How to Make Delicious Homemade Garlic Knots
If you’ve ever ordered garlic knots at a pizzeria, you know just how irresistible they are—soft, buttery, and packed with garlicky goodness. The best part? You don’t have to visit a pizza shop to enjoy them! Garlic knots are surprisingly easy to make at home, and they don’t require complicated techniques or fancy equipment. In this blog post, we’ll share a simple recipe that’ll have you baking delicious garlic knots in no time!
What Are Garlic Knots?
Garlic knots are small pieces of bread dough that are tied into knots, baked until golden, and coated in a flavorful garlic butter sauce. They’re often served as a snack, appetizer, or side dish with pizza, pasta, or salads.
The dough for garlic knots is typically the same as pizza dough, so if you’ve ever made homemade pizza or bought pizza dough from the store, you’re already halfway there!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this recipe, you’ll need:
For the dough:
– 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) of active dry yeast
– 1 cup warm water (about 110°F or 43°C)
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
For the garlic butter:
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter
– 3 garlic cloves, minced or grated
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have warm, savory garlic knots fresh out of the oven!
1. Make the Dough
Start by combining the yeast, sugar, and warm water in a large bowl. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5–10 minutes. This step is called proofing the yeast, and it’ll help the dough rise. If the mixture becomes frothy, your yeast is active and ready to go!
Next, add the olive oil, 3 cups of flour, and 1 teaspoon of salt to the bowl. Mix everything together using a wooden spoon or your hands until it forms a sticky dough.
Dust your work surface with a little flour, then knead the dough for about 8–10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough feels too sticky, add a tablespoon of flour at a time until it’s easier to handle.
Shape the dough into a ball, place it in a lightly greased bowl, and cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise for 1–2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
2. Shape the Garlic Knots
Once your dough has risen, punch it down gently to release any air bubbles. Divide the dough into 12–16 small pieces. Each piece will become one garlic knot.
Roll each piece into a rope about 6–8 inches long. Tie the rope into a loose knot—don’t worry if it’s not perfect! Place the knots on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space between each one. Cover them loosely with a towel and let them rest for 15–20 minutes.
3. Bake the Knots
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Brush the tops of the garlic knots with a little olive oil or melted butter. Bake them in the oven for about 15–18 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and smell amazing.
4. Make the Garlic Butter
While the knots are baking, prepare the garlic butter. Melt the unsalted butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic! Remove the butter from heat and stir in the chopped parsley and salt.
5. Coat the Garlic Knots
As soon as the garlic knots come out of the oven, brush or toss them with the garlic butter sauce until they’re fully coated. For extra flavor, sprinkle parmesan cheese or more parsley on top!
6. Serve and Enjoy
Garlic knots taste best when they’re warm, so serve them right away! Pair them with marinara sauce for dipping or enjoy them on their own.
Pro Tips for Perfect Garlic Knots
- Short on time? Use store-bought pizza dough to save a step!
- Got leftovers? Store garlic knots in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, pop them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–7 minutes.
- Want extra crunch? Let the knots bake for an additional 2–3 minutes for a slight crisp on the outside.
Final Thoughts
Making homemade garlic knots is easier than you might think. With just a simple dough recipe and a flavorful garlic butter sauce, you can recreate this restaurant favorite in your own kitchen. Whether you’re hosting a party or treating yourself to a cozy night in, garlic knots are always a crowd-pleaser.
Give this recipe a try, and don’t forget to share your creations! Happy baking!
