Name: Tender Garlic Knots with Parmesan 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’ve been dreaming of soft, melt-in-your-mouth bread with a garlicky punch, you’re going to adore this Tender Garlic Knots with Parmesan Recipe. These garlic knots are the perfect combo of buttery, garlicky, and cheesy—just what your snack game needs!

A close-up view of a white plate filled with golden brown garlic knots, each knot showing a shiny, slightly glossy surface topped with small bits of chopped green parsley and a sprinkling of coarse salt or grated cheese. One garlic knot is lifted above the plate, held by a woman's hand, revealing a soft and fluffy white inside with a light, airy texture. The knots appear soft and pillowy with a warm, inviting color contrast between the browned outside and the pale inside. The plate rests on a white marbled surface, with part of a yellow cloth visible in the 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 Tender Garlic Knots with Parmesan Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Tender Garlic Knots with Parmesan Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Tender Garlic Knots with Parmesan Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Making these garlic knots from scratch quickly became one of my favorite kitchen rituals. They’re surprisingly simple but so satisfying, and they fill your home with that irresistible aroma of garlic and fresh bread. I promise, once you try this version, you’ll never go back to store-bought!

Soft, pillowy texture: Thanks to the milk and honey in the dough, these knots come out tender with the perfect chew.
Loaded with garlic flavor: Garlic powder in the dough plus a vibrant garlic butter coating mean every bite sings.
Cheesy finish: Topped with freshly grated Parmesan and flaky sea salt, these knots have incredible depth of flavor.
Simple ingredients: You don’t need anything fancy, just pantry staples and a little love for the perfect homemade bread snack.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you get started, make sure you have these essentials ready. The ingredients are straightforward, but each plays a crucial role in crafting those tender, flavorful garlic knots you'll want to enjoy again and again.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of warm water, a small white ceramic bowl of melted golden butter, a small white ceramic bowl of creamy milk, a small white ceramic bowl of golden honey, a small mound of fine white all-purpose flour, a teaspoon of fine sea salt in a small white ceramic bowl, a small white ceramic bowl with pale yellow garlic powder, three whole uncracked brown eggs, a bunch of finely chopped fresh parsley on a white ceramic plate, a small white ceramic bowl of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and a small white ceramic bowl of flaky sea salt, 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: Used to hydrate the dough and dissolve the yeast, creating the perfect environment for rising.
Melted butter (for dough): Adds richness and tenderness to the bread’s crumb.
Milk: Enriches the dough and helps keep the knots soft.
Honey: A touch of natural sweetness that also helps feed the yeast for a good rise.
Active-dry yeast: The magic ingredient that makes the dough rise and get airy.
All-purpose flour: The base for your dough, providing structure without being too heavy.
Fine sea salt: Enhances flavor without overpowering.
Garlic powder: Infuses the dough with savory garlic flavor right from the start.
Freshly-grated Parmesan cheese: Sprinkled atop for a salty, nutty finish that elevates these knots.
Flaky sea salt: Adds a delicate crunch and bright burst of flavor as a final touch.
Salted butter (for garlic butter): Melted to create a silky, flavorful coating.
Fresh parsley: Chopped finely to add fresh color and a mild herbaceous note.
Garlic powder (for garlic butter): Boosts that irresistible garlic punch in the finishing glaze.

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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 things about this Tender Garlic Knots with Parmesan Recipe is how easy it is to customize. Whether you want to dial up the garlic, make them dairy-free, or add a little herbaceous twist, there’s plenty of room to make these knots your own cozy creation.

Extra Garlic Kick: I love sprinkling in some freshly minced garlic into the melted butter before brushing it on. It gives the knots an extra punch of garlic flavor that’s irresistible!
Dairy-Free Delight: Swap out the milk for your favorite plant-based milk and use vegan butter in the garlic butter mixture — the knots still come out soft, buttery, and totally satisfying without dairy.
Herb Infusion: Adding chopped fresh rosemary or thyme to the garlic butter is a game changer, especially in fall and winter. It brings a warm, fragrant note to these savory treats.
Cheesy Variations: Instead of Parmesan, try topping the knots with shredded mozzarella or Asiago for a different cheesy flair that melts beautifully over the warm knots.

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

A close-up view of a small round bread roll made of connected roll segments forming a flower shape. The bread is golden brown on top with a shiny glaze that reflects light, sprinkled with small green herbs and coarse salt crystals. A woman's hand is gently holding the bread from the right side, showing the soft and fluffy texture. The background has a clean white marbled texture that contrasts with the warm tones of the bread. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Warm and Whisk Your Liquids

Start by combining water, melted butter, milk, and honey in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat gently in the microwave for 1 minute, then stir. Keep warming in 15-second bursts until your mixture reaches about 110°F — you want it pleasantly warm to touch, never hot. This carefully warmed liquid helps wake up the yeast for a perfect rise.

Step 2: Activate the Yeast

Pour your warm liquid into the stand mixer bowl and sprinkle the active dry yeast evenly on top. Give it a gentle stir with a fork, then set it aside for 5 minutes. You’ll notice it turning foamy — that’s the yeast happily coming to life, which promises fluffy, tender knots ahead.

