Name: Garlic Knots with Parmesan and Butter Recipe
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 cup water; 2 tablespoons melted butter; 1/2 cup milk; 2 tablespoons honey; 1 tablespoon active-dry yeast; 3 1/2 to 4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon fine sea salt; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 4 tablespoons salted butter, melted; 1 tablespoon finely-chopped fresh parsley; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; Freshly-grated Parmesan cheese; Flaky sea salt

If you love soft, buttery bread with a punch of garlicky goodness, you’re going to adore this Garlic Knots with Parmesan and Butter Recipe. These little knots are everything you want in a snack or side—golden, flavorful, and downright addictive.

The image shows a close-up of seven golden brown garlic knots arranged tightly together on a white marbled surface. Each knot is round with a twisted shape, and the top layer has a shiny, buttery texture with a warm golden color. Small specks of finely chopped green parsley are scattered evenly over the knots, along with large flakes of coarse salt. The knots have a soft, fluffy look with some slight baking browning on the raised parts, giving a fresh, warm baked feel. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Garlic Knots with Parmesan and Butter Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Garlic Knots with Parmesan and Butter Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Garlic Knots with Parmesan and Butter Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I honestly can’t get enough of these garlic knots. They’re simple to make but taste like you spent hours in the kitchen. Perfect for game days, weeknight dinners, or just whenever a carb craving hits.

Soft & Buttery: The dough comes out pillowy soft with just the right amount of chew.
Garlic Infused: Every bite is bursting with savory garlic flavor without being overpowering.
Easy to Make: Using simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have fresh garlic knots in about an hour.
Topped to Perfection: Freshly grated Parmesan and flaky sea salt add a delicious finishing touch that elevates every bite.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Getting the right ingredients makes all the difference here. Make sure your yeast is fresh for a good rise, and don’t skimp on the Parmesan—it really makes these garlic knots sing. Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll need and why they’re important.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of clear water, a small white ceramic bowl with melted golden butter, a small white ceramic bowl of creamy milk, a small white ceramic bowl holding amber honey, a small white ceramic bowl with fine granulated active-dry yeast, a white ceramic bowl filled with fluffy all-purpose flour, a small white ceramic bowl containing fine sea salt, a small white ceramic bowl with pale garlic powder, a small white ceramic bowl of freshly-grated Parmesan cheese, a small white ceramic bowl with flaky sea salt crystals, a small white ceramic bowl with melted salted butter, and a small white ceramic bowl holding finely chopped fresh parsley placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Water: The base for activating the yeast and hydrating the dough.
Melted butter: Adds richness directly into the dough and later in the garlic butter topping.
Milk: Helps keep the knots tender and soft.
Honey: Feeds the yeast and adds a subtle touch of sweetness to balance the garlic.
Active-dry yeast: The essential leavening agent that makes the dough rise beautifully.
All-purpose flour: The foundation of the dough—adds structure and chewiness.
Fine sea salt: Enhances all the flavors in the dough.
Garlic powder: Infuses the dough with savory garlic flavor even before baking.
Salted butter: Used for the flavorful garlic butter coating afterward.
Fresh parsley: Adds a fresh, herby brightness to the garlic butter.
Freshly-grated Parmesan cheese: A savory, nutty topping that takes these knots next-level.
Flaky sea salt: Sprinkled on top to add bursts of crunch and saltiness.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best parts of making Garlic Knots with Parmesan and Butter Recipe is how easily you can customize them to suit your taste or occasion. Whether you want to add a spicy kick or make them dairy-free, these soft, buttery knots welcome all kinds of creativity.

Herb Infusion: I love mixing fresh basil or rosemary into the garlic butter for a fragrant twist. It’s like a little garden party on each knot!
Spicy Garlic Knots: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter or sprinkle a little cayenne powder on top for a gentle heat that wakes up your taste buds.
Vegan Version: Swap out the butter for plant-based margarine and use a vegan Parmesan alternative. You’ll still get that wonderful garlicky, cheesy flavor without any dairy.
Cheesy Stuffed Knots: For a fun surprise, tuck a small cube of mozzarella inside each piece before tying the knots. The melty cheese center is always a hit!
Seasonal Spin: Try stirring in some finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes or caramelized onions into the dough or topping mixture for an extra burst of flavor.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Garlic Knots with Parmesan and Butter Recipe

The image shows four small round bread rolls on a silver baking tray lined with parchment paper over a white marbled texture. Each roll is golden brown on top with a soft, smooth texture, and is dotted with small green parsley flakes. One roll is being brushed with a shiny herb butter using a brush with black bristles and a silver handle. The surface of the rolls has a light sprinkling of coarse salt that adds texture and shine. A small white bowl of herb butter is partially visible on the left side of the image, next to a yellow cloth. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Warm Up the Liquid Mixture

Start by stirring together 1 cup of water with 2 tablespoons of melted butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Next, add in ½ cup of milk and 2 tablespoons of honey, stirring until everything is well combined. Pop this mixture into the microwave for 1 minute, then give it a good stir. Continue heating in 15-second bursts until the temperature reaches about 110°F. You’re aiming for warm — think cozy, not hot — because this is the perfect temp to wake your yeast up without scalding it. If you have a kitchen thermometer, it’s very helpful here. If not, just make sure it feels warm to your wrist, not burning.

Step 2: Activate the Yeast

Pour your warm liquid mixture into the bowl of a stand mixer. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of active-dry yeast evenly across the surface and quickly stir with a fork to combine it just a bit. Then, set it aside for about 5 minutes. You’ll notice the mixture getting foamy and bubbly — that’s your yeast happily awake and ready to work its magic on the dough.

