TheseGarlic Knotsare such a treat! If you’re wondering what to serve alongside your turkey this Thanksgiving, these homemade garlic knots are the answer. Or, if you’re just looking for a buttery side dish, you could make them today!

close up picture of garlic knots on a baking sheet.

Oh, garlic knots, why are you so fun and so tasty? My family loves when I make garlic knots; they’re like the fancy version of a traditional dinner roll, and they totally love them. These garlic knots are made with a simple yeast dough that has garlic powder, onion powder, and dried basil added to the dough.

You cut the dough into pieces, roll out the pieces like you are making a dough snack, and then tie that snake in a knot! That’s how they get their name. Before you put them in the oven you brush them with a garlic butter mixture and you brush that on them as soon as they come out of the oven too. It’s makes the outsidesbuttery and rich and full of garlic flavor.

top view of garlic knots on a baking sheet with a bowl of melted butter next to it.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe combines basic pantry staples that you will likely already have.
With only a few steps required to prepare and knead the dough, this recipe is accessible even for beginners.
Shaping the dough into knots not only makes for an attractive presentation but is a fun way to get creative in the kitchen, making it a great activity to do with kids or friends.
The final touch garlic butter of elevates the flavor, ensures each bite is bursting with rich, buttery, and herb-infused goodness, making these knots irresistible!

Recipe Ingredients

Yeast
Honey– Can be subbed with sugar
Olive oil
Flour –All-purpose flour, or half all-purpose and half whole wheat
Spices –Salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried basil
Butter– We like to use salted butter, but can be subbed for unsalted

See the recipe card below for full information on ingredients and quantities

How to Make Garlic Knots

Step 1.Mix warm water, yeast, and honey. Rest for 5 minutes. Add oil, salt, spices, and flour. Knead for 3-4 minutes.

Step 2.Cover the dough and let it rise for 30-40 minutes.

Step 3.Divide dough into 12 pieces, roll into ropes, and tie into knots. Let rise for 40-60 minutes.

Step 4.Preheat oven to 350°F. Brush knots with butter and spices. Bake for 15-20 minutes. Brush with more butter and serve hot.

Recipe FAQs

How do you tie a garlic knot?

The key is to work with a long piece of dough so that you have something to tie. Roll your dough into a long rope (about 12 inches long). Loop one side through a hole made by the other end (like you are tying your shoe laces together). One end will poke out the top a little and tuck the other end under the rest of the knot. Aren’t they pretty!

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can use instant yeast. You can mix it directly with the dry ingredients without dissolving it in water first. The rise time may be slightly shorter.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and let it rise, then refrigerate it overnight. Bring it to room temperature before shaping the knots and letting them rise again.

What if I don’t have dried basil?

You can substitute with other dried herbs like oregano, thyme, or Italian seasoning for a similar flavor.

bowl of garlic knots lined with a white linen.

Expert Tips

Ensure thewater is warm(about 110°F/45°C) when mixing with yeast and honey or sugar. If the water istoo hot, it can kill the yeast, and if it’s too cold, the yeast won’t activate properly. Allow the mixture to rest until it becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
When kneading the dough,add flour graduallyuntil the dough is smooth and elastic but not sticky. Too much flour can make the dough tough, while too little can result in a sticky mess.
If your kitchen is too cold to let your dough rise, you cancreate a warm environmentby preheating the oven to its lowest setting for a few minutes, then turning it off and placing the covered dough inside.
Forevenly baked knots, make sure tospace them outon the baking sheet so they don’t touch each other.Rotating the baking sheet halfway throughthe baking time can also help ensure even browning on all sides.

How to Serve and Store Garlic Knots

Serve the garlic knots hot, straight from the oven for the best flavor and texture. To keep them warm, line a bread basket with a cloth napkin and wrap it around the knots.

You can dip them in anArrabbiata tomato sauce, garlic butter, or a creamyAlfredo saucefor a delightful appetizer or side dish. These knots make an excellent accompaniment topizza,lasagna, pasta dishes such assteak and mushroom marinara,primavera, andpesto, soups, and salads.

You may store any leftover knots in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving to refresh their texture. For longer storage, They freeze great. Bake and cool, store in an air-tight container in the freezer. To reheat, thaw at room temperature, and warm in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes.