Easy Homemade Garlic Knots: Fluffy & Garlicky Bites (Print Version)
Whip up easy homemade garlic knots! This recipe brings fluffy, garlicky goodness to your table. Personal tips and tricks for perfect, comforting bites.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 25 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 16-20 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Italian-American
Dietary: Vegetarian
# Ingredients:
→ Dough Essentials
01 -
1 cup warm water (105-115°F / 40-46°C)
02 -
1 tsp granulated sugar
03 -
2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (one packet)
04 -
2 ½ - 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
05 -
1 tsp salt
06 -
2 tbsp olive oil
→ Garlic Butter Magic
07 -
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
08 -
4-6 cloves fresh garlic, minced
09 -
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
→ Finishing Touches
10 -
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
# Instructions:
01 -
In a large bowl, pour your warm water. Sprinkle the sugar and then the yeast over it. Give it a gentle stir and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes. You want to see it get foamy and bubbly, like a tiny science experiment. This is where I always hold my breath, hoping my yeast is alive and ready to party! If it doesn't bubble, your yeast is probably dead, or your water was too hot/cold. Start over, friend.
02 -
Add the flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Mix with a wooden spoon or a stand mixer with a dough hook until a shaggy dough forms. I usually start with a spoon, then get my hands in there – it's messy but therapeutic! Knead for about 5-7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. It should spring back when you poke it. Don't over-knead, but don't under-knead either; it's a delicate balance.
03 -
Lightly grease a clean bowl with a bit of olive oil. Place the dough in the bowl, turning it once to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm spot for about 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. This is the hardest part for me – the waiting! Sometimes, if my kitchen is cold, I turn the oven on low for a few minutes, then turn it off and let the dough rise in there. It works wonders for easy homemade garlic knots!
04 -
Gently punch down the risen dough to release the air. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide the dough into 16-20 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a 6-8 inch rope, then tie it into a knot. It doesn't have to be perfect; mine are always a little wonky, but that's part of their charm! Place the shaped easy homemade garlic knots on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving some space between them.
05 -
Cover the baking sheet loosely with plastic wrap and let the knots rise again for another 30-45 minutes, or until puffy. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) during the last 15 minutes of the rise. Bake the easy homemade garlic knots for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown. They'll smell incredible, I promise!
06 -
While the knots are baking, melt the butter in a small saucepan. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, but don't let it brown. Stir in the fresh parsley. As soon as the garlic knots come out of the oven, brush them generously with the garlic butter. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if you like. Serve warm, and maybe try not to eat them all in one go. I dare you!
# Notes:
01 -
Don't skimp on the garlic! Fresh is best, always. It makes all the difference for these easy homemade garlic knots.
02 -
Yeast loves warmth but hates extreme heat. Test your water temp with your finger - comfortably warm, not hot.
03 -
Patience during the rises is key. Don't rush it, the flavor and texture are worth the wait.
04 -
For an extra flavor punch, add a tiny pinch of red pepper flakes to your garlic butter.
# Equipment Needed:
01 -
Large mixing bowl
02 -
measuring cups and spoons
03 -
wooden spoon or stand mixer with dough hook
04 -
clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap
05 -
baking sheet
06 -
parchment paper
07 -
small saucepan
08 -
pastry brush
# Nutrition (Per Serving):
Calories: 180-220
Total Fat: 10-14g
Total Carbohydrate: 18-22g
Protein: 4-6g