Pull Apart Garlic Knots from Scratch (Easy Cast Iron Recipe)
Few things make a kitchen smell as inviting as homemade bread, and these pull apart garlic knots might just be the ultimate comfort food. Golden brown, buttery, garlicky, and soft enough to melt in your mouth, this recipe proves you don’t need a bread machine to bake something amazing from scratch.
I’ll be honest—bread baking can feel intimidating. But once you realize it’s just flour, yeast, and patience, it becomes a fun and rewarding process. This was only my second attempt at homemade bread without a bread machine, and the results were fantastic. If I can do it, you can too!
Baked in a cast iron skillet, these garlic knots rise high, bake evenly, and pull apart beautifully. Perfect alongside pasta, soup, or as a game day appetizer.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- From scratch, no machine – hand-mixed and kneaded for a rustic feel.
- Garlic butter heaven – brushed before baking and again after for maximum flavor.
- Pull-apart fun – soft rolls baked together in cast iron skillet.
- Family-friendly – great side dish for Italian night.
- Beginner-friendly – simple, straightforward dough recipe.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Dough
- 1/2 cup warm water (about 110°F)
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp active dry yeast
- 3 cups bread flour
- 1 Tbsp butter, softened
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tsp salt
Garlic Butter Topping
- 4 Tbsp butter, melted
- 1 pinch salt
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Parsley (fresh or dried)
💡 Tip: Don’t skip the final brush of garlic butter after baking—it gives that irresistible shine and flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Activate yeast. In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit 10 minutes until foamy.
- Make dough. In a mixing bowl, add yeast mixture, butter, milk, salt, and gradually mix in flour. Knead for 7–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Shape knots. Cut dough into small chunks, roll into balls, and dip in garlic butter topping. Arrange in greased cast iron skillet.
- Let rise. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Bake. Bake at 350°F for 20–25 minutes, until golden brown.
- Finish with butter. Brush remaining garlic butter over hot rolls. Serve warm and enjoy!
Expert Tips & Troubleshooting
- Dough too sticky? Add a tablespoon of flour at a time until smooth.
- Dough too dry? Add a splash of milk to loosen it.
- Want extra garlic punch? Roast garlic cloves and mash into the butter.
- Crispier bottoms? Preheat the skillet before adding dough.
- Make it cheesy: Sprinkle parmesan or mozzarella before baking.
Variations & Serving Ideas
- Cheesy Garlic Knots: Add shredded mozzarella or parmesan on top before baking.
- Italian Herb Twist: Mix oregano, basil, and thyme into the butter topping.
- Stuffed Knots: Tuck a cube of mozzarella into the center of each dough ball.
- Party Platter: Serve with marinara, ranch, or garlic aioli for dipping.
- Soup Sidekick: Perfect with tomato soup, minestrone, or chicken noodle.
Storage & Make-Ahead Notes
- Room Temp: Store covered up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator: Keeps up to 5 days, reheat in oven to refresh.
- Freezer: Wrap baked knots in foil and freeze up to 2 months.
- Make-Ahead: Shape dough balls and refrigerate overnight. Bake the next day.
FAQs
Do I need cast iron for this recipe?
No, but cast iron helps with golden crust and even baking. A 9×9 baking dish works too.
Can I use instant yeast?
Yes, skip the proofing step and mix directly into flour.
Why two butter toppings?
Brushing before baking flavors the dough; brushing after gives shine and extra garlic punch.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Use a larger skillet or two pans for more servings.
Conclusion
These pull apart garlic knots from scratch are buttery, soft, and baked to golden perfection in a cast iron skillet. With simple ingredients and no bread machine needed, they’re proof that anyone can bake irresistible homemade bread. Whether you serve them with pasta, soup, or just enjoy them warm out of the skillet, they’ll disappear fast.
What do you serve garlic knots with—pasta, soup, or just on their own? 🧄🥖 Share your favorite pairing in the comments, and don’t forget to pin this recipe for later!
