Name: Garlic Knots with Parmesan and Herb 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; Toppings: 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 love irresistible, soft bread twisted with garlicky goodness, then you’re going to want to try this Garlic Knots with Parmesan and Herb Butter Recipe. These little bites are golden, fluffy, and packed with flavor—perfect for anytime snacking or alongside your favorite Italian meal.

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

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Honestly, I've made garlic knots a few different ways, but this version—with that rich Parmesan and herb butter—totally wins me over every time. It’s one of those recipes that feels fancy but is surprisingly simple to pull off.

Simple Ingredients: Using everyday pantry staples means no last-minute store runs.
Fluffy & Soft: The yeast dough comes out tender with just the right chew.
Flavor Explosion: Garlic butter and freshly grated Parmesan make every bite irresistible.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Great as a snack, appetizer, or side with pasta or soup.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Getting the ingredients right sets you up for success here. Look for good-quality butter and fresh herbs if you can—they really elevate the flavor of these garlic knots. Also, having yeast that’s fresh and active makes a big difference in how fluffy your dough will be.

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: The base liquid that helps activate the yeast and hydrate the dough.
Melted Butter: Adds richness and tenderness to the dough, plus some in the garlic butter for brushing.
Milk: Makes the dough soft and slightly tender; I always recommend using whole milk for best texture.
Honey: Just enough sweetness to feed the yeast and balance the flavors.
Active-Dry Yeast: The magic behind the fluffiness and rise—make sure it’s fresh for best results.
All-Purpose Flour: The structure of the dough comes from flour; you can use bread flour for chewier knots if you prefer.
Fine Sea Salt: Brings out all the flavors in the dough without being overpowering.
Garlic Powder: Infuses the dough with subtle garlic flavor, complementing the butter topping.
Freshly-Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nutty, salty finish that pairs perfectly with garlic.
Flaky Sea Salt: Sprinkled on top for texture and bursts of salty goodness.
Fresh Parsley: Brightens the garlic butter with a fresh herbal note.

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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 Garlic Knots with Parmesan and Herb Butter Recipe is how easy it is to customize. Whether you want to dial up the garlic or add some fresh herbs, these knobs are a perfect canvas for your flavor creativity!

Extra Garlic Kick: I love adding a few cloves of finely minced fresh garlic into the warm melted butter before brushing—it gives that fresh sharpness that really wakes up the flavor.
Herb Variations: Swap out the parsley for chopped rosemary or thyme. Each herb adds a unique aroma that complements the garlic and Parmesan beautifully.
Dairy-Free Version: For friends who are dairy free, I use vegan butter and skip the Parmesan or sprinkle a little nutritional yeast instead for that cheesy note.
Chewier Texture: Using bread flour instead of all-purpose flour makes these knots a bit chewier and heartier—a fun twist if you like a bit more bite.
Seasonal Twist: Toss in some finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes or a pinch of chili flakes to bring seasonal sunshine or a bit of heat to your knots.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Garlic Knots with Parmesan and Herb 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 Cozy Liquids

Start by stirring together 1 cup of water, 2 tablespoons of melted butter, ½ cup of milk, and 2 tablespoons of honey in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat this mixture in the microwave for a minute, give it a stir, then continue warming in 15-second bursts until it reaches 110°F. This warm, comforting temperature is perfect—it’s warm to the touch but not hot—so your yeast will wake up happily without risking being cooked.

Step 2: Activate the Yeast

Pour your warm liquid mixture into the stand mixer bowl. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of active-dry yeast evenly over the top and gently stir a bit to combine. Then, just let it sit for 5 minutes until it’s nice and foamy—this bubbling foam means your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic for a fluffy dough.

Step 3: Mix in the Dry Ingredients

Add 3 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon fine sea salt, and ½ teaspoon garlic powder to your yeast mixture. Use the dough hook attachment on medium-low speed to combine everything. If the dough feels sticky and clings to the sides, add flour carefully—up to ½ cup more, in ¼ cup increments—until the dough pulls away from the sides but still feels slightly sticky. Then continue kneading on low speed for 4 to 5 minutes until you get a smooth, elastic dough ball that feels springy to the touch.

Step 4: Let the Dough Rest and Rise

Place your dough ball into a greased bowl and cover it with a damp towel or paper towel. Leave it to rise for 15 minutes. This gentle rest lets the dough relax and start puffing up just slightly, making it easier to stretch and shape when it’s knot time.

Step 5: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet

While the dough rests, preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper so your knots won’t stick and cleanup will be a breeze.

