Garlic Knot Bread

Few things are as irresistible as Garlic Knot Bread—soft, pillowy dough twisted into golden knots, coated in a rich garlic butter sauce, and baked to perfection. Whether served as a side for pasta, a snack, or an appetizer for a party, these garlic knots are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The combination of fresh garlic, melted butter, and fragrant herbs creates an aroma that fills your kitchen and makes it nearly impossible to wait for them to cool before taking a bite!

Originating from Italian-American pizzerias, garlic knots were traditionally made from leftover pizza dough. Over time, they’ve become a staple in many restaurants and home kitchens, beloved for their light, fluffy texture and garlicky goodness. This recipe ensures the perfect balance of crispiness on the outside and softness on the inside, making them even better than what you’d get at a pizzeria. And the best part? They’re easy to make with simple ingredients you probably already have on hand!

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Knot Bread

• Soft, fluffy, and buttery – The dough is perfectly tender with a light, airy texture.
• Easy to make – Simple ingredients, easy steps, and a foolproof dough recipe.
• Irresistible garlic butter coating – Brushed with a heavenly blend of garlic, butter, and herbs.
• Pairs with everything – Serve with pasta, soups, salads, or enjoy them on their own.
• Make-ahead friendly – You can prep the dough in advance and bake fresh knots when needed.

Preparation Time and Yield

• Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 1 hour for rising)
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
• Yield: 12 garlic knots

Nutritional Information (Per Knot)

• Calories: 160
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 6g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 1g

Ingredients for Garlic Knot Bread

For the Dough:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• ¾ cup warm water (110°F)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Garlic Butter Coating:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley (or fresh, finely chopped)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

For Garnish (Optional):

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Extra chopped parsley

Step-by-Step Instructions for Garlic Knot Bread

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy (this means the yeast is activated).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil.
3. Mix with a wooden spoon or stand mixer with a dough hook until the dough comes together.
4. Knead on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. (If using a stand mixer, knead for about 5 minutes on medium speed.)
5. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Step 2: Shape the Garlic Knots

1. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and transfer it to a floured surface.
2. Roll the dough into a 12-inch log and cut it into 12 equal pieces.
3. Roll each piece into a 6-inch rope, then tie it into a knot.
4. Place the knots on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between them. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let them rest for 15 minutes.

Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Butter Coating

1. While the knots are resting, melt the butter in a saucepan or microwave.
2. Stir in minced garlic, oregano, parsley, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes to enhance the flavors.

Step 4: Bake the Garlic Knots

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Brush the garlic knots with half of the garlic butter mixture.
3. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.

Step 5: Finish with Garlic Butter and Serve

1. Remove the knots from the oven and immediately brush with the remaining garlic butter.
2. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and extra parsley, if desired.
3. Serve warm with marinara sauce or your favorite dipping sauce.

Ingredient Background

The magic of Garlic Knot Bread lies in its simple, high-quality ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of the key components that make this recipe so delicious:

Flour

The base of the dough, all-purpose flour, provides the perfect balance of structure and softness. If you want an even fluffier texture, you can replace ½ cup of the flour with bread flour, which has a higher protein content and helps create extra chewiness.

Yeast

Yeast is what gives the dough its light, airy texture. This recipe uses active dry yeast, which needs to be activated in warm water before mixing. If using instant yeast, you can skip the activation step and mix it directly into the dry ingredients.

Olive Oil

A staple in Italian baking, olive oil enriches the dough, making it softer and more flavorful. It also helps keep the knots from drying out while baking.

Garlic

The star of the recipe! Fresh minced garlic is essential for an authentic, bold flavor. If you prefer a milder garlic taste, you can sauté the garlic in butter before brushing it onto the knots.

Herbs & Spices

A mix of oregano, parsley, and black pepper gives the garlic knots their classic Italian pizzeria taste. Red pepper flakes add a little kick, but you can leave them out if you prefer a milder flavor.

Butter vs. Parmesan Garnish

Brushing the knots with melted butter adds richness, while Parmesan cheese provides a salty, umami depth that pairs beautifully with the garlic. If you want a dairy-free version, you can use vegan butter and nutritional yeast instead.

