If you’re craving a warm, irresistible treat that feels like a warm hug from the oven, then you absolutely must try this Garlic Knots with Homemade Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe. These soft, golden knotted breads are beautifully brushed with a rich, garlicky butter that seeps into every bite. Fluffy on the inside with just the right amount of crispness out front, they’re perfect as a snack, an appetizer, or the ideal sidekick to your pizza or pasta night. The flavor combo is truly next-level and so addictive — once you make these, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Garlic Knots with Homemade Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe lies in its simplicity. With pantry basics and a few fresh touches, you get layers of flavor and the perfect dough texture that’s tender yet holds its shape.
- Active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons): This little powerhouse makes the dough light and airy as it rises beautifully.
- Warm water (1 cup, 110°F): The perfect temperature to wake up the yeast without killing it.
- Sugar (1 tablespoon): Feeds the yeast and helps create that golden crust.
- All-purpose flour (2 1/2 cups): The foundation for these knots, giving them structure and chew.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances the flavor and balances the sweetness.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Adds moisture and a subtle fruity note to the dough.
- Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons): The base of the sauce for richness and silky texture.
- Garlic cloves, minced (3): Fresh garlic packs bold aroma and flavor into the butter sauce.
- Chopped fresh parsley (1 tablespoon): A fresh pop of color and herbaceous brightness.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon) for the sauce: Brings the garlic butter to life without overwhelming.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): Adds a gentle kick that balances the richness.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (2 tablespoons, optional): A nutty, salty flourish that melts beautifully on top.
How to Make Garlic Knots with Homemade Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by stirring the warm water, sugar, and yeast together in a bowl. Give it a few minutes to get foamy and alive. This shows the yeast is ready to make your dough fluffy and tender.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
Once bubbly, add the flour, salt, and olive oil. Mix until you have a soft dough that’s just sticky enough. Then, turn it out and knead on a floured surface for 5 to 7 minutes. You want it smooth and elastic — this kneading builds the perfect structure for those delightful knots.
Step 3: Let the Dough Rise
Place your dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and tuck it away in a warm spot. Let it rest and double in size — this usually takes about an hour. Patience here pays off with soft, airy knots.
Step 4: Shape the Knots
After rising, punch down the dough gently to release the air. Divide it into 12 even pieces. Roll each piece into a thin rope and then tie it into a knot. Don’t worry if they’re not perfect — rustic charm is part of the appeal!
Step 5: Second Rise
Place the knotted dough on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover again, and let them rise for 15 minutes. This quick proofing gives them that puffy, bakery-fresh texture.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven to 400°F and bake the knots for 15 to 18 minutes until they’re glowing golden brown. The scent alone will have your mouth watering!
Step 7: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce and Brush
While the knots bake, gently melt your butter over low heat. Stir in the minced garlic, salt, parsley, and if you like, a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little warmth. Remove from heat and brush the warm garlic butter over the fresh-out-of-the-oven knots. If using Parmesan, sprinkle it on top now for an extra flavor pop.
How to Serve Garlic Knots with Homemade Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or extra grated Parmesan cheese makes these already fabulous knots look and taste even more special. For a festive touch, try a light dusting of smoked paprika or a little flaky sea salt just before serving. It elevates the flavors and gives your garlic knots a gourmet finish that’s bound to impress.
Side Dishes
These garlic knots pair wonderfully with a fresh salad, zesty marinara sauce for dipping, or alongside your favorite pasta dish. Imagine a cozy night with a bowl of spaghetti Bolognese or a vibrant tomato basil soup – these knots are the ultimate sidekick, soaking up all the deliciousness.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your garlic knots in a rustic basket lined with a colorful cloth napkin to keep them warm and inviting. You could also thread them onto skewers for a fun party appetizer, perfect for sharing. Alternatively, arrange them around a bowl of creamy cheese dip — combo points for both looks and taste!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Keep them cozy and fresh by reheating them lightly before serving.
Freezing
Garlic knots freeze beautifully for up to one month. Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. When you’re ready, let them thaw at room temperature before reheating.
Reheating
To bring your garlic knots back to life, pop them in a preheated 350°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes. This reheating perfects the crisp edge while keeping the interior soft and fluffy, almost as if they were freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought dough for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using store-bought pizza dough is a great shortcut that still delivers fantastic results. Just follow the shaping and topping steps, and you’ll have delicious garlic knots in no time.
How can I make the garlic butter sauce extra garlicky?
If you’re a garlic lover, feel free to double the amount of minced garlic in the butter sauce. For a roasted note, you could also roast the garlic beforehand to add a sweeter, more mellow flavor.
Are garlic knots vegan-friendly?
This recipe uses butter, but you can easily swap it for vegan butter or olive oil to keep things plant-based without losing that rich flavor and texture.
What is the best flour to use for the dough?
All-purpose flour works perfectly for this recipe, balancing chewiness and structure. If you want a slightly more rustic texture, you can blend in some bread flour.
Can I add herbs or spices to the dough?
Definitely! Fresh or dried Italian herbs like oregano, basil, or thyme mixed into the dough add a lovely aromatic dimension to your garlic knots.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Knots with Homemade Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe is one of those treasures that brings so much comfort and joy to any meal. Whether you’re serving them for a family dinner, a casual get-together, or simply indulging yourself, these garlic knots deliver flavor, warmth, and that perfect homemade touch. Dive in, have fun with the process, and get ready for everyone to ask you for seconds — and the recipe!
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Garlic Knots with Homemade Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 garlic knots
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These soft, golden Garlic Knots are brushed with a rich homemade garlic butter sauce and baked to perfection. Fluffy on the inside and perfectly crisp on the outside, they make an irresistible appetizer or side for pizza night, pasta dishes, or any Italian-inspired meal.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water (110°F)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Garlic Butter Sauce
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy to ensure the yeast is active and ready for fermentation.
- Make Dough: Add flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture and mix until a soft dough forms. Transfer to a floured surface and knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic, which helps develop the gluten structure.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size, allowing the dough to ferment and expand.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (204°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking.
- Shape Knots: Punch down the risen dough to release air, divide it into 12 equal pieces, roll each piece into a rope, and tie into a knot. Arrange the knots on the prepared baking sheet.
- Second Rise: Cover the shaped knots and let them rise for 15 minutes to develop a lighter texture before baking.
- Bake: Place the knots in the preheated oven and bake for 15–18 minutes until they turn golden brown and crisp on the outside.
- Prepare Garlic Butter Sauce: While knots bake, melt butter in a small pan over low heat. Stir in minced garlic, salt, chopped parsley, and red pepper flakes if using. Remove from heat once fragrant but before garlic browns.
- Brush and Serve: Remove the baked knots from the oven and immediately brush them generously with the warm garlic butter sauce. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve warm for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can save time by using store-bought pizza dough instead of making dough from scratch.
- For extra garlicky flavor, double the amount of garlic in the butter sauce.
- Garlic knots are best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated in the oven at 350°F for 5–7 minutes.
