Dinner

Easy Homemade Garlic Knots Recipe

ByMaya Arden February 2, 2026February 2, 2026

Introduction

These easy homemade garlic knots are soft, flavorful, and perfect as a side or snack. Made from simple ingredients and brushed with a delicious garlic butter, they’re sure to become a family favorite.

A white bowl lined with a blue and white striped cloth holds several golden brown knotted breadsticks topped with small green herb pieces and white grated cheese. The breadsticks are stacked in a loose pile, showing their soft, textured surface with a slight shine. In the background, a small white bowl with red marinara sauce is partially visible, sitting on a white marbled surface. The overall feel is warm and inviting, with a focus on the fluffy, garlic herb breadsticks. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1½ cups warm water
2 tablespoons sugar

1 tablespoon yeast
3½ cups flour

1 tablespoon salt
½ cup butter

1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon parsley, minced
1 teaspoon olive oil

¼ cup parmesan cheese, grated

Instructions

Step 1: In a bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
Step 2: Add flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir until smooth, then let the dough rise for 10 minutes. Using a stand mixer with a dough hook can make this easier.

Step 3: On a floured surface, roll the dough to about ½ inch thickness. Cut the dough into strips approximately 8-10 inches long using a pizza cutter or knife.
Step 4: Roll each strip into a rope with your hands, then tie them into knots.
Step 5: Place the knots on a greased baking sheet and let them rise for another 10 minutes.

Step 6: Bake the knots in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, until golden brown.
Step 7: While baking, melt the butter and mix in garlic powder, minced parsley, and olive oil.
Step 8: When the knots come out of the oven, brush them generously with the garlic butter mixture and sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese. Serve warm.

Tips & Variations

For a fresher taste, use freshly minced garlic instead of garlic powder in the butter mixture.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for a subtle kick.
Try swapping parsley for fresh basil or oregano for different herb flavors.

Brush the knots with olive oil instead of butter for a dairy-free option.
Use whole wheat flour for a nuttier, healthier twist.

Storage

Store leftover garlic knots in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep them soft, reheat in a low oven (around 300°F or 150°C) for 5-7 minutes or microwave briefly. Garlic knots can also be frozen before baking; thaw and bake as directed.

How to Serve

A white bowl lined with a blue and white striped cloth holds about ten golden-brown soft pretzel knots. Each knot is round and twisted, topped with a light sprinkle of coarse salt and finely chopped green herbs that add color contrast. The pretzels’ surface looks lightly crisp with a fluffy inside visible at some edges. To the side, there is a small white bowl with red dipping sauce partially visible. The whole scene is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

Yes, active dry yeast works well. Just dissolve it in the warm water with sugar and allow it to activate for 5 minutes before mixing with flour.

How do I make garlic knots without a stand mixer?

You can mix and knead the dough by hand in a large bowl. Stir ingredients together, then knead on a floured surface until smooth and elastic, about 8-10 minutes.