These Buttery Garlic Knots are soft, fluffy, and dripping with rich garlic butter—perfect as a side dish or appetizer. Baked until golden and brushed with a double layer of garlic-parsley butter, then topped with Parmesan cheese, these knots are irresistible. Whether you’re pairing them with pasta, pizza, or soup, they’re a crowd-pleasing addition to any meal.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 5½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1½ teaspoons instant yeast

• 1½ teaspoons salt

• ¼ cup granulated sugar

• 1½ drops soy lecithin (nickel-sized)

• 2 cups warm water

For the Garlic Butter:

• ½ cup unsalted butter

• 7 cloves garlic, minced

• 1½ teaspoons garlic salt

• ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped

• ⅓ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Optional for Serving:

• Homemade pizza sauce

Directions

1. Make the Dough:
   In a mixer bowl, combine flour, yeast, salt, and sugar. Mix with a dough hook.
   Add soy lecithin, then slowly pour in warm water while mixing.
   Mix until dough pulls away from the bowl and becomes smooth. Cover and let rest for 30 minutes.

2. Shape the Knots:
   Roll dough out ¼-inch thick on a floured surface. Cut in half, then slice into strips.
   Tie each strip into a knot: cross the ends to form an “X,” then tuck one end through the loop.

3. Second Rise:
   Place knots in a greased 9×13-inch baking pan. Let rise for 15–30 minutes.

4. Make Garlic Butter:
   Melt butter in a pan. Stir in garlic, garlic salt, and chopped parsley.

5. Bake the Knots:
   Brush knots with half of the garlic butter. Bake at 400°F (204°C) for 15–20 minutes or until golden brown.

6. Finish:
   After baking, brush knots with the remaining garlic butter. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and serve with pizza sauce if desired.

Nutrients (Per Serving – Approx. for 12 Servings)

• Calories: 312 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 45g

• Protein: 7g

• Fat: 11g

  • Saturated Fat: ~6g

• Sugar: 3g

• Cholesterol: 20mg

• Sodium: ~350mg

• Fiber: 2g

• Calcium: ~70mg

• Iron: ~2mg

A Timeless Appetizer with Roots in Italian-American Cuisine

Garlic knots trace their origin back to the humble pizzerias of New York City in the 1970s. They were created as a way to make use of leftover pizza dough, turning scraps into a profitable and mouthwatering side dish. The simplicity of the concept—tying strips of dough into knots and baking them with garlic butter—makes this recipe as functional as it is delicious.

While they began as a thrifty addition to pizza menus, garlic knots have evolved into a beloved appetizer in their own right. This version elevates the classic by using a buttery dough enriched with garlic salt and finished with not one, but two rounds of garlicky herb butter. The final flourish of freshly grated Parmesan makes them taste like they came straight from a fine Italian trattoria.

Why These Garlic Knots Stand Out

What sets these Buttery Garlic Knots apart from typical recipes is the layered attention to flavor and texture. First, the dough itself is incredibly soft thanks to a balance of flour, yeast, and warm water. Soy lecithin—a natural emulsifier—is used to further enhance the dough’s pliability, resulting in a smoother crumb and better moisture retention after baking.

The shaping of the knots adds not just charm but texture. By tying the dough into classic knot shapes, each piece has a varied surface area, which crisps and browns at different rates in the oven. This contrast between soft interior and slightly chewy golden edges creates a multi-textured bite that keeps you coming back for more.

The buttery garlic mixture is where the magic happens. Rather than being baked into the dough all at once, it’s brushed on in two layers—first before baking to infuse flavor as the knots rise and brown, then after baking to coat the surface with fresh parsley, melted butter, and bold garlic aroma. This two-step glazing process ensures that every knot is loaded with deep, aromatic richness from top to bottom.

Perfect Pairings and Serving Ideas

These knots are incredibly versatile when it comes to what you serve them with. For Italian dinners, they’re the perfect complement to classic dishes like spaghetti Bolognese, lasagna, or chicken parmesan. Dip them in warm marinara or pizza sauce to add an extra layer of flavor.

They also pair beautifully with hearty soups such as minestrone, creamy tomato basil, or broccoli cheddar. Their rich, buttery coating and soft bite help soak up broth and creamy textures alike. For lighter meals, serve them alongside a crisp Caesar salad or antipasto platter to balance the richness of the dough with fresh greens and pickled vegetables.

If you’re planning a game day menu or appetizer spread, garlic knots are a hit among kids and adults alike. Add them to a platter with mozzarella sticks, meatballs, and dipping sauces like ranch, pesto, or spicy marinara for a fun and filling party option.

Make-Ahead Friendly for Easy Entertaining

One of the best parts of this recipe is how easy it is to prepare ahead of time. The dough can be made the day before and stored in the refrigerator overnight, making it ideal for planning meals or events. You can even tie the knots in advance and freeze them before the second rise. When you’re ready to bake, simply let them thaw and rise again before proceeding with the recipe.

You can also make a large batch of the garlic butter and store it in the refrigerator for quick use on other dishes like garlic bread, sautéed vegetables, or grilled meats. This makes the garlic knots a practical and flexible addition to your recipe rotation.

Tips for Success

To make these garlic knots truly foolproof, here are some helpful tips:

Use fresh garlic for the most robust flavor. Minced garlic cloves offer a stronger punch than pre-minced or powdered garlic.

Don’t skip the second rise. Letting the knots rest after shaping gives them a soft and airy interior when baked.

Brush the butter while hot. The garlic butter absorbs better when the knots are fresh from the oven, enhancing their flavor and shine.

Add cheese while warm. Parmesan adheres better to hot, buttered knots and melts slightly for the perfect finishing touch.

Customize to taste. Try adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for a little heat, or swap out parsley for fresh basil or thyme for a different herbaceous twist.

Nutritional Highlights and Indulgence Balance

While garlic knots are undeniably indulgent, this homemade version offers the advantage of real ingredients and the ability to control what goes into your food. With a good balance of carbs, fat, and protein, they can be part of a well-rounded meal when paired with a healthy salad or lean protein.

Each serving provides approximately 312 calories, which makes them a satisfying but manageable treat. Using quality ingredients like unsalted butter, fresh parsley, and real Parmesan ensures that the flavor is rich without the need for excessive additives or sodium.

Conclusion

Buttery Garlic Knots are a celebration of simple ingredients done right. Soft and pillowy on the inside, golden and garlicky on the outside, they offer the perfect combination of comfort and flavor. Whether served as a starter at a family dinner, passed around at a holiday gathering, or enjoyed solo with a bowl of marinara, these knots are guaranteed to be the first to disappear from the table.

Their make-ahead potential, minimal prep, and universal appeal make them a smart addition to any home cook’s recipe collection. Try them once, and you’ll find yourself baking them again and again—each time met with eager hands and satisfied smiles.