This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my full disclaimer policy for more details.
If there’s one recipe I’ve become known for, it’s these super easy homemade garlic knots! Soft, fluffy, and golden brown, they’re brushed with garlicky butter, sprinkled with parmesan, and absolutely irresistible. Whether you serve them warm or at room temperature, they never last long — especially when marinara sauce is involved!
🥖 The Best Garlic Knots You’ll Ever Make
As an Italian woman (and self-proclaimed carb lover), creating the perfect homemade garlic knots was high on my to-do list. I wanted them to taste like the ones you get from your favorite Italian restaurant — light, chewy, buttery, and bursting with garlic flavor.
The good news? They turned out even better than expected. With just a few pantry staples and a little patience, you can make a bakery-worthy batch of garlic knots right at home.
They’re perfect alongside pasta dishes like penne arrabbiata or easy baked meatballs, but honestly, they’re so good you might just eat them straight from the pan!
🧈 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Made with simple, everyday ingredients
- Soft, chewy, and golden brown
- Infused with fresh garlic and butter
- Freezer-friendly for easy prep ahead
- Perfect for dipping in marinara or garlic butter
🍞 Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Dough
- 3 ¾ cups bread flour (don’t skip this for that soft, chewy texture!)
- 1 ½ tsp granulated sugar
- 1 envelope active dry yeast
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 ½ cups warm water (110–115°F)
- 2 tbsp + 2 tsp olive oil, divided
For the Garlic Butter Coating
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- ⅓ cup fresh parsley, minced
- 1 ½ tsp garlic salt or garlic powder
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
👩🍳 How to Make Garlic Knots from Scratch
1. Make the Dough
In a stand mixer with a dough hook, combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. With the mixer on low, add warm water and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Mix until a smooth dough forms. If it’s too sticky, add a little flour; if too dry, add a tablespoon of water at a time.
Knead the dough briefly on a floured surface until smooth, then place it in an oiled bowl. Cover and let rise in a warm spot until doubled in size (about 90 minutes).
2. Shape the Knots
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and divide into two pieces. Rest for 10 minutes, then cut each into 8 equal portions. Roll each piece into a rope and tie into a loose knot. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover lightly, and let rise again for 30 minutes.
3. Bake Until Golden
Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C). Brush knots with a bit of melted butter (optional) and bake for 20 minutes, or until golden and firm.
4. Add the Garlic Butter
Melt the butter in a small saucepan, then sauté garlic until fragrant (1–2 minutes). Stir in parsley and garlic salt. Brush the warm knots generously with the garlic butter and sprinkle with parmesan.
For even more flavor, brush with butter both before and after baking — they’ll be darker but extra garlicky!
💡 Pro Tips for Perfect Garlic Knots
- Use bread flour: Its high gluten content gives these knots their signature chewy texture.
- Let the dough rise fully: That’s the secret to soft, fluffy results.
- Don’t overbake: Pull them out once golden brown for the best texture.
❄️ How to Freeze Garlic Knot Dough
You can freeze the dough before baking! After the first rise, shape the knots, freeze on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, thaw, let rise again for 30 minutes, and bake as directed.
Or, bake slightly underdone at 275°F for 16 minutes, cool, and freeze. When ready to serve, reheat from frozen at 400°F for 10–15 minutes, brush with garlic butter, and enjoy!
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- With homemade marinara sauce for dipping
- Alongside lasagna, baked ziti, or chicken parmesan
- As a crowd-pleasing appetizer for parties or game days
And if you love this recipe, try my Soft Pretzel Garlic Knots next — they’re chewy, buttery, and taste like garlic bread met a pretzel in the best way possible.
⭐ Homemade Garlic Knots Recipe
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Rising Time: 2 hrs
Total Time: 2 hrs 50 mins
Servings: 16 large garlic knots
Course: Bread, Side Dish
Cuisine: Italian
These soft and fluffy homemade garlic knots are brushed with garlicky butter, sprinkled with parmesan, and baked until golden brown perfection. Perfect for serving warm with marinara sauce or as a side to any Italian meal!