Easy Homemade Garlic Knots: Soft & Garlicky Bread Bites (Print Version)
Whip up Easy Homemade Garlic Knots with a buttery garlic topping. This recipe brings pizzeria flavor right to your kitchen, perfect for dipping and sharing.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 165 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 180 minutes
Servings: 18 Servings
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cuisine: Italian
Dietary: Vegetarian
# Ingredients:
→ Dough Essentials
01 -
2 ½ cups (300g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
02 -
1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
03 -
1 tsp granulated sugar
04 -
1 cup warm water (105-115°F / 40-46°C)
05 -
2 tbsp olive oil
06 -
1 tsp salt (for dough)
→ Flavor Boosters
07 -
½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted
08 -
4-5 cloves fresh garlic, minced (or more, I won't judge!)
09 -
¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
10 -
½ tsp salt (for garlic butter)
→ Finishing Touches
11 -
2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (optional, but highly recommended)
# Instructions:
01 -
First things first, let's get that yeast going! In a large mixing bowl, combine your warm water, sugar, and yeast. Give it a gentle stir and then just let it sit for about 5-10 minutes. You're looking for a foamy, bubbly surface – that's how you know your yeast is alive and ready to party! If it looks flat, your yeast might be dead, and you'll need to start fresh. I've definitely learned this the hard way after waiting patiently only to realize my yeast was a dud. Don't make my mistake!
02 -
Once your yeast is frothy, add the olive oil and salt to the bowl. Gradually mix in the flour, a cup at a time, until a shaggy dough forms. I usually start with a wooden spoon and then switch to my hands when it gets too stiff. It's going to be a bit sticky at first, that's okay! You want it to come together but not be super dry. The feel of the dough in your hands is important here; it should feel alive, not stiff.
03 -
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 5-7 minutes. It should become smooth and elastic. This is where you build the structure for soft <b>Easy Homemade Garlic Knots</b>! Place the kneaded dough into a lightly oiled bowl, turning it once to coat, then cover with plastic wrap or a damp towel. Let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size. This is where the magic happens, so don't rush it!
04 -
Gently punch down the risen dough to release the air. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and divide it into about 16-20 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a thin rope, about 6-8 inches long. Now, tie each rope into a knot! It doesn't have to be perfect, hon, just a knot. Place the shaped knots on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving a little space between them. I sometimes make mine too big, and they end up merging in the oven, oops!
05 -
Cover the shaped knots loosely with plastic wrap and let them rise again for another 30-45 minutes, or until visibly puffy. While they're doing their thing, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the knots for 12-15 minutes, or until they're golden brown and smell absolutely incredible. The kitchen will start smelling like a dream, honestly, it's the best part of making <b>Easy Homemade Garlic Knots</b>.
06 -
While the knots are baking, melt the butter in a small saucepan. Add the minced fresh garlic and cook for just a minute until fragrant – don't let it brown! Remove from heat and stir in the fresh parsley and a pinch of salt. As soon as the knots come out of the oven, brush them generously with this glorious garlic butter. They'll soak it right up, becoming super fragrant and shiny. A sprinkle of Parmesan at this point is a personal favorite flourish!
# Notes:
01 -
Checking yeast freshness is key; if it doesn't foam, start over, or your dough will be flat.
02 -
For the best texture, always brush the garlic butter onto the knots immediately after they come out of the oven.
03 -
If you're out of fresh parsley, a small amount of dried can work, but the fresh really makes a difference in brightness.
04 -
These knots are fantastic with a side of warm marinara for dipping, it truly completes the experience.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large mixing bowl
02 -
measuring cups and spoons
03 -
whisk
04 -
plastic wrap or damp towel
05 -
baking sheet
06 -
parchment paper
07 -
small saucepan
08 -
pastry brush
09 -
cutting board
10 -
chef's knife.
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 180 kcal
Total Fat: 9 g
Total Carbohydrate: 20 g
Protein: 4 g