🍞 Homemade Garlic Knots with Butter Sauce
There’s something magical about the smell of fresh bread baking in the oven, don’t you think? Growing up, garlic knots weren’t something my grandma made—she was more of a biscuit-and-gravy kind of woman—but when I first discovered them at a little family-owned pizzeria, I was hooked. Soft, golden rolls tied into cute little knots, dripping with buttery garlic and herbs… it was love at first bite.
Over the years, I’ve made my fair share of shortcuts with store-bought pizza dough, but let me tell you—nothing compares to homemade garlic knots with butter sauce made completely from scratch. They’re surprisingly easy to whip up, and the smell that fills your kitchen will have your family gathering around the oven before the timer even dings.
If you’re looking for the perfect side for spaghetti night, a crowd-pleasing appetizer for game day, or just a cozy bread basket to put on the table, this recipe is going to be a keeper.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soft & Fluffy: Bread flour and olive oil give these knots their pillowy texture.
- Garlicky Goodness: Real minced garlic and a hint of garlic powder infuse every bite.
- Perfect with Pasta: Ideal for serving with marinara, Alfredo, or alongside a big salad.
- Beginner Friendly: Simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions make this easy even if you’re new to baking bread.
- Customizable: Change up the herbs, sprinkle with parmesan, or even stuff them with cheese for a fun twist.
🥖 Ingredients Breakdown
For the Dough
- 2–2⅔3 cups bread flour – Bread flour gives the knots their chewy, fluffy texture. If you only have all-purpose flour, you can use it, but the texture will be slightly softer.
- 1 packet instant yeast – Instant yeast makes this recipe quick and foolproof. If you only have active dry yeast, just proof it in warm water before mixing.
- ½ teaspoon sugar – Just enough to feed the yeast and help it rise.
- ¾ teaspoon salt – Balances the flavors.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder – Infuses the dough itself with garlicky goodness.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – Keeps the dough soft and tender.
- ¾ cup warm water – Warm to the touch, but not hot (about 110°F).
For the Garlic Butter Sauce
- 4 tablespoons salted butter – Melted down for brushing over the baked knots.
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced – Cooked until fragrant for that irresistible flavor.
- 1 tablespoon chopped basil – Adds freshness and color. You can swap in parsley if you prefer.
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the Dough
In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of flour, yeast, sugar, salt, and garlic powder. Stir in the olive oil and warm water until well combined. Slowly add the remaining flour until the dough starts to pull away from the sides of the bowl.
Step 2: Knead & Rise
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Transfer to a greased bowl, turning once to coat with oil. Cover with a clean towel and let it rise for 30 minutes.
Step 3: Shape the Knots
Punch down the dough and divide into equal pieces. Roll each piece into an 8-inch strip, tie into a knot, and place on a greased baking sheet or cast iron skillet. Let rise another 5 minutes.
Step 4: Bake
Bake at 400°F for 13 minutes, or until golden brown.
Step 5: Make the Garlic Butter
While the knots bake, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook just until fragrant, about 1 minute. Remove from heat and stir in the basil.
Step 6: Brush & Serve
Brush the warm knots generously with garlic butter, making sure it seeps into every nook and cranny. Serve immediately—preferably with a side of marinara or ranch for dipping!
💡 Expert Tips & Troubleshooting
- Sticky Dough? Add flour 1 tablespoon at a time until the dough is manageable.
- Dense Knots? Make sure your yeast is fresh and your water isn’t too hot—it can kill the yeast.
- Extra Golden Top? Brush with a little egg wash before baking for a bakery-style shine.
- Cheesy Upgrade: Sprinkle with grated parmesan or mozzarella right after brushing with garlic butter.
🍿 Variations & Serving Ideas
- Herb Garlic Knots: Swap basil for parsley, oregano, or rosemary.
- Cheese-Stuffed Garlic Knots: Wrap a cube of mozzarella inside before tying the knot.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes to the butter for a zesty version.
- Dipping Sauces: Serve with marinara, Alfredo, ranch, or even a balsamic glaze.
🥶 Storage & Make-Ahead Notes
- Room Temp: Store leftovers in an airtight container up to 2 days.
- Fridge: Keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. Warm before serving.
- Freezer: Freeze baked knots in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 8–10 minutes.
- Make Ahead: You can prep the dough, shape into knots, and refrigerate overnight. Bake fresh the next day.
❓ FAQs
Can I use pizza dough for garlic knots?
Yes! Store-bought pizza dough works, but homemade gives the best flavor and texture.
Why are my garlic knots tough?
Most likely overbaking or adding too much flour. Keep the dough soft and bake just until golden.
Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely. Just make sure to use a large enough bowl for the rise.
Can I make them without a stand mixer?
Yes—just knead by hand. It only takes about 5 minutes.
✨ Conclusion
Homemade Garlic Knots with Butter Sauce
Ingredients
- - 2–2⅔3 cups bread flour
- - 1 packet instant yeast
- - ½ teaspoon sugar
- - ¾ teaspoon salt
- - ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- - 2 tablespoons olive oil
- - ¾ cup warm water
- - 4 tablespoons salted butter
- - 3 cloves garlic minced
- - 1 tablespoon basil chopped
Instructions
- Combine 1 cup flour, yeast, sugar, salt, and garlic powder. Stir in oil and water.
- Gradually add remaining flour, knead until smooth.
- Transfer to greased bowl, cover, rise 30 minutes.
- Punch down dough, roll into 8-inch strips, tie into knots. Rise 5 minutes.
- Bake at 400°F for 13 minutes until golden.
- Melt butter, cook garlic until fragrant. Remove from heat, stir in basil.
- Brush knots with garlic butter and serve warm.
Notes
- Freeze for up to 2 months.
- Swap basil for parsley or oregano.
These homemade garlic knots with butter sauce are one of those recipes you’ll come back to again and again. They’re soft, golden, and dripping with buttery garlic flavor—just the kind of bread that disappears faster than you can set them on the table.
👉 Did your family love these as much as mine did? Let me know in the comments! And don’t forget to share this recipe with a friend or save it to Pinterest for your next pasta night.
