Soft, fluffy, buttery, and loaded with garlic flavor, these Homemade Garlic Knots are the perfect side dish for pasta dinners, soups, and salads and more! Made with simple pantry staples, these bakery-style garlic knots are brushed with a rich garlic butter sauce and topped with Parmesan cheese and herbs.

While you’re here be sure to try this Homemade Jalapeno Cheddar Bread and this Hot Water Cornbread too!

garlic knots on a plate with pasta and salad

Garlic Knots in the Machine

Whether you’re using a bread machine to do the heavy lifting or making the dough completely from scratch, this easy garlic knots recipe produces soft, chewy knots with golden brown edges every single time.

Ingredients for the Garlic Bread

Bread Flour: Creates a chewy, bakery-style texture while helping the knots maintain their shape during baking.
Warm Water: Activates the yeast and hydrates the dough for proper gluten development.
Active Dry Yeast: Helps the dough rise and creates the light, fluffy texture garlic knots are known for.
Granulated Sugar: Feeds the yeast and encourages a beautiful golden crust.
Olive Oil: Adds flavor and keeps the dough soft and tender.
Salt: Enhances the flavor of the dough and strengthens gluten structure.
Garlic Butter Topping: Creates the rich, flavorful coating that makes garlic knots irresistible.

How to Make Garlic Butter Knots

See recipe card for ingredient quantities and full instructions.

If you’ve ever wondered how to make garlic bread at home, you’re going to love how simple and foolproof this recipe is.

Add milk and softened butter to bread machine

Add the dry ingredients into the bread basket.

Turn it on the dough setting, remove it when it’s complete.

Separate the dough into equal size piece

Form the dough into knots.

Let the rise for at least one hour, or until they double in size.

Once the fluffy garlic rolls rise, place them in the oven to bake. Then you will remove them from the oven and brush them generously with the garlic butter.

Pro Tips for Bakery Style Garlic Knots

Use bread flour for the best chewy texture.
Do not over-flour the dough while shaping.
Allow the second rise for softer knots.
Brush with garlic butter while the knots are still hot.
Fresh garlic provides the most flavor.
Rotate the baking sheet halfway through baking for even browning.
Use a kitchen scale for evenly sized knots.

Making Garlic Bread without a Bread Machine

Traditional Dough Method

Combine warm water, sugar, and yeast in a large bowl.
Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
Add olive oil, salt, and flour.
Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
Knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Place in a greased bowl and cover.
Let rise for 60-90 minutes or until doubled in size.

Variations and Substitutions

Cheesy Garlic Knots: Add mozzarella cheese inside each knot before baking.

Garlic Parmesan Knots: Double the Parmesan cheese for extra savory flavor.

Herb Garlic Knots: Add rosemary, basil, or oregano to the garlic butter mixture.

Whole Wheat Garlic Knots: Replace up to half of the bread flour with whole wheat flour.

Spicy Garlic Knots: Add red pepper flakes to the garlic butter.

Air Fryer Garlic Knots: Cook at 350°F for 8-10 minutes depending on size.

FAQ

Can I freeze garlic knots?

Absolutely. Freeze baked garlic knots for up to 3 months in an airtight container.

Why are my garlic knots dense?

Dense knots are usually caused by expired yeast, under-rising, or adding too much flour.

Can I use store-bought pizza dough?

Yes. Store-bought pizza dough works great when you’re short on time.