Homemade Soft Garlic Knots

Featured in: Simple Snacks & Bites

These soft, fluffy knots are crafted from a simple dough enriched with olive oil and yeast. After shaping into perfect knots, they're baked until golden and brushed with a fragrant mixture of melted butter, minced garlic, and fresh parsley. The final touch of Parmesan cheese adds a subtle richness. Ideal as a quick snack or appetizer, they bring comforting flavors perfect for any gathering.

Updated on Sat, 13 Dec 2025 12:35:00 GMT
Golden-brown homemade garlic knots, glistening with garlic butter, perfect for dipping in marinara sauce. Save to Pinterest
Golden-brown homemade garlic knots, glistening with garlic butter, perfect for dipping in marinara sauce. | nexusfork.com

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

I have made these garlic knots numerous times and they never fail to impress guests at my gatherings.

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

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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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Keep kitchen knives sharp for safer slicing, chopping, and precise prep during everyday cooking.
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Keep kitchen knives sharp for safer slicing, chopping, and precise prep during everyday cooking.
Check price on Amazon
Freshly baked homemade garlic knots, aromatic with garlic and herbs, ideal for an Italian-American appetizer. Save to Pinterest
Freshly baked homemade garlic knots, aromatic with garlic and herbs, ideal for an Italian-American appetizer. | nexusfork.com

This recipe has become a favorite in our family—my kids love helping to roll and tie each knot before baking.

Notes

Serve with marinara sauce for dipping to enhance the experience.

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 fluffy homemade garlic knots, a satisfying snack with a buttery, garlicky flavor profile. Save to Pinterest
Warm and fluffy homemade garlic knots, a satisfying snack with a buttery, garlicky flavor profile. | nexusfork.com
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These garlic knots are quick to prepare and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser every time.

Questions & Answers

How do I make the dough soft and fluffy?

Use warm water and let the dough rest after kneading to relax the gluten. Knead until smooth and elastic for the best texture.

Can I add herbs to the garlic butter?

Yes, adding dried Italian herbs to the garlic butter enhances the flavor and complements the garlic and parsley beautifully.

What’s the best way to shape the knots?

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

How long should the knots bake?

Bake the knots at 400°F (200°C) for 13–15 minutes, until they turn golden brown and fully cooked inside.

Can these be prepared ahead of time?

Yes, knots can be made in advance and reheated briefly before serving to maintain their fresh texture.

Homemade Soft Garlic Knots

Soft, fluffy knots brushed with garlic butter for a quick, savory snack or appetizer.

Prep duration
15 minutes
Cook duration
15 minutes
Overall time
30 minutes
Recipe by Nexus Fork Wyatt Evans


Skill level Easy

Cuisine type Italian-American

Portions 12 Number of servings

Diet preferences Vegetarian-friendly

Ingredient list

Dough

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

Garlic Butter

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

Step-by-step guide

Step 01

Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, mix flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt thoroughly.

Step 02

Form dough: Add warm water and olive oil to the dry mixture and stir until a shaggy dough forms.

Step 03

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

Step 04

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

Step 05

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

Step 06

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

Step 07

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

Step 08

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

Step 09

Prepare garlic butter: Melt butter in a small saucepan over low heat, add minced garlic, and cook for 1 minute. Stir in parsley and salt.

Step 10

Brush knots and garnish: Remove knots from the oven, immediately brush with garlic butter, and sprinkle with Parmesan if desired.

Step 11

Serve: Serve the knots warm, optionally with marinara sauce for dipping.

Equipment you'll need

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

Allergy notes

Look at every ingredient for allergens and get help from a medical expert if unsure.
  • Contains wheat (gluten) and dairy (butter, Parmesan).
  • May contain traces of nuts or soy depending on ingredient brands.

Nutrition details (per serving)

For informational purposes only. Always check with your healthcare provider.
  • Calorie count: 120
  • Total fat: 5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 16 g
  • Proteins: 3 g