Homemade Garlic Knots

Homemade Garlic Knots are the perfect addition to any meal. These soft, flavorful knots are easy to make and a crowd-pleaser for all occasions. Whether served as an appetizer, side dish, or snack, they bring a delightful aroma and taste to your table. With their buttery garlic flavor and warm, fluffy texture, these knots will quickly become a favorite at your gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe simplifies the process of making homemade garlic knots without sacrificing taste.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy them on their own or pair with marinara sauce for dipping!
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for family dinners, parties, or even as a snack.
• Customizable Flavors: Add herbs or cheese to create your unique twist on this classic recipe.
• Impressive Presentation: These knots look beautiful on any platter and impress guests with your baking skills.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes baking homemade garlic knots easier and more enjoyable. Below are some essential items you’ll need to get started.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer (or large mixing bowl)
• Dough hook or wooden spoon
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: Saves time and effort in kneading the dough, ensuring consistent results.
• Dough hook: Helps achieve the right texture by kneading the dough evenly.
• Baking sheet: Provides a sturdy surface for baking multiple knots at once.

Ingredients

Follow these detailed instructions for super soft and flavorful homemade garlic knots. Review video tutorial and recipe notes below before beginning.

Ingredients:
– 1 and 1/3 cups (320ml) warm water (between 100–110°F, 38–43°C)
– 2 and 1/4 teaspoons (7g) Platinum Yeast from Red Star instant yeast (1 standard packet)
– 1 Tablespoon (13g) granulated sugar
– 3 Tablespoons (45ml) olive oil or (43g) melted butter
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 3 and 1/2 cups (about 450g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled), plus more for hands and work surface
– 5 Tablespoons (71g) unsalted butter, melted
– 3 garlic cloves, minced; or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– optional after baking: 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– optional after baking: 2 Tablespoons chopped fresh parsley*

How to Make Homemade Garlic Knots

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Whisk the warm water, yeast, and granulated sugar together in the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with a dough hook or paddle attachment. Cover and allow to rest for 5 minutes. If you don’t have a stand mixer, simply use a large mixing bowl and mix the dough with a wooden spoon or silicone spatula in the next step.

Step 2: Mix Ingredients

1. Add the olive oil (or butter), salt, garlic powder, and half of the flour. Beat for 15 seconds, then add the remaining flour. Beat on low speed for about two minutes until combined.

Step 3: Knead the Dough

1. Keep the dough in the mixer (and switch to the dough hook if using the paddle) and beat for an additional five full minutes. Alternatively, knead by hand on a lightly floured surface for five full minutes. If the dough becomes too sticky during kneading, sprinkle one teaspoon of flour at a time until it forms a soft yet slightly tacky dough. After kneading, poke it with your finger—if it slowly bounces back, your dough is ready to rise. For those unfamiliar with bread-baking techniques, my How to Knead Dough video tutorial can be helpful here.

Continue following along with each step until you achieve delicious Homemade Garlic Knots that everyone will love!

How to Serve Homemade Garlic Knots

Homemade garlic knots are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether as a side dish or a snack, these knots are versatile and perfect for any meal.

With Marinara Sauce

• Serve warm alongside marinara sauce for dipping. The rich tomato flavor complements the garlicky goodness of the knots.

Topped with Parmesan

• Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top right after baking. This adds a savory, cheesy layer that enhances each bite.

Accompanied by Fresh Herbs

• Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or basil before serving. This not only adds color but also enhances the aromatic experience.

As Part of a Bread Basket

• Include garlic knots in a mixed bread basket. Pair them with other artisan breads for an appealing presentation at dinner parties.

With Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar

• Drizzle olive oil and balsamic vinegar on the side for dipping. This adds an extra layer of flavor that balances the garlic perfectly.

On a Charcuterie Board

• Include homemade garlic knots on your charcuterie board. They pair well with cheeses, olives, and cured meats (substituting turkey or chicken).

How to Perfect Homemade Garlic Knots

Creating the perfect homemade garlic knots takes attention to detail and some helpful tips.

• Use warm water: Make sure your water is between 100–110°F (38–43°C) to activate the yeast properly.

• Knead well: Knead the dough until it passes the windowpane test. This ensures a soft, airy texture in your knots.

• Don’t rush rising: Allow your dough to rise in a warm place until it doubles in size for better flavor and texture.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic and herbs will elevate the taste significantly compared to dried options.

• Experiment with toppings: Try different herbs or spices like rosemary or chili flakes for an exciting twist on classic garlic knots.

Best Side Dishes for Homemade Garlic Knots

Homemade garlic knots pair wonderfully with various side dishes that complement their flavor profile.

1. Caesar Salad: A crisp salad with romaine lettuce, croutons, and Caesar dressing balances the richness of garlic knots.

2. Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned roasted veggies provide a healthy contrast that enhances your meal’s overall taste.

3. Tomato Soup: Warm tomato soup is a classic pairing that makes for a comforting dish when served with garlic knots.

4. Stuffed Peppers: Colorful stuffed bell peppers add variety and nutrition, making them an excellent accompaniment.

5. Pasta Primavera: Light vegetable pasta dishes offer freshness alongside the buttery garlic flavor of the knots.

6. Greek Salad: A refreshing mix of cucumbers, tomatoes, feta cheese, and olives brings brightness to your meal.

7. Grilled Chicken Salad: Protein-packed grilled chicken mixed with greens creates a hearty option that complements garlic knots beautifully.

8. Zucchini Noodles: For a lighter option, spiralized zucchini tossed in olive oil and herbs pairs nicely without being too heavy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making homemade garlic knots can be simple, but a few common mistakes can lead to less than perfect results.

• Not using warm water: Ensure your water is between 100–110°F (38–43°C) to activate the yeast effectively. Cold water can prevent proper rising.
• Skipping the resting time: Allowing the yeast mixture to rest for 5 minutes is crucial. This step helps activate the yeast, leading to fluffier knots.
• Over-kneading or under-kneading: Knead until the dough passes the windowpane test. Too little kneading results in dense knots, while too much can make them tough.
• Ignoring dough texture: If your dough feels too sticky while kneading, add flour gradually. A soft and slightly tacky dough ensures light and airy garlic knots.
• Not preheating the oven: Always preheat your oven before baking. This ensures that your garlic knots rise correctly and bake evenly.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store homemade garlic knots in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the fridge.

Freezing Homemade Garlic Knots

• Place cooled garlic knots in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Homemade Garlic Knots

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Wrap knots in foil and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat on a microwave-safe plate for about 20-30 seconds. Be careful not to overheat, as they may become chewy.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, cover with a lid, and warm for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making homemade garlic knots.

How do I make Homemade Garlic Knots softer?

To ensure soft garlic knots, avoid adding too much flour when kneading. A slightly tacky dough will yield softer results.

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute part of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. However, this may result in denser garlic knots.

What can I serve with Homemade Garlic Knots?

Homemade garlic knots pair perfectly with marinara sauce for dipping or as a side dish with pasta dishes.

How long do Homemade Garlic Knots last?

When stored properly in an airtight container, homemade garlic knots last up to 3 days in the refrigerator and up to 3 months in the freezer.

Final Thoughts

Homemade garlic knots are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them with different seasonings or toppings like cheese or herbs. They make an excellent addition to any meal or stand alone as a tasty snack. Try making these delightful knots today!