Step 6: Shape the Garlic Knots

Gently roll the dough out into a roughly 16-inch long rope, trying to keep it evenly thick. Use a bench scraper or sharp knife to cut this rope into 15 or 16 equal pieces. Roll each piece into an 8-inch rope, then tie it into a loose knot—tuck the ends under if you like a tidier look, or leave them out for a rustic charm. Place each knot on your baking sheet, cover loosely with a kitchen towel, and let them rise for another 15 minutes. This second rise gives them that lovely fluffiness.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Pop the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they turn a light golden brown on top and are cooked through. While they bake, whisk together 4 tablespoons of melted salted butter, 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley, and ½ teaspoon garlic powder for the luscious garlic herb butter.

Step 8: Butter Up and Finish

Right out of the oven, transfer the baking sheet to a wire rack. Brush each warm knot generously with your garlic butter mixture. Then, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a pinch of flaky sea salt over the top. The butter absorbs nicely into the warm dough, while the Parmesan adds that irresistible cheesy finish with a little crunchy salt burst.

Step 9: Serve and Savor

Serve these Garlic Knots warm—whether as a snack alongside your favorite dipping sauce or nestled next to pasta or salad. They’re soft, flavorful, and simply irresistible fresh from the oven. Enjoy every pull-apart bite!

Top Tip

Mastering these Garlic Knots with Parmesan and Herb Butter Recipe is easier than it looks, especially with a few insider tips that truly make a difference in texture and flavor.

Perfect Dough Consistency: I always start with 3 ½ cups of flour and add more gradually—up to 4 cups—until the dough just pulls away from the bowl sides but stays slightly tacky. This balance helps keep the knots soft and fluffy without being heavy.
Warm Liquid Is Key: Heating your liquid mixture to about 110°F is essential for activating the yeast properly. I use a kitchen thermometer and find this step really ensures a good rise and better texture.
Gentle Knotting: When forming your knots, handle the dough gently and avoid pulling it too tight. This preserves the airy crumb that makes these knots so irresistible.
Brush Immediately: Don't wait to brush the garlic butter after baking. Applying it while the knots are hot helps the flavors soak in and makes the cheese stick perfectly.

How to Serve Garlic Knots with Parmesan and Herb 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 are a blank canvas for your favorite toppings. Try sprinkling extra freshly grated Parmesan or even a little Pecorino Romano for a sharper kick. Fresh chopped parsley or basil not only adds a pop of color but also elevates the herbaceous flavor. For a mild heat, a light dusting of red pepper flakes works beautifully, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil can bring extra richness.

Side Dishes

Garlic knots are perfect alongside classic Italian dishes. Serve them with a fresh green salad tossed in a zesty vinaigrette, a rich tomato basil soup, or your favorite pasta like spaghetti Bolognese or creamy Alfredo. They also pair wonderfully with antipasto platters featuring cured meats, olives, and roasted vegetables.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store your leftover garlic knots in an airtight container at room temperature to keep their soft texture. They’re best enjoyed within 2 days for peak freshness and flavor.

Freezing

If you want to stash some away for later, freeze the cooled knots in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for longer storage and thawed when you need a quick snack or side.

Reheating

Reheat your garlic knots in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5 to 7 minutes to refresh their soft, buttery goodness. Avoid microwaving to keep the exterior pleasantly slightly crisp and the inside tender.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder?

Absolutely! If you prefer a more intense garlic flavor, finely mince fresh garlic and add it to the garlic butter mixture. Just be sure not to overpower the knots—start with a clove or two and adjust to your taste.

What type of flour works best?

All-purpose flour is perfect for this recipe, but if you want a chewier texture, bread flour can be a great substitute. I’ve tried both, and each gives the knots a slightly different but delicious result.

How do I know if the dough has risen enough?

After the initial 15-minute rise, the dough should look puffy and slightly increased in size. Don’t worry if it doesn’t double in volume because this dough has a shorter rise time compared to typical bread recipes.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Use a vegan butter substitute in place of the salted butter and skip the Parmesan or swap it with a vegan cheese alternative. The knots will still be flavorful and delicious.

Final Thoughts

There’s something wonderfully comforting about making homemade garlic knots—they invite sharing, cozy gatherings, and simple joy. This Garlic Knots with Parmesan and Herb Butter Recipe strikes the perfect balance of soft, buttery dough and a punch of savory garlic flavor. Whether you’re serving them as a snack or alongside your favorite meal, these knots are sure to become a beloved classic in your recipe collection. Enjoy the process as much as the delicious results!