Homemade Soft Garlic Knots

Featured in: Quick Snacks & Appetizers

These soft, fluffy knots are made from a simple dough enriched with olive oil and yeast, then tied into small knots. After baking until golden, the knots are brushed with warm garlic butter blended with fresh parsley and a hint of salt. Optionally topped with Parmesan, they bring a perfect balance of buttery garlic aroma and tender texture. Ideal as a quick snack or appetizer, they come together in just 30 minutes from start to finish and can be enjoyed warm alongside marinara sauce or on their own.

Updated on Sat, 13 Dec 2025 12:23:00 GMT
Golden-brown Homemade Garlic Knots, crispy on the outside and brushed with savory garlic butter. Save
Golden-brown Homemade Garlic Knots, crispy on the outside and brushed with savory garlic butter. | pulsecuisine.com

Soft, fluffy knots of dough brushed with aromatic garlic butter—perfect as a quick snack or appetizer for any occasion.

This recipe has become a household favorite for quick gatherings and weekend snacks.

Ingredients

  • Dough: 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour, 1 tsp instant dry yeast, 1 tsp sugar, 3/4 tsp salt, 2/3 cup (160 ml) warm water, 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Garlic Butter: 1/4 cup (60 g) unsalted butter, 3 cloves garlic minced, 2 tbsp fresh parsley finely chopped, 1/4 tsp salt, 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

Step 1:
In a large bowl, combine flour instant yeast sugar and salt. Mix well.
Step 2:
Add warm water and olive oil. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
Step 3:
Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Step 4:
Cover and let rest for 10 minutes to relax the gluten.
Step 5:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 6:
Divide dough into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope about 6 inches (15 cm) long and tie into a knot.
Step 7:
Place knots on the baking sheet spacing evenly.
Step 8:
Bake for 13 15 minutes or until golden brown.
Step 9:
Meanwhile melt butter in a small saucepan. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute on low heat. Stir in parsley and salt.
Step 10:
Remove knots from oven. Immediately brush generously with garlic butter and sprinkle with Parmesan if using.
Step 11:
Serve warm.
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| pulsecuisine.com

This recipe brings back warm family moments especially when shared during weekend brunches.

Notes

For extra flavor add a pinch of dried Italian herbs to the butter. Knots can be made ahead and reheated briefly before serving. Serve with marinara sauce for dipping.

Required Tools

Mixing bowl Measuring cups and spoons Baking sheet Parchment paper Small saucepan Pastry brush

Allergen Information

Contains wheat (gluten) dairy (butter Parmesan) Double-check cheese labels if vegetarian

Warm and soft, these Homemade Garlic Knots are perfect with marinara sauce for dipping. Save
Warm and soft, these Homemade Garlic Knots are perfect with marinara sauce for dipping. | pulsecuisine.com

These garlic knots are the perfect easy snack to impress guests or enjoy any time.

Recipe FAQs

How do I shape the dough into knots?

Divide the dough into equal portions, roll each into a rope about 6 inches long, then tie each rope into a simple knot before baking.

Can I prepare the knots in advance?

Yes, you can shape and bake the knots ahead of time and gently reheat them before serving to maintain softness.

What is the best way to apply the garlic butter?

Brush the melted garlic butter over the knots immediately after baking to ensure the flavors soak in while warm.

Can these knots be made dairy-free?

Substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and omit the Parmesan for a dairy-free version.

What dipping sauces pair well with these knots?

Marinara sauce is a classic choice; you can also try pesto or garlic aioli for added flavor.

Homemade Soft Garlic Knots

Soft, airy dough knots brushed with fragrant garlic butter and parsley, baked golden for tasty bites.

Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
15 minutes
Total Duration
30 minutes
Created by Noah Gray


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type Italian-American

Makes 12 Number of servings

Diet Preferences Meat-Free

What You'll Need

Dough

01 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 1 tsp instant dry yeast
03 1 tsp sugar
04 3/4 tsp salt
05 2/3 cup warm water
06 2 tbsp olive oil

Garlic Butter

01 1/4 cup unsalted butter
02 3 cloves garlic, minced
03 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
04 1/4 tsp salt
05 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

How-To Steps

Step 01

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt until evenly distributed.

Step 02

Form Dough: Add warm water and olive oil to the dry ingredients, stirring until a shaggy dough forms.

Step 03

Knead Dough: Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Step 04

Allow Dough to Rest: Cover the dough and let it rest for 10 minutes to relax the gluten.

Step 05

Prepare Oven and Baking Sheet: Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 06

Shape Knots: Divide dough into 12 equal pieces, roll each into a 6-inch rope, and tie into knots.

Step 07

Arrange Knots: Place the knots evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 08

Bake: Bake knots for 13 to 15 minutes until golden brown.

Step 09

Prepare Garlic Butter: While baking, melt butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute, then stir in parsley and salt.

Step 10

Brush with Garlic Butter: Remove knots from oven and immediately brush generously with garlic butter. Sprinkle with Parmesan if desired.

Step 11

Serve Warm: Serve the knots warm, optionally accompanied by marinara sauce.

Gear You'll Need

  • Mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Small saucepan
  • Pastry brush

Allergy Details

Always look over ingredients for allergens and consult your healthcare provider if unsure.
  • Contains wheat (gluten) and dairy (butter, Parmesan).
  • Check cheese labels to confirm vegetarian suitability.
  • Possible traces of nuts or soy depending on ingredient sources.

Nutrition Info (per portion)

For your reference only—this isn’t a substitute for advice from a health expert.
  • Calorie Count: 120
  • Fat Content: 5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 16 g
  • Proteins: 3 g