Technique Tips for Perfect Garlic Knots

1. Getting the Dough Just Right

• The kneading process is crucial for developing gluten, which makes the knots chewy yet soft. If kneading by hand, press and fold the dough for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
• If the dough feels too sticky, add a tablespoon of flour at a time until it becomes manageable. If it’s too dry, knead in a little warm water.

2. Letting the Dough Rise Properly

• For the best texture, let the dough rise until doubled in size. This usually takes about 1 hour, but in colder kitchens, it may take up to 90 minutes.
• If you’re short on time, place the dough in a warm (but not hot) oven with a bowl of warm water to speed up the rise.

3. Tying the Perfect Knot

• Roll each dough piece into a 6-inch rope before tying it into a simple knot. If the dough resists stretching, let it rest for a few minutes to relax the gluten.
• Once shaped, let the knots rest again for 15 minutes before baking—this helps them puff up beautifully.

4. Baking for the Best Texture

• A 375°F (190°C) oven is the perfect temperature to achieve a golden-brown crust while keeping the inside soft.
• To make the knots extra crispy, you can bake at 400°F for the last 2 minutes.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

While traditional garlic knots are a hit, there are fun variations you can try!

1. Garlic Knot Pull-Apart Bread

• Instead of tying individual knots, shape the dough into small dough balls and arrange them in a round baking dish.
• Bake until golden, then drizzle with garlic butter for a fun, pull-apart version.

2. Cheesy Stuffed Garlic Knots

• Before tying each knot, place a small cube of mozzarella cheese inside the dough.
• Bake as usual and enjoy gooey, cheesy garlic knots!

3. Spicy Garlic Knots with Chili Flakes & Honey

• Add extra red pepper flakes to the butter mixture and drizzle with honey after baking for a sweet and spicy twist.

Freezing and Storing Garlic Knots

Storing in the Fridge

• Keep leftover garlic knots in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• To reheat, warm them in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes or microwave for 15 seconds.

Freezing Unbaked Garlic Knots

1. Shape the knots and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
2. Freeze for 1-2 hours until solid.
3. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 3 months.
4. When ready to bake, let them thaw at room temperature for 30-45 minutes, then bake as usual.

Freezing Baked Garlic Knots

• Bake the garlic knots and let them cool completely.
• Store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
• To reheat, bake at 350°F for 10 minutes or until warmed through.

Healthier Twist Ideas

Want to enjoy garlic knots with a healthier twist? Try these easy swaps:

1. Whole Wheat Garlic Knots

Replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for extra fiber and nutrients.

2. Low-Carb Keto Garlic Knots

Make a cheese-based keto dough using almond flour, mozzarella, and eggs instead of traditional dough.

3. Dairy-Free Garlic Knots

Use olive oil instead of butter and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a vegan-friendly version.

Serving Suggestions for Events

These Garlic Knot Breads are perfect for various occasions. Here’s how to serve them:

1. Pasta Night Side Dish

• Serve these garlic knots with marinara sauce, alfredo, or pesto for dipping.
• They pair perfectly with spaghetti, lasagna, or fettuccine alfredo.

2. Party Appetizer

• Make mini garlic knots and serve with a selection of dips like ranch, cheese sauce, or spicy tomato salsa.
• Arrange them on a platter for an easy, crowd-friendly finger food.

3. Soup & Salad Companion

• These knots are fantastic with soups like tomato basil, minestrone, or creamy mushroom.
• Serve alongside Caesar salad or a fresh green salad for a light yet satisfying meal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use store-bought pizza dough?

Yes! If you’re short on time, store-bought pizza dough works great—just roll, cut, and shape as directed.

2. How can I make these extra garlicky?

For an even stronger garlic flavor, roast the garlic first before mixing it into the butter.

3. Can I make this recipe without yeast?

Yes! Use baking powder as a substitute, but the texture will be more biscuit-like rather than fluffy.

4. Can I use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Absolutely! Bread flour will give you chewier, slightly denser knots.

5. Can I make these in an air fryer?

Yes! Air fry at 350°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Conclusion

These Garlic Knot Breads are the ultimate combination of soft, fluffy dough and rich, garlicky butter. Whether you’re making them for a pasta night, a party, or just because, they’re guaranteed to be a hit! Plus, with make-ahead options, fun variations, and healthier twists, this recipe is as versatile as it is delicious.

Try them today and bring the flavors of your favorite pizzeria to your own kitchen!

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