Garlic Knot Bread Recipe

If you love warm, buttery bread with a punch of garlic, then you are absolutely going to adore this Garlic Knot Bread Recipe. It’s a fan-freaking-tastic homemade treat that feels fancy but is surprisingly easy to make. I first tried making garlic knots a few years back, and since then, they’ve become a staple in my kitchen – perfect as a snack, side, or party appetizer. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through some simple steps and tips so your knots come out chewy, garlicky, and full of flavor every single time.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together beautifully to create a dough that’s soft but easy to handle, with an aromatic garlic butter that brings it all to life. When I shop for bread flour, I always keep an eye out for high-protein flours because they give the best chewy texture.

• Bread flour: Provides the perfect structure and chew, which you won’t get with all-purpose flour.
• Instant yeast: No need to proof this yeast first, which saves time and hassle.
• Sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds a touch of sweetness to balance the garlic.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor without overpowering.
• Garlic powder: Adds depth to the dough’s flavor even before baking.
• Olive oil: Keeps the dough moist and adds a hint of richness.
• Warm water: Activates the yeast – make sure it’s warm, not hot, for best results.
• Salted butter: For the garlic butter mixture – the saltiness complements the garlic perfectly.
• Fresh garlic: Minced finely to get that bold, fresh garlic flavor.
• Fresh basil: Adds a lovely herbal note that brightens the garlic.
• Grated parmesan cheese (optional): For a little cheesy kick if you want to get fancy.

Variations

The great thing about this garlic knot bread recipe is how easy it is to make your own. I love experimenting with different herbs and toppings — that way, no two batches are ever exactly the same!

• Herb variations: I once swapped out basil for rosemary and thyme, which gave the knots a robust, earthy flavor that my family went crazy for.
• Cheese-stuffed knots: Try wrapping a little mozzarella inside the dough before tying the knot for a gooey surprise.
• Hot garlic knots: For a spicy twist, add some crushed red pepper flakes to the garlic butter mixture—perfect for game day snacks!
• Vegan version: Use vegan butter and skip the parmesan; the olive oil and garlic still shine beautifully.

How to Make Garlic Knot Bread Recipe

Step 1: Mix and Knead Your Dough

Start by combining your first cup of bread flour with instant yeast, sugar, salt, and garlic powder in a large bowl. Adding garlic powder right here brings a subtle but important layer of flavor. Then pour in olive oil and warm water, stirring with a wooden spoon until the mixture comes together. Gradually add more flour, about a cup at a time, stirring until you have a tacky, elastic dough that’s starting to pull away from the bowl. Don’t rush adding all the flour at once; I discovered that depending on your flour brand and kitchen humidity, the required amount varies. You want something manageable but still slightly sticky.

Step 2: Let It Rise in a Cozy Spot

Generously brush a large bowl with olive oil to prevent sticking, then roll your dough around in it so it’s coated all over. Cover that bowl tightly with plastic wrap and place it somewhere warm, like on top of your oven or near a sunny window. I’ve tried putting it in a slightly warmed oven (turned off!) and it’s perfect. Let it rise for about 30 minutes until it doubles in size – it’s always fun to watch how much it puffs up!

Step 3: Shape Into Knots

Once your dough has risen, gently deflate it with your hands and turn it onto a lightly floured surface. Roll it into a log about 15 inches long and cut into 9 equal pieces. I like to work with one piece at a time: roll it between your palms and give it a little gentle pull to form an 8-inch rope. If your dough feels too sticky, dust it lightly with flour to make handling easier. Now comes the fun part: tie each rope into a loose knot. It’s easier than it sounds — don’t worry if your first tries aren’t perfect. Place the knots on a parchment-lined baking sheet and brush lightly with olive oil if you want an extra golden crust.

Step 4: Final Rest and Bake

Place your tray on top of your warm oven again and let the knots rest for 5 minutes—just enough time to puff a bit before baking. Bake at 400°F (205°C) for around 13 minutes until they’re starting to get a lovely light golden color. Keep an eye on them so they don’t brown too much; you want them soft and appetizing.

Step 5: Make the Garlic Butter and Brush

While the knots bake, melt your butter in a small saucepan or in the microwave, then stir in minced garlic and fresh basil. When you pull the knots from the oven, brush them generously with this garlicky goodness for a shiny finish that bursts with flavor. If you’re a parmesan fan like me, sprinkle some on top while the butter is still warm! It melts into little pockets of cheesy heaven.

How to Serve Garlic Knot Bread Recipe

Garnishes

I love to sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or extra grated parmesan over the buttered knots for a bright, fresh finish. Sometimes a dash of red pepper flakes adds that little spark that wakes up your taste buds—perfect if you like a bit of heat.

Side Dishes

These garlic knots pair wonderfully with soups like tomato bisque or minestrone, salads loaded with crisp greens, or alongside pasta dishes like spaghetti marinara. My family especially enjoys these with a big bowl of chili during cozy fall evenings.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, I like to arrange my garlic knots in a wreath shape on a large platter, and place a bowl of marinara or herb-infused olive oil in the center for dipping. It’s festive and gets everyone reaching in for seconds. Another fun idea is to thread knots on skewers for bite-sized, party-ready finger food.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover garlic knots in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To keep them from drying out, placing a small piece of bread inside the container helps maintain moisture beautifully.

Freezing

If you want to freeze them, wrap the baked and cooled knots tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. They freeze really well and keep fresh for up to 2 months. When I’m in a hurry, this is a total game-changer for quick homemade snacks.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop the knots in a 350°F oven for about 7-8 minutes. This brings back the soft, chewy texture and warms up the garlicky butter perfectly. Microwaving works in a pinch, but you might lose some crispness on the outside.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Garlic Knot Bread Recipe turns out every time — warm, flavorful, and with that irresistible garlic butter that makes everyone ask for more. When I first tried these, I used to struggle with dough texture, but once I nailed the flour-to-water balance, everything clicked. I’m confident you’ll find this recipe both satisfying and fun to make, and it’s a beautiful way to treat yourself and your loved ones. So grab your ingredients, roll up those sleeves, and trust me, you’ll be amazed at how this simple homemade bread can steal the show at any meal!

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