Homemade garlic knots soft fluffy

Featured in: Snack & Starter Ideas

These soft homemade garlic knots offer a delightful combination of fluffy dough and flavorful garlic butter. Made from simple pantry ingredients including flour, yeast, and olive oil, the dough is kneaded and tied into knots before baking to golden perfection. Brushed generously with butter infused with minced garlic and fresh parsley, these snacks bring aromatic richness to any table. Serve warm and enjoy their tender texture and savory taste perfect for quick bites or gatherings.

Updated on Sat, 13 Dec 2025 11:24:00 GMT
Golden Homemade Garlic Knots glistening with garlic butter, perfect for dipping in marinara. Save to Pinterest
Golden Homemade Garlic Knots glistening with garlic butter, perfect for dipping in marinara. | metrochop.com

Soft, fluffy knots of dough brushed with aromatic garlic butter—perfect as a quick snack or appetizer for any occasion.

I love making these garlic knots for family gatherings because they always disappear quickly and bring everyone together.

Ingredients

  • Dough: 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour, 1 tsp instant dry yeast, 1 tsp sugar, 3/4 tsp salt, 2/3 cup (160 ml) warm water, 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Garlic Butter: 1/4 cup (60 g) unsalted butter, 3 cloves garlic minced, 2 tbsp fresh parsley finely chopped, 1/4 tsp salt, 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

Step 1:
In a large bowl, combine flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt. Mix well.
Step 2:
Add warm water and olive oil. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
Step 3:
Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
Step 4:
Cover and let rest for 10 minutes to relax the gluten.
Step 5:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 6:
Divide dough into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope about 6 inches (15 cm) long and tie into a knot.
Step 7:
Place knots on the baking sheet, spacing evenly.
Step 8:
Bake for 13–15 minutes, or until golden brown.
Step 9:
Meanwhile, melt butter in a small saucepan. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute on low heat. Stir in parsley and salt.
Step 10:
Remove knots from oven. Immediately brush generously with garlic butter and sprinkle with Parmesan, if using.
Step 11:
Serve warm.
Homemade Garlic Knots are soft, warm, and topped with fresh parsley, ready to eat. Save to Pinterest
Homemade Garlic Knots are soft, warm, and topped with fresh parsley, ready to eat. | metrochop.com

These garlic knots always bring smiles to my family's faces during holiday dinners.

Notes

For extra flavor, add a pinch of dried Italian herbs to the butter. Knots can be made ahead and reheated briefly before serving. Serve with marinara sauce for dipping.

Required Tools

Mixing bowl, measuring cups and spoons, baking sheet, parchment paper, small saucepan, pastry brush.

Nutritional Information

Per serving: Calories 120, Total Fat 5 g, Carbohydrates 16 g, Protein 3 g.

Freshly baked Homemade Garlic Knots, a light, fluffy appetizer with a savory garlic flavor. Save to Pinterest
Freshly baked Homemade Garlic Knots, a light, fluffy appetizer with a savory garlic flavor. | metrochop.com

This recipe is a surefire way to make any gathering tastier and more memorable.

Recipe FAQ

What type of flour is best for soft knots?

All-purpose flour works well for achieving a soft, elastic dough suitable for knots that are tender yet hold their shape.

How long should the dough rest before baking?

After kneading, the dough should rest for about 10 minutes to relax the gluten and make shaping easier.

Can I add herbs to the garlic butter?

Yes, adding dried Italian herbs or fresh parsley enhances the aroma and flavor of the garlic butter.

What’s the ideal baking temperature for the knots?

Baking at 400°F (200°C) ensures a golden-brown crust while keeping the inside soft and fluffy.

Is it better to brush the knots before or after baking?

Brushing the knots with garlic butter immediately after baking locks in flavor and moisture for the best taste.

How can I store leftover garlic knots?

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or freeze for longer storage. Reheat before serving.

Homemade garlic knots soft fluffy

Soft, fluffy dough knots brushed with garlic butter for a delicious savory bite.

Prep Time
15 minutes
Bake/Cook Time
15 minutes
Time Needed
30 minutes
Recipe By Elizabeth Perry


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Italian-American

Makes 12 Portions

Dietary Needs Meat-Free

What You'll Need

Dough

01 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 1 teaspoon instant dry yeast
03 1 teaspoon sugar
04 3/4 teaspoon salt
05 2/3 cup warm water
06 2 tablespoons olive oil

Garlic Butter

01 1/4 cup unsalted butter
02 3 cloves garlic, minced
03 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
04 1/4 teaspoon salt
05 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

How-To Steps

Step 01

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the flour, instant dry yeast, sugar, and salt until evenly blended.

Step 02

Form Dough: Add warm water and olive oil to the dry mixture, stirring until a shaggy dough forms.

Step 03

Knead Dough: Knead the dough on a floured surface for approximately 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Step 04

Rest Dough: Cover and let the dough rest for 10 minutes to allow gluten relaxation.

Step 05

Prepare Oven and Baking Surface: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 06

Shape Knots: Divide the dough into 12 equal portions. Roll each piece into a 6-inch rope and tie into a knot.

Step 07

Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the knots evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 08

Bake: Bake for 13 to 15 minutes until golden brown.

Step 09

Prepare Garlic Butter: While baking, melt butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Stir in parsley and salt.

Step 10

Brush Knots: Remove knots from oven and immediately brush generously with garlic butter. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if desired.

Step 11

Serve: Serve knots warm, optionally accompanied by marinara sauce.

Tools You'll Need

  • Mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Small saucepan
  • Pastry brush

Allergy Notes

Always check each ingredient for allergens and reach out to a healthcare provider if you're uncertain.
  • Contains wheat (gluten) and dairy (butter, Parmesan). Check cheese labels for vegetarian suitability. May contain traces of nuts or soy.

Nutrition Details (per portion)

These details are for informational purposes and aren't a substitute for professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 120
  • Fats: 5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 16 g
  • Proteins: 3 g