Easy Garlic Knots Recipe: 7 Ingredients, 20 Minutes

Get perfect, bakery-style garlic knots in under 30 minutes with this foolproof recipe—no special equipment needed, just 7 simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.

Nothing beats the aroma of freshly baked garlic knots straight from the oven. These soft, pillowy rolls coated in fragrant garlic butter are the ultimate comfort food side dish. As a chef who's perfected this recipe through years of testing in both professional kitchens and home ovens, I've streamlined the process to deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort. You'll achieve that coveted golden-brown exterior and tender interior without any complicated techniques.

Why This Easy Garlic Knots Recipe Works

This recipe eliminates common pitfalls that plague most garlic knot recipes. By using pre-made pizza dough (a professional chef's secret), you skip the lengthy rising process while maintaining authentic texture. The garlic butter formula balances fresh garlic's pungency with melted butter's richness, creating that signature flavor without overwhelming heat. Thousands of home cooks have perfected their garlic knots using this method—here's why it's become the go-to easy garlic knots recipe for busy weeknights and special occasions alike.

What You'll Need: Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor

These garlic knots ingredients are pantry staples you likely already own. No specialty items required:

• 1 lb (450g) store-bought pizza dough (or homemade)
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 3-4 fresh garlic cloves, finely minced
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp kosher salt
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Ingredient	Why It Matters	Pro Substitution
Fresh garlic	Provides authentic flavor (powder lacks depth)	3 tsp garlic paste in emergency
Pizza dough	Saves 2+ hours vs. homemade dough	Pre-made bread dough works
Unsalted butter	Control salt levels precisely	Olive oil for dairy-free version

Equipment Checklist

You'll need just basic kitchen tools:

• Sharp knife or pizza cutter
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Small saucepan
• Pastry brush (or spoon)

Step-by-Step: Making Perfect Garlic Knots in 20 Minutes

1. Prep dough (5 minutes): Unroll pizza dough onto floured surface. Cut into 16 equal strips using knife or pizza cutter.
2. Shape knots (3 minutes): Roll each strip into 10-inch rope. Tie into loose knots, tucking ends underneath. Place 2 inches apart on parchment-lined baking sheet.
3. Bake (12 minutes): Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake knots 10-12 minutes until golden brown. Don't skip rotating the pan halfway!
4. Make garlic butter (3 minutes): While baking, melt butter in saucepan. Add minced garlic, oregano, salt, and red pepper flakes. Cook 2 minutes until fragrant (don't let garlic brown).
5. Coat and serve (2 minutes): Brush warm knots generously with garlic butter. Sprinkle with parsley. Serve immediately for that irresistible fresh-from-the-oven experience.

Pro Tips for Foolproof Results Every Time

These easy garlic knots work beautifully for beginners, but these chef-tested tips will elevate your results:

• Dough temperature matters: Let refrigerated dough sit at room temperature 30 minutes before shaping for easier handling
• Garlic timing is critical: Adding garlic to cold butter prevents burning—this makes the difference between aromatic and acrid
• Double-coat for maximum flavor: Brush knots once when hot from oven, then again after 2 minutes for deeper garlic infusion
• Texture troubleshooting: If knots come out dense, your oven might run cool—use an oven thermometer for accuracy

Common Issue	Quick Fix	Prevention Tip
Dry, tough knots	Brush with extra butter immediately	Don't overbake—remove at first golden signs
Weak garlic flavor	Stir ¼ tsp garlic powder into butter	Use fresh garlic, not pre-minced in jars
Uneven browning	Rotate pan halfway through baking	Space knots evenly on baking sheet

Serving and Storage Guidelines

For the best easy garlic knots recipe experience:

• Serving: Pair with marinara sauce for dipping or alongside pasta dishes. They're perfect with a simple green salad for a complete meal.
• Storage: Keep in airtight container at room temperature up to 2 days. Never refrigerate—they'll turn tough.
• Reheating: Revive leftovers by warming in 350°F oven for 5 minutes, then reapplying garlic butter. Microwaving makes them rubbery—avoid this garlic knots mistake!
• Make-ahead tip: Shape knots and freeze on baking sheet. Transfer to freezer bag once solid. Bake frozen—add 3-5 minutes to baking time.

Variations to Try

Once you've mastered the easy garlic knots recipe, experiment with these chef-approved twists:

• Cheesy knots: Sprinkle with ¼ cup grated Parmesan before baking
• Herb-infused: Add 1 tsp chopped rosemary to garlic butter
• Spicy kick: Double red pepper flakes or add ½ tsp smoked paprika
• Sweet-savory: Stir 1 tsp honey into garlic butter for caramelized notes

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to the most common questions about making easy garlic knots:

Can I make garlic knots without pizza dough?

Yes! Substitute with pre-made bread dough or biscuit dough. For homemade, combine 2 cups flour, 1 tsp yeast, 1 cup warm water, and 1 tbsp olive oil. Knead 5 minutes, rest 10 minutes (no full rise needed for this easy garlic knots recipe).

Why are my garlic knots hard?

Hard knots usually mean overbaking or using old dough. Bake just until golden (10-12 minutes at 400°F). Store properly in airtight container—never refrigerate. Brush with extra butter while warm to maintain softness.

How do I prevent garlic from burning in the butter?

Always start with cold butter and fresh garlic. Cook over medium-low heat just until fragrant (about 2 minutes). The butter should foam slightly but not brown. Burnt garlic turns bitter—this is the most common garlic knots mistake to avoid.

Can I make garlic knots ahead of time?

Yes! Shape knots and freeze on baking sheet, then transfer to freezer bag. Bake frozen—add 3-5 minutes to baking time. For best flavor, make garlic butter fresh when ready to serve. This make-ahead method works perfectly for the easy garlic knots recipe.