Garlic Knots Recipe

Chandan Singh

| 01-11-2026

· Food Team

Few things smell as good as warm, fluffy bread covered with fragrant garlic butter straight from your own oven. Garlic knots are small pieces of yeast dough tied into knots, baked until golden, and brushed with a savory butter topping.

They have a soft center and a lightly crisp surface, making them a tasty side for pizza, pasta, soup, or tomato sauce. Below are the ingredients, each step from dough to topping, and how to store leftovers.

Ingredients

For the dough, you will need:

- 270 ml warm water, at 38–43°C

- 7 g instant yeast

- 13 g sugar

- 43 ml olive oil or 43 g melted butter, plus a little olive oil for the bowl

- 1 teaspoon salt

- 1 teaspoon garlic powder

- 433 g bread flour, plus extra for shaping

For the garlic butter topping, you will need:

- 71 g unsalted butter, melted

- 3 garlic cloves, finely minced, or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

- 1/4 teaspoon salt

- 25 g grated Parmesan, optional

- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, optional

This makes 16 knots and takes about 3 hours and 25 minutes, including rising time.

Step 1: Prepare the Yeast

Pour the warm water into a large mixing bowl. Add the yeast and sugar, then stir for about 20 seconds. Let the mixture stand for five minutes. Small bubbles may appear on the surface. Prepare your remaining ingredients while you wait.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

Add the olive oil or melted butter, salt, garlic powder, and about half the flour. Stir with a wooden spoon or mix on low speed for 30 seconds. Add the remaining flour gradually and mix for about two minutes, until a soft dough forms.

If the dough is extremely sticky, add flour one tablespoon at a time. If it feels dry and crumbly, add water one teaspoon at a time. The dough should remain soft and slightly tacky.

Step 3: Knead Until Smooth

Place the dough on a lightly floured surface. Knead for five minutes by pushing it forward with your palm, folding it back, and turning it before repeating. Add only a little flour if it sticks heavily.

Press the dough gently with one finger. If it slowly springs back, it is ready for rising. Proper kneading helps create a tender, fluffy texture.

Step 4: Let the Dough Rise

Lightly grease a large bowl with olive oil. Place the dough inside and turn it to coat the surface. Cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Leave it in a warm place for about two hours, until it doubles in size. Cooler rooms may require extra time.

Step 5: Shape the Knots

Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Gently press the risen dough to release the air. Roll it into a log about 41 cm long and divide it into 16 equal pieces.

Roll each piece into a rope about 20 cm long. Tie it into a loose knot and tuck the ends underneath. Arrange eight knots on each tray, leaving space between them.

Step 6: Rise Again

Cover the shaped dough loosely and let it rest for 30–45 minutes, until slightly puffed. During the final 15 minutes, preheat the oven to 204°C.

Step 7: Make the Garlic Butter

Combine the melted butter, minced garlic or garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and salt in a small bowl. Reserve half for after baking. Brush the remaining mixture lightly over the knots.

Step 8: Bake and Finish

Bake for 20–23 minutes, until the tops turn golden brown. Remove the trays carefully and brush the warm knots with the reserved garlic butter. Sprinkle with Parmesan and parsley if desired. Let them cool for five minutes before serving.

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate for up to one week. Reheat in the oven before serving.

Serve these knots warm with tomato sauce or alongside your favorite meal. Lykkers, would you add Parmesan and parsley or keep your knots classic? Try both versions and see which one you enjoy most.

How to make Best Homemade Garlic Knots | Garlic Bread | Ayshas Tasty Treat

Video by Aysha’s Kitchen & Life