Garlic Knots – The Ultimate Side Dish or Snack

Garlic knots are an irresistible and delicious combination of soft, fluffy dough, rich butter, and aromatic garlic. These little bites of heaven are perfect as a side dish, appetizer, or snack that will have everyone coming back for more. Whether served alongside pizza, pasta, or enjoyed on their own, garlic knots are sure to be a hit!

With their golden, crispy exterior and tender, pillowy inside, these garlic knots are the ultimate comfort food that can easily be made at home. Plus, they’re quick, easy, and require just a few basic ingredients. Get ready to indulge in these mouthwatering knots that will leave you craving more. 🧄🍞😋

🌟 Why You’ll Love Garlic Knots

✅ Buttery and Garlicky – A perfect combination of flavors that everyone loves!
✅ Soft and Fluffy – The texture is light, tender, and irresistibly chewy.
✅ Easy to Make – With only a few simple ingredients, you’ll have fresh garlic knots in no time.
✅ Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether it’s a family dinner, a party, or game day, garlic knots are always a crowd-pleaser.

🛒 Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Here’s what you’ll need to create these heavenly garlic knots:

🍞 For the Dough:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour – The base of your dough.
• 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast – For the perfect rise.
• 1 teaspoon sugar – Helps activate the yeast and adds a hint of sweetness.
• 1 teaspoon salt – For flavor balance.
• ¾ cup warm water – To activate the yeast.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil – For a soft, pillowy texture.

🧄 For the Garlic Butter:

• ½ cup unsalted butter – Melted, for richness.
• 4 cloves garlic – Minced, for that bold garlic flavor.
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley – Chopped, for a burst of freshness.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – Optional, for extra flavor complexity.
• Salt to taste – For seasoning.

💡 Substitutions & Variations:

• For a dairy-free option, substitute the butter with vegan butter or olive oil.
• For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes to the garlic butter mixture.
• Try adding cheese! Grated parmesan sprinkled on top of the garlic knots before baking can take them to the next level.

👨‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

🔥 Step 1: Make the Dough

1️⃣ Activate the Yeast:

• In a small bowl, mix the warm water (about 110°F/43°C) with sugar. Sprinkle the yeast on top and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This step ensures your yeast is active and ready to make the dough rise!

2️⃣ Mix the Dough:

• In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Slowly pour the yeast mixture into the flour mixture, then add the olive oil. Stir until the dough comes together.
• If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle in a little more flour until you get a soft, elastic dough.

3️⃣ Knead the Dough:

• Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. This will help develop the gluten, making the garlic knots chewy and soft.
• Tip: If the dough feels too sticky, don’t be afraid to add a little flour, but avoid adding too much—soft dough is key!

🔥 Step 2: Let the Dough Rise

1️⃣ First Rise:

• Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a damp towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size. This step allows the yeast to work its magic and make the dough fluffy.

2️⃣ Punch Down the Dough:

• After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air bubbles. This ensures the knots will have a soft and airy texture.

🔥 Step 3: Shape the Garlic Knots

1️⃣ Divide the Dough:

• Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and roll it out into a rectangle or square shape. Use a knife or dough cutter to divide the dough into equal strips (about 12 pieces).

2️⃣ Shape the Knots:

• Take each dough strip and roll it into a ball. Then, roll each ball into a small rope (about 6 inches long).
• Tie each rope into a knot by making a simple loop and pulling the ends through the center. Tuck the ends underneath to secure the knot.

💡 Pro Tip: You can make smaller or larger knots depending on your preference, but make sure the size is consistent to ensure even baking.

🔥 Step 4: Bake the Garlic Knots

1️⃣ Prepare the Baking Sheet:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent the garlic knots from sticking.

2️⃣ Arrange the Knots:

• Place the garlic knots on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each knot to allow for rising.

3️⃣ Second Rise:

• Let the knots rest for about 15-20 minutes to allow them to rise slightly before baking.

4️⃣ Bake:

• Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the garlic knots are golden brown on top. Keep an eye on them to avoid over-baking.

💡 Pro Tip: For extra crispy knots, you can broil them for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking. Just be sure to watch them closely to prevent burning.

🔥 Step 5: Make the Garlic Butter

1️⃣ Prepare the Butter:

• While the garlic knots are baking, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
• Stir in the Italian seasoning (if using) and chopped parsley. Season with salt to taste.

2️⃣ Coat the Knots:

• Once the garlic knots are done baking, remove them from the oven and immediately brush them generously with the garlic butter mixture. Make sure to coat each knot thoroughly for maximum flavor!

💡 Pro Tip: If you have extra garlic butter, serve it as a dipping sauce for even more flavor!

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

These garlic knots are amazing on their own, but here are some creative ways to serve them:

🍕 With Pizza – Serve alongside your favorite pizza for a perfect combination of flavors.
🥗 With Salad – Pair with a fresh, green salad for a light and satisfying meal.
🍝 As a Side to Pasta – Garlic knots are the perfect companion to pasta dishes like spaghetti, lasagna, or fettuccine.
🌮 In a Sandwich – Use the garlic knots to make a fun sandwich. Add your favorite fillings like meats, cheeses, and veggies for a unique twist!

🧊 Storage & Reheating

📦 Storing Leftovers:

• Store leftover garlic knots in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you have more than you can eat, you can also freeze them for up to 2 months! Just place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.

🔥 Reheating Instructions:

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and reheat for about 5-7 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, but be aware that the knots may lose their crispy texture.
• Air Fryer: If you have an air fryer, reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes for a crispy exterior.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1️⃣ Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and shape the garlic knots the night before. Store them in the fridge, and then bake them the next day. Just make sure to let them come to room temperature before baking.

2️⃣ Can I Make Them With Store-Bought Dough?
Definitely! If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought pizza dough as a shortcut. Just follow the same steps for shaping and baking.

3️⃣ How Can I Make These Spicy?
If you like a little heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the garlic butter or use a spicy seasoning blend for a flavorful kick!

4️⃣ Can I Add Cheese to the Knots?
Absolutely! For a cheesy version, sprinkle shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese inside the dough before shaping. You can also add cheese to the garlic butter mixture for an extra cheesy flavor.

🍞 Conclusion – A Must-Try Garlic Treat!

Garlic knots are a simple yet incredibly delicious snack or side dish that everyone will love! 🧄💖 Whether you’re hosting a party, having a family dinner, or just craving something savory, these garlic knots will be your go-to recipe.

With their buttery, garlicky goodness and soft, fluffy texture, these garlic knots are sure to impress. Plus, they’re easy to make, and you can even customize them with your favorite flavors. Give them a try today and get ready to indulge in one of the best treats around! 🍞🔥