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; Freshly-grated Parmesan cheese; Flaky sea salt; 4 tablespoons salted butter, melted; 1 tablespoon finely-chopped fresh parsley; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

If you adore soft, buttery breads with a punch of garlic and cheese, then this Garlic Knots with Parmesan and Butter Recipe is going to become your new kitchen favorite. These little knots are irresistibly soft on the inside, golden on the outside, and bursting with flavor.

A close-up of seven golden brown garlic knots on a white plate, each knot showing a soft, fluffy texture with a shiny brushed butter glaze. The garlic knots are sprinkled on top with finely chopped green parsley and coarse white salt granules, adding a fresh and slightly crunchy detail. One garlic knot is lifted above the others, clearly showing the airy and tender interior with a light creamy color. The white plate sits on a white marbled surface with a small corner of a mustard yellow cloth visible in the bottom left corner. 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

Honestly, I can't get enough of these garlic knots. Whether it’s for a casual weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, they always disappear fast – and for good reason!

Super soft texture: The dough is tender and fluffy, perfect for mopping up any sauce or just enjoying on its own.
Quick baking time: These knots come together and bake in just 15 minutes after rising – perfect for a fast snack.
Packed with flavor: Garlic powder in the dough plus a generous coating of garlic butter and Parmesan means flavor in every bite.
Easy to customize: You can add fresh herbs or extra garlic to the butter for your own spin each time.

Ingredients & Why They Work

When I shop for these garlic knots, I look for simple, quality ingredients that work together to create that perfect balance of soft dough and savory topping. Here are the key players and why I love using them:

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of warm water, a few tablespoons of melted golden butter in a white bowl, a small white bowl of creamy milk, a small white bowl of amber honey, a small heap of beige active dry yeast granules on the side, a mound of fine white all-purpose flour, a small white bowl of flaky sea salt crystals, a small white bowl of pale garlic powder, a few sprigs of fresh bright green parsley, a small white bowl filled with freshly grated pale yellow Parmesan cheese, two whole clean white eggs, 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: Helps activate the yeast and hydrates the dough for tender crumb.
Melted butter: Adds richness straight into the dough and later in the garlic butter topping.
Milk: Softens the texture for a melt-in-your-mouth bite.
Honey: Just a touch of sweetness to feed the yeast and balance garlic's pungency.
Active-dry yeast: The magic behind the rise and fluffy texture.
All-purpose flour: Provides structure while keeping the knots soft and stretchy.
Fine sea salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
Garlic powder: Infuses gentle but distinct garlic flavor directly into the dough.
Freshly-grated Parmesan cheese: Adds nutty, savory goodness on top.
Flaky sea salt: A final touch of crunch and beautiful flavor contrast.
Salted butter, parsley, garlic powder (for garlic butter): This trio creates a luscious, herbaceous coating that melts perfectly over the hot knots.

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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

Nothing beats a classic garlic knot, but one of the best things about this Garlic Knots with Parmesan and Butter Recipe is how easy it is to customize. Whether you want to add a little extra pop of flavor or tailor them to a dietary preference, play around and make these knots truly yours!

Extra Garlic Kick: I love adding a teaspoon of freshly minced garlic to the melted garlic butter for brushing. It amps up the flavor and fills the kitchen with an irresistible aroma.
Herb Infusion: Swap out the parsley for fresh basil or oregano to give the knots a twist — it’s like a mini herb garden in every bite!
Cheesy Upgrade: Try mixing shredded mozzarella or Asiago cheese into the dough or sprinkling it on top along with the Parmesan for an even cheesier experience.
Gluten-Free Variation: You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a high-quality gluten-free blend, but be sure to adjust the liquid amounts slightly, as gluten-free dough often behaves differently.
Vegan Adaptation: Replace the butter with olive oil and use a plant-based Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast for that cheesy touch while keeping everything dairy-free.

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

A close-up of a soft, golden bread roll made up of five small rounded sections baked together to form a flower shape. The top has a shiny, buttery glaze with some coarse salt crystals and small green herb bits sprinkled all over, adding texture and color contrast. The bread looks light and fluffy with a slight crisp on the golden-brown spots where it browned more. A woman's hand is gently holding the bread roll from the side, and the background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Warm and Welcome Your Dough

Start by combining your water, melted butter, milk, and honey in a microwave-safe bowl. Heating the mixture to a cozy 110°F is key — warm enough to activate the yeast but not so hot that it kills it. I like to microwave for 1 minute, stir, and then nudge it up in 15-second bursts while keeping an eye on the temperature. When it feels pleasantly warm to the touch, it’s perfect.

Step 2: Activate That Yeast Magic

Pour your warm liquid mix into the stand mixer bowl and sprinkle the yeast over the top. Give it a quick stir with a fork to combine, then set it aside for 5 minutes. This is the exciting moment when the yeast wakes up and gets foamy — a sign that it’s alive and ready to make your dough rise beautifully.

