated sugar
• 1 ¼ tsps salt
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped (or 1 tsp dried parsley)

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Instructions

1. Activate Yeast: Dissolve yeast in warm liquid, creating a frothy mixture that will help the dough rise and develop a light texture.
2. Create Dough Base: Blend flour and salt in a large mixing bowl, then incorporate the activated yeast liquid and olive oil. Knead until a smooth, slightly tacky dough forms, developing gluten strands for about 6-7 minutes.
3. First Rise: Transfer dough to a greased container, cover with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free spot until doubled in volume, approximately 60-90 minutes.
4. Shape Knots: Punch down the risen dough and divide into uniform portions. Roll each piece into 6-8 inch ropes, then twist each into a casual knot. Arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet with ample spacing.
5. Second Proof: Cover the shaped knots and allow a final rise for 25-35 minutes, enhancing their volume and softness.
6. Bake to Perfection: Preheat oven to 400F. Bake the knots until they turn golden brown and achieve a rich, amber exterior, roughly 13-16 minutes.
7. Finish and Garnish: Immediately after removing from the oven, generously brush the warm knots with garlic-infused butter, ensuring each knot is thoroughly coated with the aromatic herb-butter mixture.

Notes

• Activate Yeast Carefully: Ensure water temperature is between 100-110°F to perfectly activate yeast without killing it, creating a soft, fluffy texture.
• Knead with Precision: Develop gluten by kneading thoroughly for 6-7 minutes, creating a smooth, elastic dough that prevents dense, heavy knots.
• Control Proofing Environment: Place dough in a warm, draft-free area between 75-85°F to guarantee optimal rising and prevent uneven texture.
• Butter Coating Technique: Brush garlic butter immediately after baking while knots are piping hot to maximize flavor absorption and achieve a glistening, aromatic finish.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 11
• Calories: 175
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 183 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg