Garlic Parmesan Knots Recipe

There’s something truly comforting about the smell of warm, buttery garlic bread wafting through the kitchen — and these Garlic Parmesan Knots capture that feeling perfectly. They’re soft, golden, and loaded with savory garlic flavor, brushed generously with melted butter, and sprinkled with a shower of grated Parmesan cheese. Whether you’re serving them alongside a bowl of spaghetti, a hearty lasagna, or simply enjoying them as a snack, these knots bring a restaurant-quality touch right to your home kitchen.

Inspired by the classic Italian-American breadsticks, this recipe takes the concept up a notch — tying tender dough into adorable knots that not only look beautiful but also bake up with a perfect balance of chewiness and crispness. Perfect for cozy family dinners, game-day spreads, or festive gatherings, these Garlic Parmesan Knots are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

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Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour

• 2¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast

• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 cup warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Garlic Butter Topping:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

• 3 cloves garlic, finely minced

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for extra flavor)

For Finishing:

• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (for garnish)

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Directions

1. Activate the Yeast

In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5–10 minutes, until it becomes frothy. This means your yeast is alive and ready to make the dough rise beautifully.

2. Mix the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Add in the olive oil and the activated yeast mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.

3. Knead the Dough

Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 6–8 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. If the dough feels too sticky, sprinkle in a little more flour (one tablespoon at a time).

4. First Rise

Lightly oil a clean bowl, place the dough inside, and cover it with plastic wrap or a damp kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm place for 1–1½ hours, or until it has doubled in size.

5. Shape the Knots

Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Transfer it to a floured surface and divide it into 12 equal portions. Roll each portion into a rope about 8 inches long, then tie it gently into a knot, tucking the ends underneath.

6. Second Rise

Place the knots on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced about 2 inches apart. Cover loosely with a towel and let them rise again for 20–30 minutes until slightly puffy.

7. Preheat the Oven

While the knots are rising, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

8. Bake the Knots

Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the knots are golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped.

9. Prepare the Garlic Butter

While the knots bake, melt the butter in a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl. Stir in minced garlic, olive oil, parsley, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Let it sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.

10. Brush and Finish

When the knots come out of the oven, immediately brush them generously with the warm garlic butter mixture. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top and garnish with a touch of fresh parsley.

11. Serve Warm

Serve the Garlic Parmesan Knots while they’re warm and fragrant — the perfect companion for any meal or as a delicious snack on their own.

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Prep Time

20 minutes

Cook Time

15 minutes

Total Time

1 hour 45 minutes (including rising time)

Yield

12 Garlic Parmesan Knots

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Notes

• Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it overnight for even more developed flavor. Simply bring it back to room temperature before shaping.

• Shortcut Tip: Use store-bought pizza dough for a quicker version. The flavor will still be fantastic once brushed with garlic butter and Parmesan.

• Storage: Keep leftover knots in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–7 minutes or microwave for 20 seconds.

• Freezing: Freeze baked knots in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Reheat directly from frozen at 350°F for 10–12 minutes.

• Cheese Swap: Feel free to experiment with Romano or Asiago cheese for a bolder flavor profile.

• Garlic Lovers Tip: Add roasted garlic to the butter mixture for an extra rich, mellow taste.

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The Secret to Soft, Fluffy Garlic Parmesan Knots

The key to soft, bakery-style knots lies in proper dough hydration and gentle kneading. The dough should feel soft but not sticky — a sign that it will bake into tender, airy bread instead of a dense roll. Allowing the dough to rise fully during both resting periods ensures maximum fluffiness.

Additionally, brushing the knots with butter immediately after baking helps lock in moisture while creating that signature glossy finish. Parmesan not only enhances flavor but also adds a subtle crunch once it melts onto the surface.

If you’ve ever wondered why restaurant garlic knots taste so irresistible, it’s because they’re drenched in butter-garlic goodness while still hot — and this recipe recreates that same indulgent experience at home.

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Pairing Ideas

These Garlic Parmesan Knots are incredibly versatile and can complement almost any meal. Here are a few ideas for how to enjoy them:

• With Pasta: Serve alongside spaghetti, fettuccine alfredo, or baked ziti. The buttery garlic flavor pairs beautifully with tomato or cream-based sauces.

• With Soup: They make a comforting companion to tomato basil soup, creamy broccoli cheddar, or chicken noodle soup.

• With Salad: A crisp Caesar or Italian salad balances the richness of the knots perfectly.

• With Pizza Night: Instead of standard breadsticks, serve these knots with a side of marinara dipping sauce.

• As an Appetizer: Arrange them on a platter with small bowls of marinara, ranch, or garlic butter for dipping.

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How to Make Them Extra Flavorful

If you want your Garlic Parmesan Knots to stand out even more, try these easy enhancements:

1. Add Mozzarella Inside: Before tying the dough into knots, stuff a small cube of mozzarella inside each rope. When baked, it melts into a gooey surprise center.

2. Use Roasted Garlic Butter: Roasting garlic brings a sweet, caramelized flavor that deepens the richness of your butter glaze.

3. Sprinkle Italian Seasoning: A light dusting of Italian herbs adds aroma and an earthy note that complements the Parmesan beautifully.

4. Brush Twice: For an ultra-rich finish, brush the knots with garlic butter right after baking, then again just before serving.

5. Try Herb Variations: Fresh rosemary or basil can be finely chopped and added to the butter mixture for a unique twist.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: Even if you’ve never baked bread before, this recipe is approachable and forgiving.

• Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples you likely already have at home.

• Family-Friendly: Kids love shaping the knots, and everyone loves eating them.

• Restaurant-Quality: Soft, buttery, and perfectly seasoned — just like your favorite pizzeria version.

• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a festive holiday meal, these knots fit right in.

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Step-by-Step Success Tips

1. Check Your Yeast: Always ensure your yeast is fresh and active. Expired yeast won’t rise properly and can lead to dense knots.

2. Don’t Over-Flour the Dough: Too much flour makes the knots tough. The dough should be slightly tacky but manageable.

3. Rise in a Warm, Draft-Free Spot: Ideal temperature for proofing dough is between 75°F–85°F. You can create a warm environment by turning your oven light on and placing the dough inside (with the oven turned off).

4. Avoid Overbaking: Golden brown is what you’re aiming for — too long in the oven can dry them out.

5. Brush Immediately After Baking: Doing this while they’re hot allows the butter to seep in and keeps them soft.

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Common Questions About Garlic Parmesan Knots

1. Can I use store-bought dough for this recipe?

Yes, absolutely! Store-bought pizza dough is a great time-saver and works wonderfully for Garlic Parmesan Knots. The texture might be slightly denser than homemade, but the garlic butter topping more than makes up for it.

2. How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

You can substitute vegan butter for regular butter and use a plant-based Parmesan alternative. The texture and flavor will remain deliciously close to the original.

3. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

To revive leftover knots, wrap them in foil and heat in a 350°F oven for about 7 minutes. This helps maintain the crisp exterior while softening the inside.

4. Can I add more herbs to the topping?

Yes! Feel free to mix in dried basil, oregano, or Italian seasoning for extra fragrance and depth. Just be sure not to overwhelm the garlic flavor — it’s the star of the show.

Bringing It All Together

Baking Garlic Parmesan Knots at home is one of those simple pleasures that fills your kitchen with warmth and your table with joy. With just a handful of ingredients and a bit of time, you can create something that rivals the best restaurant bread baskets — fresh, golden, and irresistibly aromatic.

These knots aren’t just bread; they’re a celebration of texture and flavor — the crisp bite of a golden crust meeting the soft chew of tender dough, all wrapped in buttery garlic bliss. And when topped with freshly grated Parmesan, they become little edible treasures that no one can resist reaching for.

Whether you’re preparing them for a special occasion or a quiet dinner at home, one thing is certain: these Garlic Parmesan Knots will steal the show every single time. Serve them warm, watch them disappear, and enjoy that satisfying moment when everyone around the table asks for seconds.

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