Name: Garlic Knots with Parmesan 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're craving a soft, buttery snack with bold garlic flavor, this Garlic Knots with Parmesan Butter Recipe is just what you need. These little knots are perfect for sharing, bursting with cheesy, herby goodness that will have everyone asking for seconds.

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 Butter Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Garlic Knots with Parmesan Butter Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Garlic Knots with Parmesan Butter Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made these garlic knots several times now, and every time they vanish from the plate before I even get a proper photo! They’re simple enough to whip up on a cozy afternoon but still feel special and homemade with that tender yeast dough and sticky, buttery topping.

Soft & fluffy texture: The yeast dough rises just right, giving you tender knots that melt in your mouth.
Intense garlic flavor: The garlic butter with parsley and Parmesan makes each bite irresistibly fragrant.
Perfect for any occasion: Serve them as an appetizer, side dish, or snack that everyone will love.
Customizable toppings: Easily adjust herbs or cheese to suit your taste or what’s in your fridge.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Getting the right basics for your dough and the garlic butter will make all the difference. Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll need, plus some tips to keep your knots delicious every time.

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: This hydrates the flour and activates the yeast gently when warmed properly.
Melted butter: Adds richness straight into the dough, making it tender and flavorful.
Milk: Combines with water for a softer crumb and helps browning during baking.
Honey: A touch of natural sweetness that also helps feed the yeast for better rise.
Active-dry yeast: The magic ingredient that gives the dough lightness and that lovely rise.
All-purpose flour: The main bulk of the dough; the right amount creates a perfect balance between soft and sturdy.
Fine sea salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering the delicate dough taste.
Garlic powder: Infuses the dough with subtle garlic notes even before adding the buttery topping.
Freshly-grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a savory, nutty punch on top for that authentic Italian touch.
Flaky sea salt: Sprinkled last to give bursts of texture and flavor contrast.
Salted butter (for garlic butter): The base of the brush-on garlic butter, ensuring the knots stay moist and flavorful.
Fresh parsley: Brightens the garlic butter with a fresh, herbal note.

📝

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

The classic Garlic Knots with Parmesan Butter Recipe is wonderful as is, but don’t be afraid to make it your own! Whether you’re tweaking flavors or adapting it for dietary needs, these knots are forgiving and fun to customize.

Herb-Infused Twist: I love swapping out fresh parsley for a mix of fresh rosemary and thyme in the garlic butter for a fragrant, earthy boost that changes the whole vibe of the knots.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the garlic butter or sprinkle some on top after baking. It adds a little warmth that pairs beautifully with the buttery richness.
Vegan Version: For friends who avoid dairy, I substitute the butter with a good-quality vegan margarine and use almond milk instead of regular milk – they come out just as soft and flavorful!
Extra Garlic Lovers: For a bolder garlic hit, I finely mince a couple of fresh garlic cloves and mix them into the garlic butter before brushing. It’s a total game changer for garlic fanatics.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Garlic Knots with Parmesan 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: Warming the Liquids Just Right

Start by mixing the water and melted butter in a microwave-safe bowl, then stirring in the milk and honey until well combined. Heat this mixture carefully in the microwave—first for 1 minute, then in 15-second intervals—until it feels warm to the touch but not hot, hitting around 110°F. This gentle warmth is key for waking up the yeast without killing it, so keep an eye on the temperature and stir well after heating.

Step 2: Waking Up the Yeast

Pour your warm liquid mixture into the mixer bowl, sprinkle the active-dry yeast evenly over the surface, and give it a quick stir with a fork to combine. Set it aside for 5 minutes and watch closely – you want the yeast to become beautifully foamy. This foaming is your sign that the yeast is alive and ready to bring those knots to life!

Step 3: Crafting the Dough

Next, add 3 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, the fine sea salt, and garlic powder to the foamy yeast mixture. Use your stand mixer’s dough hook on medium-low speed to combine. If the dough still sticks to the sides, gradually add more flour—just ¼ cup at a time—until it pulls cleanly away but remains slightly sticky. Use no more than 4 cups total. Let the mixer run on low speed for about 4-5 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. Then, shape the dough into a ball with your hands and place it into a lightly greased bowl.

Step 4: First Rise – Patience Pays Off

Cover your dough bowl with a damp towel to keep moisture in and let it rest in a warm spot for 15 minutes. This short rise relaxes the dough and helps activate the gluten, setting the stage for soft, airy knots.

Step 5: Prepping for Baking

While the dough is resting, heat your oven to 400°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This prep ensures your knots will bake evenly and won’t stick.