Step 3: Mix, Knead, and Love Your Dough

Now, add 3 ½ cups of flour along with the sea salt and garlic powder. Using your dough hook on medium-low, mix everything until it starts to come together. If it’s sticking to the bowl, don’t panic — just add flour ¼ cup at a time (no more than 4 cups total) until the dough pulls away from the sides but still feels slightly tacky. Then knead on low for 4-5 minutes until it’s smooth and silky. Shape it into a ball and place it in a greased bowl to rest.

Step 4: A Quick Rise for Softness

Cover your dough bowl with a damp towel or paper towel and let it rise somewhere warm for 15 minutes. This quick rest is all it needs for a gentle puff, making sure your knots bake up nice and soft.

Step 5: Shape Your Knots

Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Take your dough and roll it gently into a roughly 16-inch log with a consistent thickness. Slice it into 15 or 16 equal pieces using a bench scraper or knife. Roll each piece into an 8-inch rope, then tie it into a knot. Place the knots on your baking sheet, tucking the ends under or leaving them loose — whatever feels right! Cover loosely with a kitchen towel and let them rise another 15 minutes.

Step 6: Bake and Butter Up

Bake your garlic knots for 15 minutes, until they’re lightly golden and irresistible. While they’re in the oven, whisk together your melted butter, parsley, and garlic powder to make that luscious garlic butter. As soon as the knots come out, give them a generous brush, then sprinkle with freshly-grated Parmesan and flaky sea salt to finish. The cheese melts slightly from the heat, adding a perfect savory touch.

Step 7: Serve Warm and Enjoy

Transfer your garlic knots to a wire rack to cool just enough to handle, but serve them warm so you get the full buttery, garlicky goodness with every bite. They’re perfect for sharing — or not!

Top Tip

Mastering the perfect Garlic Knots with Parmesan and Butter Recipe is all about a few key details that make your knots tender, flavorful, and absolutely irresistible.

Perfect Yeast Activation: Always use warm—not hot—liquids around 110°F to activate the yeast. Too hot and you’ll kill it; too cold and it won’t bloom properly.
Dough Consistency: Don’t be afraid to add flour gradually up to 4 cups total. The dough should be slightly sticky but pull away from the bowl cleanly for that soft, airy texture.
Letting the Knots Rise Twice: Let your dough rise both before and after shaping. This double-rise ensures they’re pillowy and soft after baking, not tough or dense.
Garlic Butter Brushing: Brush the knots as soon as they come out of the oven for the best absorption of buttery garlic flavor, then add parmesan and flaky sea salt right away for maximum freshness.

How to Serve Garlic Knots with Parmesan and Butter Recipe

Seven knotted dough pieces are placed on a white marbled surface, each showing a smooth, slightly textured light brown dough twisted into a simple knot shape. In the upper left corner, a transparent glass jar filled with white flour holds a wooden spoon, and next to it, a white cloth with a blue grid pattern is partly folded. Some scattered flour is lightly dusted around the knots, adding a soft contrast to the clean marble. The scene suggests the dough is ready for baking, with natural light highlighting the textures and shapes. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

These garlic knots stand beautifully on their own, but you can take them to the next level with some simple garnishes. Try adding extra freshly chopped parsley on top for a pop of green and freshness. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes brings a subtle heat if you like a little kick. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving brightens up the rich buttery flavors.

Side Dishes

Garlic knots are a versatile appetizer or side. They pair wonderfully with classic Italian dishes like rich tomato sauces, spaghetti, or a hearty lasagna. Serve alongside a fresh Caesar salad or a tangy caprese salad for a refreshing balance. For a cozy meal, enjoy them with a bowl of minestrone or creamy tomato basil soup.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover garlic knots in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This keeps them soft and fresh enough for a second round of enjoyment.

Freezing

If you want to freeze for longer storage, wrap the cooled garlic knots tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can freeze well for up to 1 month.

Reheating

To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F and place the knots on a baking sheet. Warm them for 5-7 minutes until heated through. For best flavor, you can brush with a little extra garlic butter after reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and let it rise in the fridge overnight. Just bring it to room temperature and shape into knots before baking.

What can I substitute for fresh parsley in the garlic butter?

If you don’t have fresh parsley, dried parsley or other fresh herbs like basil or oregano work well. Just adjust the quantity to taste.

Can I add minced fresh garlic instead of garlic powder?

Yes! For a more intense garlic flavor, you can add a little minced fresh garlic to the melted butter before brushing the knots—just be careful not to burn it.

Are these garlic knots vegetarian?

Yes, this Garlic Knots with Parmesan and Butter Recipe is vegetarian-friendly, featuring no meat or animal-derived rennet in the Parmesan cheese used.

Final Thoughts

There’s something deeply satisfying about pulling warm, buttery garlic knots fresh from the oven and savoring that perfect mix of soft bread, garlic, and parmesan. This Garlic Knots with Parmesan and Butter Recipe has been a favorite in my kitchen for the easy dough and delicious flavor combo — a true crowd-pleaser any time. I hope it becomes a staple in your home too, perfect for sharing with family, friends, or just treating yourself. Happy baking and even happier eating!