Easy Homemade Garlic Knots: Chewy & Garlicky (Print Version)
Learn to make Easy Homemade Garlic Knots Recipe. Chewy, aromatic, and drenched in garlicky butter. A simple snack or side dish you'll adore.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 12 Servings
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cuisine: Italian-American
Dietary: Vegetarian
# Ingredients:
→ Dough Base
01 -
3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
02 -
1 cup (240ml) warm water (105-115°F / 40-46°C)
03 -
2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
04 -
1 teaspoon granulated sugar
05 -
1 teaspoon fine sea salt
06 -
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, plus more for bowl
→ Garlic Butter Magic
07 -
½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted
08 -
4-6 cloves fresh garlic, minced (or more, I won't judge!)
09 -
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
10 -
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, but recommended)
→ Finishing Touch
11 -
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
# Instructions:
01 -
First things first, let's get that yeast going! Grab a medium bowl and pour in your warm water. Sprinkle the sugar and then the yeast over the top. Give it a gentle swirl and just let it sit for about 5-10 minutes. You're looking for a foamy, bubbly layer on top – that tells you your yeast is alive and ready to party! If it doesn't foam, your yeast might be expired, and honestly, don't even bother with that batch. Start fresh, it's worth it.
02 -
Once your yeast is bubbling happily, add the flour, salt, and olive oil to the bowl. I usually start with a wooden spoon, mixing until it just comes together into a shaggy dough. This is where I often make a mess, flour flying everywhere, but it's part of the fun, right? Once it's mostly combined, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Don't be shy with the flour on your hands, it helps a ton with stickiness.
03 -
Now for the kneading! Push, fold, turn – keep going for about 5-7 minutes until the dough is smooth, elastic, and not sticky. It should bounce back when you gently poke it. Place the dough ball into a lightly oiled bowl, turning it once to coat. Cover it with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm, draft-free spot for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it's doubled in size. This is the hardest part for me, waiting!
04 -
Once risen, gently punch down the dough to release the air. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and divide it into two equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope, about 1-inch thick. Now, cut each rope into 1-inch pieces. Take each small piece, roll it into a mini rope (about 4-5 inches), and tie it into a simple knot. It doesn't have to be perfect; my first ones looked like abstract art, but they still tasted great!
05 -
Arrange your cute little knots on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving a bit of space between them. Cover loosely and let them rise again for another 30 minutes while your oven preheats to 400°F (200°C). This second rise is crucial for that airy texture. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until they're golden brown and smell absolutely irresistible. Your kitchen will smell like pure heaven, I promise!
06 -
While the knots are baking, melt your butter in a small saucepan. Add the minced fresh garlic, chopped parsley, and red pepper flakes. Cook gently for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, but don't let the garlic burn – that's a sad, bitter flavor you want to avoid! As soon as the knots come out of the oven, brush them generously with this glorious garlic butter. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and serve immediately. Don't skimp on the butter, seriously!
# Notes:
01 -
Always check your yeast expiry date; a dead yeast means no rise, and that's a bummer.
02 -
Store leftover knots in an airtight container at room temp for best texture, don't refrigerate them unless you have to.
03 -
No fresh parsley? A pinch of dried Italian seasoning in the butter works surprisingly well.
04 -
Serve these warm with a side of marinara for the ultimate dipping experience.
# Equipment Needed:
01 -
Large mixing bowl
02 -
measuring cups/spoons
03 -
wooden spoon
04 -
clean kitchen towel
05 -
plastic wrap
06 -
baking sheet
07 -
parchment paper
08 -
small saucepan
09 -
pastry brush
# Nutrition (Per Serving):
Calories: 250-300
Total Fat: 15-20g
Total Carbohydrate: 25-30g
Protein: 5-7g