Easy Garlic Knots Recipe: Soft, Buttery, and Irresistibly Delicious

Garlic knots are a beloved appetizer, side dish, or even a snack, and for good reason. These soft, pillowy knots of dough, slathered in garlic-infused butter and baked to golden perfection, are simply irresistible. The best part? They’re surprisingly easy to make at home! This recipe breaks down each step, ensuring you can create these delightful treats with ease, even if you’re a beginner baker.

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Knots Recipe

* **Easy to make:** This recipe uses simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, making it perfect for beginners.
* **Incredibly flavorful:** The combination of garlic, butter, and herbs creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
* **Versatile:** Serve them as an appetizer, side dish, or snack – they’re always a crowd-pleaser.
* **Customizable:** Add your favorite cheeses, herbs, or spices to create your own signature garlic knots.
* **Freezer-friendly:** Make a big batch and freeze them for future cravings.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need to make these delicious garlic knots:

* **Dough:**
* 1 package (0.25 ounce) active dry yeast
* 1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
* 1 tablespoon sugar
* 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* **Garlic Butter:**
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
* 4 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
* 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for extra garlic flavor)
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
* Grated Parmesan cheese, for topping (optional)

## Equipment You’ll Need

* Large mixing bowl
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Baking sheet
* Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
* Small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl (for melting butter)
* Pastry brush

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to create perfectly delicious garlic knots every time:

### Part 1: Making the Dough

1. **Activate the yeast:** In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until foamy. This indicates that the yeast is active and ready to use.

2. **Combine the wet and dry ingredients:** Add the olive oil and salt to the yeast mixture. Gradually add the flour, mixing with a wooden spoon or dough hook attachment on your stand mixer until a shaggy dough forms.

3. **Knead the dough:** Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, knead in a stand mixer with a dough hook for 4-5 minutes.

The dough should be slightly tacky but not sticky. If it’s too sticky, add a tablespoon of flour at a time until it reaches the desired consistency.

4. **First rise:** Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. The warmer the environment, the faster the dough will rise. A good spot is a turned-off oven with the oven light on.

### Part 2: Shaping the Garlic Knots

1. **Punch down the dough:** Once the dough has doubled in size, gently punch it down to release the air.

2. **Divide the dough:** Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and divide it into 16-20 equal pieces. The number of pieces will depend on the desired size of your garlic knots. Smaller pieces will result in smaller, more delicate knots, while larger pieces will yield larger, more substantial knots.

3. **Shape the knots:** Roll each piece of dough into a rope about 6-8 inches long. Gently tie the rope into a knot, tucking the ends underneath. Place the knots on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Make sure to leave about an inch of space between each knot so they have room to rise.

4. **Second rise:** Cover the shaped knots with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let rise in a warm place for 30-45 minutes, or until slightly puffy. This second rise is crucial for creating light and airy garlic knots.

### Part 3: Making the Garlic Butter and Baking

1. **Preheat the oven:** While the knots are rising, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. **Prepare the garlic butter:** In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic, parsley, garlic powder (if using), salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine.

3. **Bake the knots:** Once the knots have finished their second rise, brush them generously with the garlic butter. Make sure to get into all the nooks and crannies for maximum flavor.

4. **Bake for 12-15 minutes:** Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown. Keep a close eye on them, as baking times may vary depending on your oven. You want them to be golden brown but not burnt.

5. **Add Parmesan cheese (optional):** If desired, sprinkle the baked garlic knots with grated Parmesan cheese while they are still hot. The cheese will melt slightly and create a delicious, savory crust.

6. **Brush with remaining garlic butter:** Remove the garlic knots from the oven and brush them with any remaining garlic butter. This will add extra flavor and shine.

7. **Serve immediately:** Serve the garlic knots immediately, while they are still warm and soft. They are best enjoyed fresh!

