If there is one appetizer that everyone loves — kids, adults, and every carb-lover in between — it’s Homemade Garlic Knots. These soft, golden, beautifully twisted bread knots are brushed with warm garlic butter, sprinkled with fresh herbs, and baked to perfection. They’re irresistible. They’re comforting. And yes, they taste exactly like the ones from your favorite local pizzeria… except even better because you made them yourself.

Garlic knots have always held a special place in Italian-American cooking. Originally created as a way for pizzerias to use leftover pizza dough, they quickly became a beloved side dish. Soft, chewy, buttery, loaded with garlic — it’s hard not to fall in love with them.

This recipe will walk you through making the softest dough, shaping real bakery-style knots, preparing the perfect garlic butter, and baking them until beautifully golden. Whether you serve them with marinara sauce, alongside pasta, with soup, or as a snack on their own, these garlic knots turn every meal into something special.

What Makes These Homemade Garlic Knots the Best

1. Soft, Fluffy Dough

The dough is enriched with olive oil, giving each knot a tender, pillowy texture.

2. Real Garlic Butter

Not packaged, not artificial — fresh garlic sautéed in butter creates an aroma that fills your whole kitchen.

3. Fresh Parsley for Brightness

The pop of color and herbiness elevates the flavor.

4. Perfect for Any Meal

Serve them with pizza, pasta, grilled chicken, soup, or holiday dinners.

5. Freezer-Friendly

Bake ahead, freeze, and reheat anytime you need a quick side.

Ingredients Breakdown

For the Dough

• Flour: All-purpose works perfectly.
• Warm water: Activates the yeast.
• Yeast: Makes the dough rise and become airy.
• Olive oil: Adds richness and tenderness.
• Sugar: Helps the yeast activate.
• Salt: Balances and enhances flavor.

For the Garlic Butter

• Butter: The base of that classic garlic knot flavor.
• Fresh garlic: Grated or minced for maximum fragrance.
• Olive oil: Helps the butter stay liquid longer.
• Parsley: Adds freshness, color, and a restaurant-style finish.
• Parmesan (optional): Boosts the savory flavor.

How to Make Homemade Garlic Knots

1. Make the Dough

1. Combine warm water, sugar, and yeast; let it bubble.
2. Add olive oil, flour, and salt.
3. Knead until smooth.
4. Let rise for 1 hour until doubled in size.

2. Shape the Knots

1. Punch down the dough.
2. Divide into equal pieces.
3. Roll each piece into a rope and tie into a loose knot.
4. Tuck ends under.
5. Place on a baking sheet and rise again.

3. Bake

1. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes.
2. Remove when golden brown.

4. Brush with Garlic Butter

1. Melt butter with olive oil.
2. Add garlic and lightly sauté.
3. Brush generously over warm knots.
4. Sprinkle with parsley and optional parmesan.

Homemade Garlic Knots

Soft, buttery homemade garlic knots brushed with warm garlic butter and fresh parsley.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 35 minutes mins

Servings: 12 knots

Course: Appetizer, Side Dish

Cuisine: American, Italian

Calories: 165

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Dough

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup warm water
• 2.25 tsp active dry yeast
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt

Garlic Butter

• 4 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 2 tbsp parsley chopped
• 2 tbsp parmesan optional

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Baking sheet
• Pastry brush
• Small saucepan

Method

 

1. Mix warm water, yeast, and sugar; let rest until foamy.
2. Add olive oil, flour, and salt; knead into a smooth dough.
3. Cover and let rise for 1 hour.
4. Punch down dough, divide into 12 pieces, and shape into knots.
5. Let shaped knots rise for 20 minutes.
6. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes until golden.
7. Melt butter with olive oil; sauté garlic briefly.
8. Brush warm knots with garlic butter and sprinkle parsley and parmesan.

Notes

For extra flavor, brush knots again after 5 minutes of cooling.

Tips for the Best Garlic Knots

Use Fresh Garlic

Pre-minced garlic in water doesn’t compare.

Don’t Overbake

Golden on top, soft inside — perfection.

Add Red Pepper Flakes

For a spicy version.

Double the Garlic Butter

Because you’re worth it.

Serve Warm

Garlic knots are at their absolute best fresh from the oven.

Variations

Cheesy Garlic Knots

Stuff dough with mozzarella or sprinkle cheese before baking.

Herb Garlic Knots

Add oregano, basil, or rosemary for an herbal twist.

Garlic Parmesan Knots

Mix parmesan directly into the butter.

Pesto Garlic Knots

Brush knots with basil pesto before or after baking.

Serving Suggestions

• With fresh marinara for dipping
• Alongside pasta dishes
• With soups such as tomato or minestrone
• As a party appetizer
• With grilled chicken or steak

Storage

• Room temperature: 1 day
• Refrigerator: 3 days
• Freezer: 2 months
• Reheat: 350°F for 5–8 minutes

Ingredients

Dough

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup warm water
• 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt

Garlic Butter

• 4 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley
• 2 tbsp grated parmesan (optional)

Instructions

1. Mix warm water, yeast, and sugar; rest 5–10 minutes.
2. Add olive oil, flour, and salt; knead until smooth.
3. Cover and rise for 1 hour.
4. Punch down and divide dough into 12 pieces.
5. Roll each into a rope and tie into a knot.
6. Place on a baking sheet; rise 20 minutes.
7. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes.
8. Melt butter with olive oil; add garlic and sauté lightly.
9. Brush garlic butter over warm knots.
10. Add parsley and parmesan; serve.