Soft Fluffy Garlic Knots

Featured in: Quick Snacks & Appetizers

These soft and fluffy knots feature tender dough braided into knots, baked to a golden finish, then brushed generously with fragrant garlic butter and fresh parsley. The combination of warm, buttery garlic and a light, airy texture makes them a perfect snack or appetizer. Ready in just 30 minutes, these knots carry subtle hints of Parmesan and can be enjoyed plain or dipped in marinara sauce for an extra burst of flavor.

Updated on Sat, 13 Dec 2025 08:55:00 GMT
Golden-brown homemade garlic knots, glistening with garlic butter, perfect for a cozy snack. Save to Pinterest
Golden-brown homemade garlic knots, glistening with garlic butter, perfect for a cozy snack. | shiftpan.com

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

I have always loved serving these garlic knots at family gatherings because they disappear quickly and everyone asks for the recipe.

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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Make fresh ice for iced coffee, cocktails, chilling ingredients, and keeping drinks cold while cooking.
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Make fresh ice for iced coffee, cocktails, chilling ingredients, and keeping drinks cold while cooking.
Check price on Amazon
Warm and fluffy homemade garlic knots, aromatic from the garlic, ready for dipping into marinara. Save to Pinterest
Warm and fluffy homemade garlic knots, aromatic from the garlic, ready for dipping into marinara. | shiftpan.com

My kids love to help roll the dough and tie the knots—it's a fun family activity.

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping to add a tangy contrast to the buttery garlic flavor.

Storage Tips

Store leftover knots in an airtight container for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.

Variations

Add grated Parmesan cheese to the dough or top knots with sesame seeds before baking for extra flavor.

Close-up of baked homemade garlic knots, showing an inviting texture, brushed with herb-infused butter. Save to Pinterest
Close-up of baked homemade garlic knots, showing an inviting texture, brushed with herb-infused butter. | shiftpan.com
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These garlic knots are the perfect easy appetizer to impress guests with minimal effort.

Questions & Answers About This Recipe

How do I achieve soft and fluffy garlic knots?

Use warm water and knead the dough until smooth and elastic. Allow the dough to rest to develop gluten for a tender texture.

What is the best way to brush the garlic butter?

Melt the butter with minced garlic, parsley, and salt, then brush the knots immediately after baking for full flavor absorption.

Can I add cheese to the garlic knots?

Yes, sprinkling grated Parmesan after brushing with garlic butter adds a savory, tangy layer to each knot.

Is it possible to make these knots ahead of time?

Knots can be prepared in advance and briefly reheated before serving to maintain freshness and flavor.

Are there suggested dips to serve with the knots?

Marinara sauce is a classic pairing that complements the garlic and buttery notes beautifully.

What tips help avoid tough dough knots?

Ensure proper kneading and allowing the dough to rest so gluten develops without becoming dense or chewy.

Soft Fluffy Garlic Knots

Soft, fluffy dough knots brushed with garlic butter, perfect for a quick and savory snack.

Prep Time
15 min
Time to Cook
15 min
Total Duration
30 min
Recipe by Emma Miller


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Italian-American

Serves 12 Portions

Dietary Info Vegetarian

What You'll Need

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)

How to Make It

Step 01

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

Step 02

Add Wet Ingredients: Pour warm water and olive oil into the dry mixture and stir until a rough dough forms.

Step 03

Knead the Dough: On a floured surface, knead the dough for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Step 04

Rest the 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 portions, roll each into a 6-inch rope, then tie into a knot.

Step 07

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

Step 08

Bake Knots: Bake for 13 to 15 minutes 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, then stir in parsley and salt.

Step 10

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

Step 11

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

What You'll Need

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

Allergy Details

Review all items for allergies and speak to a healthcare expert with any concerns.
  • Contains wheat (gluten) and dairy (butter, Parmesan).
  • Check cheese labels if vegetarian dietary restrictions apply.
  • May contain traces of nuts or soy depending on ingredient sourcing.

Nutrition Details (per serving)

For reference only — always check with a nutrition or medical professional.
  • Caloric Value: 120
  • Fats: 5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 16 g
  • Proteins: 3 g