There’s something truly magical about Homemade Garlic Knots: pillowy, golden dough brushed with garlicky, herb-flecked olive oil, finished with an irresistible sprinkle of parmigiano. These little twists are more than a side — they’re a celebration of warmth, comfort, and everything we love about eating with our hands. Whether you’re making them to enjoy with pasta, as a cozy snack, or to impress friends at a gathering, Homemade Garlic Knots deliver every single time with aromas and flavors that are impossible to resist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Homemade Garlic Knots is in their simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role: from the dough forming a soft-yet-chewy base, to the fragrant herbs and pungent garlic that infuse every bite. Here’s what you’ll need to make every knot absolutely perfect:
- Pizza dough: The building block of these knots, yielding that iconic chewy texture. Homemade or store-bought both work wonders.
- Olive oil: Adds depth and richness, making the knots beautifully moist and golden as they bake.
- Oregano: A classic herb that wakes up the flavor of the olive oil and gives an unmistakable Italian vibe.
- Fresh Italian parsley: Adds bursts of fresh, grassy flavor and a hint of color to the finished knots.
- Parmigiano: For that nutty, salty punch and gorgeous meltiness atop each knot.
- Garlic: The real star here! Finely minced so it melts into the oil and covers every inch of each knot.
- Salt: Sharpens and balances the garlic and parmigiano, bringing every component together.
How to Make Homemade Garlic Knots
Step 1: Shape the Dough
Start by preparing your pizza dough. Take your dough (whether it’s homemade or a trusty store-bought shortcut) and gently roll it into a 14 to 15-inch log. With a sharp knife or bench scraper, divide the log into 8 even pieces. Roll each piece between your palms or on your work surface to form a rope about 8 inches (20 cm) long, then tie each rope into a simple knot. Place these little twisted beauties onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover with a tea towel and let them rise in a warm, draft-free spot until they’ve doubled in size, about 45–60 minutes. The anticipation is half the fun!
Step 2: Mix the Garlicky Topping
While the dough is rising, whisk together the olive oil, oregano, chopped parsley, grated parmigiano, minced garlic, and salt in a small bowl. Stir well to combine everything. This aromatic mixture is where the magic happens — it marries the flavors that turn simple bread into legendary Homemade Garlic Knots.
Step 3: Brush and Bake
Preheat your oven to 400F (200C). Once your knots have risen, brush each one generously with some of the garlicky topping. Pop them into the oven and bake for 12–15 minutes, until the knots are puffed and perfectly golden brown. Your whole kitchen will smell like an Italian trattoria!
Step 4: Finish and Serve
As soon as the knots come out of the oven, while they’re still hot and just irresistible, brush them with the remaining topping. This second coating adds extra sheen and deepens the herby, garlicky aroma. Serve the knots warm — trust me, waiting will be the hardest part!
How to Serve Homemade Garlic Knots
Garnishes
Give your Homemade Garlic Knots a flourish by showering them with extra chopped parsley or a dusting of fresh parmigiano while they’re still warm. A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt can add the perfect finishing touch for those who love a little crunch and extra flavor.
Side Dishes
Garlic knots pair beautifully with saucy pasta dishes or classic marinara for dipping. Serve alongside a hearty bowl of soup or a vibrant salad, and you’ll have a well-rounded feast! They’re also perfect next to roasted meats or as a starchy side at pizza night.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack your Homemade Garlic Knots in a rustic bread basket lined with a lively napkin, or create a “knots and dips” platter with little bowls of marinara, pesto, or whipped ricotta. For a party, skewer them onto wooden sticks for irresistible garlic knot kabobs — guaranteed to delight kids and adults alike!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow don’t devour every single knot at once, store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They’ll stay soft and garlicky, perfect for lunchboxes or late-night snacks.
Freezing
To freeze Homemade Garlic Knots, let them cool completely, then tuck them into a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to three months, making it easy to stash away a taste of homemade comfort for future cravings.
Reheating
To bring back their just-baked magic, reheat garlic knots in a 350F (175C) oven for about five minutes. If reheating from frozen, give them about ten minutes, or until warmed through. A quick brush with a touch more olive oil after reheating can restore their irresistible shine and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pizza dough for Homemade Garlic Knots?
Absolutely! Store-bought pizza dough is a great shortcut and delivers fantastic results. Just let it come to room temperature before shaping so it’s easy to handle.
What’s the best way to mince garlic for the topping?
Use a sharp knife to finely mince the garlic, or use a microplane for an extra-fine texture that melts right into the oil. The finer it is, the more evenly it coats each knot.
Can I make Homemade Garlic Knots in advance?
Yes! You can shape and chill the knots in the refrigerator overnight. Let them come to room temperature and rise before baking for the freshest result.
Are these knots vegetarian?
They are! Just check your parmigiano if you’re serving strict vegetarians, as some cheeses are not fully vegetarian. Substitute with your favorite vegetarian hard cheese if needed.
What other herbs can I use?
Feel free to try basil, thyme, or rosemary in place of or alongside parsley and oregano for your own signature flavor twist. Homemade Garlic Knots are super customizable and happy to play with whatever fresh herbs you love.
Final Thoughts
Few things in life are as satisfying as a batch of warm Homemade Garlic Knots shared with people you love. They’re easy, endlessly welcoming, and absolute crowd-pleasers from the very first bite. Next time you’re craving a little kitchen magic, go ahead and give these a try — you’ll want to make them again and again!
Print
Homemade Garlic Knots Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 knots
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These homemade garlic knots are a delicious twist on traditional breadsticks. Soft, buttery, and infused with garlic and herbs, they make a perfect appetizer or side dish for any meal.
Ingredients
Pizza Dough:
- 1/2 portion of pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
Topping:
- 4–5 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped Italian (flat-leaf) parsley
- 3 tablespoons finely grated parmigiano
- 2–3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Make the pizza dough: Prepare the pizza dough following the recipe instructions.
- Shape the dough: Divide the dough into 8 pieces. Roll each piece into an 8-inch rope and tie it into a knot. Place on a baking sheet, let rise for 45-60 minutes.
- Preheat the oven: Preheat to 400F/200C.
- Prepare the topping: Mix olive oil, oregano, parsley, parmigiano, garlic, and salt in a bowl.
- Bake: Brush knots with some topping, bake for 12-15 minutes until golden. Brush with remaining topping before serving.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days.
- Can be frozen for up to three months.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American/Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 knot
- Calories: 71 kcal
- Sugar: 0.04g
- Sodium: 103mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0.1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 1mg