Step 6: Forming the Perfect Knots

Turn your dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently shape it into a 16-inch long log, trying to keep the width even for uniform baking. Use a bench scraper or sharp knife to cut the log into 15 or 16 equal pieces. Roll each piece into an 8-inch rope and tie it into a knot, tucking the ends underneath or leaving them out—whatever you prefer! Arrange the knots on your baking sheet, cover loosely with a towel, and let them rise again for 15 minutes. This second rise helps develop that signature fluffy texture.

Step 7: Baking to Golden Perfection

Remove the towel and pop the baking sheet in the 400°F oven for 15 minutes. You’re aiming for a light golden-brown top and fully cooked knots. While they bake, whisk together your melted butter, chopped fresh parsley, and garlic powder to create that luscious garlic butter topping.

Step 8: Brushing and Finishing Touches

Once baked, transfer the knots to a wire rack to cool slightly. While still warm, generously brush them with your garlic butter mixture. The warmth helps the butter soak in beautifully. Finish by sprinkling freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a pinch of flaky sea salt over the top – these final touches add irresistible flavor and texture.

Step 9: Serve Warm and Enjoy!

Serve your garlic knots warm for the best experience. Whether you’re sharing them as a cozy appetizer or alongside your favorite pasta, these buttery, garlicky delights are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Dig in and enjoy every soft, flavorful bite!

Top Tip

These garlic knots are delightfully simple, but a few little tricks make all the difference to achieve that perfect soft, buttery, and flavorful bite.

Watch Your Dough Consistency: The dough should be just slightly sticky to the touch—not too wet or dry. Adding flour gradually up to 4 cups helps find that balance for soft knots every time.
Gentle Knotting: When forming the knots, be gentle and keep the ropes about 8 inches long so they bake evenly and maintain a tender crumb inside.
Warm Rise Spot: To speed up the rise without rushing, I like placing the dough bowl in an unheated oven with just the oven light on. It's a cozy spot that wakes the yeast up nicely.
Brush While Warm: Brush the garlic butter onto the knots as soon as they come out of the oven. This helps the butter soak in and the Parmesan stick perfectly, giving that irresistible glossy finish.

How to Serve Garlic Knots with Parmesan 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

Fresh parsley sprinkled on top adds a vibrant pop of color and fresh flavor. For an extra touch, try a light dusting of crushed red pepper flakes or an additional sprinkle of finely grated Parmesan right before serving. A small drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil can also add richness and a lovely sheen.

Side Dishes

These garlic knots pair beautifully with classic Italian dishes like rich marinara sauce or a zesty arrabbiata for dipping. They’re also fantastic alongside fresh salads, hearty soups like tomato basil or minestrone, or as a crowd-pleasing side with pasta dishes such as spaghetti carbonara or fettuccine Alfredo.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover garlic knots in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To keep them soft, you can place a piece of slightly damp parchment paper over them before sealing the container.

Freezing

These garlic knots freeze wonderfully! After baking and brushing with garlic butter, let them cool completely, then freeze in a sealed freezer bag or container for up to 3 months. To prevent them from sticking together, consider freezing them first on a baking sheet, then transferring them to a bag.

Reheating

Reheat frozen or leftover garlic knots in a 350°F oven until warmed through, about 8-10 minutes. For extra crispness, place them directly on the rack instead of a baking sheet. You can brush on a little more garlic butter before serving to refresh that buttery garlic goodness.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use regular milk instead of whole milk?

Absolutely! You can use any kind of milk you have on hand, though whole milk gives a richer dough. Plant-based milks also work well if you want to make a vegan-friendly version.

Can I add fresh garlic instead of garlic powder?

Yes! Minced fresh garlic can be added to the melted butter mixture for a more intense garlic flavor. Just be careful not to add too much, as raw garlic can be strong and might burn if baked on top.

Is it necessary to let the dough rise twice?

Yes, letting the dough rise first in the bowl and then after shaping the knots helps develop a light, airy texture. Skipping either rise can make the knots dense.

Can I make the garlic knots vegan?

Definitely! Use vegan butter or margarine and a plant-based milk alternative. The yeast dough and technique remain the same, and the result is just as delicious.

Final Thoughts

There’s something incredibly comforting about homemade bread, especially when it’s infused with garlic, butter, and Parmesan. This Garlic Knots with Parmesan Butter Recipe strikes a beautiful balance of soft, rich, and flavorful that’s perfect for sharing. Whether you're serving them up at a family dinner or a casual party, these garlic knots are sure to become a beloved staple. I hope you enjoy making and eating them as much as I do!