Step 3: Mix and Knead the Dough

Now add 3 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, along with 1 teaspoon of fine sea salt and ½ teaspoon of garlic powder into the yeast mixture. Attach the dough hook and mix on medium-low speed until the ingredients come together. The dough will be sticky at first. If it clings too much to the sides of your bowl, sprinkle in more flour — up to ½ cup more, gradually and carefully — until the dough pulls cleanly from the bowl and feels only slightly sticky to the touch. Keep mixing on low speed for about 4 to 5 minutes until the dough turns smooth and elastic. When ready, shape it into a ball and transfer it to a greased bowl. Cover loosely with a damp towel or paper towel.

Step 4: Let the Dough Rise

Place the bowl in a warm spot and let the dough rise gently for 15 minutes. You’re looking for a bit of puffiness—not quite doubled but definitely alive and airy. While the dough rests, go ahead and preheat your oven to 400°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper so you’re ready for the next step.

Step 5: Shape Your Garlic Knots

Lightly flour your work surface and gently press the dough into a roughly 16-inch log, aiming to keep the width as even as possible. Use a sharp knife or bench scraper to slice the log into 15 or 16 equal pieces. Roll each piece into an 8-inch rope, then tie it delicately into a knot. Whether you tuck the ends underneath or leave them out is up to you — both look fantastic. Transfer your knots to the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly so they have room to puff up. Cover the knots loosely with a kitchen towel and let them rise for another 15 minutes.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Uncover your garlic knots and slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven. Bake for 15 minutes, until the knots turn a lovely light golden brown on top and are cooked through. Keep an eye on them toward the end — you want a beautiful golden crust but still soft inside.

Step 7: Whisk Garlic Butter and Finish

While the knots are baking, whisk together 4 tablespoons of melted salted butter with ½ teaspoon garlic powder and 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley. This fragrant garlic butter is what takes these knots from delicious to unforgettable. As soon as the knots come out of the oven, transfer the baking sheet to a wire rack. Brush each warm knot generously with the garlic butter, then sprinkle freshly-grated Parmesan cheese and a pinch of flaky sea salt over the top.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Serve your Garlic Knots with Parmesan and Butter warm for the best experience — that melty butter and cheese is just irresistible. They’re perfect as a snack on their own, alongside a pasta dinner, or served with a bowl of marinara for dipping. Trust me, these soft, garlicky knots will disappear fast!

Top Tip

Mastering these Garlic Knots with Parmesan and Butter Recipe is easier with a few handy tips. These little pointers helped me get perfect results every time—soft, flavorful, and beautifully golden knots that make every bite a delight.

Perfect Dough Texture: I learned that adding flour gradually until the dough is just slightly sticky ensures a tender knot without it turning tough.
Yeast Activation: Keeping the liquid warm (around 110°F) but not hot is crucial—I always test by touch to protect the yeast and get a good rise.
Knotting Technique: Rolling each piece into an 8-inch rope and tying it gently makes shaping easier and results in consistent baking.
Butter Brush Timing: Brushing the garlic butter immediately right after baking locks in moisture and flavor, so I never wait!

How to Serve Garlic Knots with Parmesan and Butter Recipe

This image shows a pile of golden-brown garlic knots stacked on a white plate. Each knot has one layer of soft, slightly shiny dough twisted into a small round shape, topped with small bits of white sea salt and green parsley pieces scattered all over. The knots have a smooth texture with light browned patches on the top, giving a warm, fresh-baked look. The plate sits on a white marbled surface, and a mustard yellow cloth peeks in from the bottom left corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Add a bright, fresh touch by sprinkling extra chopped fresh parsley or even some finely chopped basil on top. A light drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add a bit of zing for those who like a little heat. For a cheesy boost, more freshly grated Parmesan right before serving never hurts!

Side Dishes

These garlic knots pair wonderfully with Italian classics like a rich marinara sauce for dipping, a fresh Caprese salad, or alongside a warm bowl of minestrone soup. They also work as a fantastic side with pasta dishes, grilled vegetables, or a cheesy lasagna for a complete Italian-inspired meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover garlic knots in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To help preserve their softness, place a slice of bread in the container—it helps maintain moisture and keeps those knots nice and tender.

Freezing

You can freeze the garlic knots either before baking or after they’re baked and cooled. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen dough knots keep well for up to 1 month. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake or reheat as usual.

Reheating

To reheat, place the knots in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 8 to 10 minutes until warmed through and slightly crisp on the outside. You can brush them with a little extra garlic butter before reheating for that fresh, buttery flavor comeback.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make these garlic knots without a stand mixer?

Absolutely! You can mix and knead the dough by hand. It may take a bit longer to achieve the right dough texture, but just knead until smooth and slightly sticky, about 8-10 minutes.

Can I use store-bought pizza dough instead of homemade?

Yes, store-bought pizza dough works well and speeds up the process. Just follow shaping and baking instructions, and finish with the garlic butter and Parmesan topping for best flavor.

What if I don’t have fresh parsley for the garlic butter?

No worries! You can substitute with dried parsley, although fresh gives the best brightness. Alternatively, finely chopped basil or oregano bring a lovely herbal note.

Can I make these knots vegan?

You can make a vegan version by using plant-based milk and vegan butter alternatives. Swap Parmesan for a vegan cheese or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly comforting about fresh Homemade Garlic Knots with Parmesan and Butter. They’re simple to make, irresistibly soft, and bursting with flavor. Whether as a snack, side, or party treat, these knots bring warmth and joy to the table. I hope this recipe becomes one of your favorites to share and savor!