Step 3: Mix in the Flour and Seasoning

Next, add 3 ½ cups of flour, sea salt, and garlic powder to the activated yeast mixture. Attach the dough hook and mix on medium-low until everything starts to come together. If the dough clings stubbornly to the bowl sides, sprinkle in flour a little at a time (up to 4 cups max) until the dough pulls away and feels just slightly sticky. Keep mixing gently for 4 to 5 minutes until your dough is silky smooth and elastic. Shape it into a ball and tuck it into a greased bowl.

Step 4: Let That Dough Rise

Cover your dough bowl with a damp towel and give it about 15 minutes to rest and puff up a bit. This quick first rise gets the dough ready for shaping and ensures each knot will be soft and airy.

Step 5: Preheat and Prepare

While your dough is resting, heat your oven to 400°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This sets you up perfectly for shaping and baking your garlic knots without sticking or fuss.

Step 6: Shape Your Garlic Knots

Roll the dough gently into a 16-inch log, trying to keep the thickness even. Slice this log into 15 or 16 pieces using a knife or bench scraper. Roll each piece into an 8-inch rope, then tie a neat knot. Place each knot on your baking sheet, either tucking the ends underneath or leaving them out for a rustic look. Cover loosely with a kitchen towel and let them rise for another 15 minutes — this second rise is key for that tender texture.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Remove the towel and slide your garlic knots into the oven. Bake for 15 minutes, until they’re beautifully lightly golden and fully cooked through. While baking, whisk together your melted butter, fresh parsley, and garlic powder to make that irresistible garlic butter glaze.

Step 8: Brush, Top, and Serve Warm

As soon as the baking sheet comes out of the oven, transfer it to a wire rack to cool slightly. Generously brush each knot with the prepared garlic butter, then sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan and just a pinch of flaky sea salt. Serve them warm — these soft, buttery knots are best enjoyed fresh and garlicky, a true crowd-pleaser!

Top Tip

Mastering the art of these Tender Garlic Knots with Parmesan Recipe is easier than you think! These tips come from hands-on experience and will help you snag that perfect soft, buttery bite every time.

Keep Your Liquids Warm, Not Hot: Making sure your water and milk mixture is around 110°F is key — it activates the yeast just right. Too hot, and it can kill your yeast, leaving dough flat and dense.
Don’t Skip the Double Rise: Giving your dough two short resting periods—15 minutes each—makes all the difference in creating those soft, fluffy knots packed with flavor.
Flour Adjustment Is Your Friend: The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable. Add flour gradually if too sticky; this balance keeps the knots tender without being heavy.
Brush Immediately After Baking: Applying that melted garlic butter as soon as your knots come out of the oven ensures it soaks in beautifully, making every bite irresistibly flavorful.

How to Serve Tender Garlic Knots with Parmesan Recipe

Seven light brown dough knots with a soft, slightly rough texture are placed on a white marbled surface. The knots are round, twisted in various small loops and folds. Near the upper left corner, a clear glass jar filled with white flour sits with a wooden spoon inside. A blue and white checkered cloth lies partially folded next to the jar. The scene is bright with natural light, highlighting the pale dough and white flour dust on the marble. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

While freshly grated Parmesan and flaky sea salt top these knots beautifully, feel free to sprinkle a bit of chopped fresh parsley or a touch of crushed red pepper flakes to add some color and a subtle kick. A light drizzle of good-quality extra virgin olive oil can also add a luscious touch.

Side Dishes

Tender Garlic Knots with Parmesan make a perfect companion to Italian classics like marinara or alfredo pasta, creamy tomato bisque, or a fresh green salad dressed lightly with lemon and olive oil. They also shine alongside grilled vegetables or as a snack dipped in your favorite pesto or flavored olive oil.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After they’ve cooled completely, place your garlic knots in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This keeps them soft and delicious without drying out.

Freezing

Want to save some for later? Freeze unbuttered, baked garlic knots in a single layer on a parchment-lined tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They keep well for up to 1 month. When you’re ready, bake from frozen slightly longer and brush with garlic butter fresh out of the oven.

Reheating

To warm leftovers, gently reheat garlic knots in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F for about 5–7 minutes. This revives their crisp edges while keeping the inside tender. You can brush with extra garlic butter before serving to refresh the flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the dough without a stand mixer?

Absolutely! You can mix the ingredients by hand in a large bowl using a wooden spoon, then knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

What if I don’t have garlic powder?

You can substitute with fresh minced garlic in the dough and garlic butter, but use it sparingly to avoid overpowering the knots. Alternatively, increase the melted garlic butter brushing after baking for stronger garlic flavor.

How do I know when the yeast is activated?

After sprinkling the yeast on the warmed liquid, wait about 5 minutes. You’ll see a foamy, bubbly surface—that’s your yeast waking up and ready to work its magic.

Can I make these dairy-free?

Yes! Simply swap the regular milk with your favorite plant-based milk and use a vegan butter substitute in both the dough and garlic butter for a dairy-free version that’s just as delicious.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly comforting about pulling these tender, buttery garlic knots fresh from the oven, the warmth filling your kitchen with irresistible aromas. Whether you’re serving them as a snack, appetizer, or alongside your favorite Italian dishes, this Tender Garlic Knots with Parmesan Recipe never fails to impress. I hope these tips and storage tricks make your baking experience joyful and your results utterly delicious. Happy baking!