## Tips for Success

* **Use warm water for the yeast:** The water should be between 105-115°F (40-46°C). If the water is too hot, it can kill the yeast. If it’s too cold, the yeast won’t activate properly.
* **Don’t over-knead the dough:** Over-kneading can result in tough garlic knots. Knead until the dough is smooth and elastic but not overly stiff.
* **Let the dough rise in a warm place:** A warm environment will help the dough rise properly. Avoid drafty areas.
* **Don’t skip the second rise:** The second rise is essential for creating light and airy garlic knots.
* **Adjust the garlic butter to your taste:** Add more or less garlic, herbs, or spices to suit your preferences.
* **Watch the baking time carefully:** Overbaking can result in dry garlic knots. Bake until golden brown but not burnt.

## Variations and Additions

* **Cheese:** Add shredded mozzarella, provolone, or cheddar cheese to the dough or sprinkle it on top before baking.
* **Herbs:** Experiment with different herbs, such as oregano, basil, rosemary, or thyme.
* **Spices:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat, or try adding some Italian seasoning.
* **Sun-dried tomatoes:** Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the dough for a burst of flavor.
* **Olives:** Add chopped olives to the dough for a Mediterranean twist.
* **Pesto:** Swirl pesto into the dough before shaping the knots.
* **Everything Bagel Seasoning:** Sprinkle Everything Bagel Seasoning on top before baking for added flavor and texture.

## Serving Suggestions

Garlic knots are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:

* **Appetizer:** Serve them as a starter at parties or gatherings.
* **Side dish:** Pair them with pasta dishes, soups, salads, or pizza.
* **Snack:** Enjoy them as a quick and easy snack any time of day.
* **Dipping sauce:** Serve them with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or garlic aioli.

## Storage Instructions

* **Store:** Leftover garlic knots can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, store them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
* **Reheat:** To reheat, wrap the garlic knots in foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave them for a few seconds, but be careful not to overcook them, as they can become tough.
* **Freeze:** Garlic knots can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. To freeze, let them cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. To reheat, bake from frozen in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*

* Calories: 150-200 per knot
* Fat: 8-12 grams
* Saturated Fat: 5-7 grams
* Cholesterol: 20-30 mg
* Sodium: 200-300 mg
* Carbohydrates: 15-20 grams
* Fiber: 1-2 grams
* Sugar: 2-4 grams
* Protein: 3-4 grams

## Garlic Knots Recipe Card

**Yields:** 16-20 garlic knots
**Prep time:** 30 minutes
**Rise time:** 1.75-2.25 hours
**Cook time:** 12-15 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* **Dough:**
* 1 package (0.25 ounce) active dry yeast
* 1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
* 1 tablespoon sugar
* 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* **Garlic Butter:**
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
* 4 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
* 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
* Grated Parmesan cheese, for topping (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. **Activate the yeast:** In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water and sugar. Sprinkle yeast over and let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
2. **Combine ingredients:** Add olive oil and salt to the yeast mixture. Gradually add flour, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.
3. **Knead the dough:** Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Or, use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 4-5 minutes.
4. **First rise:** Place dough in an oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, until doubled.
5. **Punch down and divide:** Punch down the dough. Turn it onto a floured surface and divide into 16-20 pieces.
6. **Shape the knots:** Roll each piece into a 6-8 inch rope. Tie into a knot, tucking ends underneath. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between knots.
7. **Second rise:** Cover the shaped knots and let rise in a warm place for 30-45 minutes, until puffy.
8. **Preheat oven:** Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
9. **Prepare garlic butter:** Melt butter. Add garlic, parsley, garlic powder (if using), salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine.
10. **Bake the knots:** Brush knots generously with garlic butter.
11. **Bake for 12-15 minutes:** Bake until golden brown.
12. **Add Parmesan (optional):** Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese while hot (optional).
13. **Brush with remaining butter:** Brush with any remaining garlic butter.
14. **Serve:** Serve immediately, while warm.

Enjoy your homemade garlic knots! This recipe is a surefire way to impress your friends and family with a simple yet incredibly delicious treat. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and additions to create your own signature garlic knots. Happy baking!