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

Nothing beats the comfort of warm, soft homemade bread—especially when it’s loaded with garlicky goodness. This Garlic Knots with Parmesan and Herb Butter Recipe is my go-to when I want to impress without stress, delivering irresistible flavor in just over an hour.

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 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, making these garlic knots feels like a little kitchen celebration every time. The aroma alone will have everyone around you eager to grab one. Plus, they’re way easier than you might think!

Soft, fluffy texture: These garlic knots are tender with just the right amount of chew.
Quick baking time: You get fresh, golden-brown knots in just 15 minutes once your dough is ready.
Flavor-packed butter topping: The Parmesan and herb butter adds a savory punch that's hard to resist.
Perfect for any occasion: Serve as a side dish, appetizer, or party snack and watch them vanish fast.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you get started, gather your ingredients with fresh quality in mind to make sure every bite shines. These basics come together beautifully—no fancy or hard-to-find items necessary!

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: Needed warm to activate the yeast just right without killing it.
Melted butter: Adds richness right from the start and keeps the dough tender.
Milk: Adds moisture and helps develop that soft texture we all love in bread.
Honey: Slight sweetness to balance the savory garlic flavor and feed the yeast for a good rise.
Active-dry yeast: The magic that makes your dough rise and become delightfully airy.
All-purpose flour: Your dough’s base—start with 3 ½ cups and add more as needed for perfect consistency.
Fine sea salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
Garlic powder: Boosts garlic flavor inside the dough itself for that garlicky punch.
Freshly-grated Parmesan cheese: The salty, nutty topping that elevates the knots to next-level deliciousness.
Flaky sea salt: A gorgeous finishing touch to add texture and bursts of flavor.
Salted butter (for garlic butter): Melted and blended with herbs for brushing on fresh from the oven.
Fresh parsley: Brightens up the garlic butter with green herbal notes (dried works if fresh isn’t handy).

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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 boost the herbs, cater to a dietary need, or add a seasonal twist, these knots welcome your creativity with open arms!

Herb-Infused Variation: I love swapping in fresh rosemary or thyme along with parsley in the garlic butter for a fragrant, woodsy twist that pairs beautifully with the Parmesan.
Dairy-Free Option: To keep it vegan or dairy-free, I substitute the butter and milk with olive oil and almond milk. The knots still come out tender and flavorful — perfect for everyone to enjoy!
Cheesy Delight: For an extra cheesy experience, sprinkle shredded mozzarella on the knots just before baking, letting it melt and bubble beautifully on top. It’s like a little pizza party in each bite.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for a gentle heat that balances the richness and makes the knots even more addictive.
Seasonal Touch: In spring or summer, fresh basil or chives in the herb butter add a bright, fresh flavor. In fall, a bit of sage pairs perfectly with the warm garlic notes.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Garlic Knots with Parmesan and Herb Butter 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 Up Your Liquids Just Right

Start by mixing the water, melted butter, milk, and honey in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat the mixture carefully in the microwave for 1 minute, then stir. Continue heating in short 15-second bursts until the temperature hits a cozy 110°F — warm but never hot. This perfect warmth is the secret to waking up your yeast without harming it, giving you that beautiful dough rise later on.

Step 2: Activate the Yeast

Pour your warm liquid base into the stand mixer bowl and sprinkle the yeast evenly on top. Give it a gentle stir with a fork and then let it sit for 5 minutes. When you see that lovely foamy layer forming, you’ll know your yeast is lively and ready to work its magic.

Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients and Knead

Next, toss in 3 ½ cups of flour, sea salt, and garlic powder. Using the dough hook on medium-low, combine until a shaggy dough forms. If it sticks to the bowl, gradually add more flour—up to ½ cup more—until the dough peels away from the sides but remains slightly sticky. Then knead on low speed for 4-5 minutes until it’s silky smooth. Shape it into a ball and place it in a greased bowl, ready to rise.

Step 4: First Rise — Let the Dough Bloom

Cover your bowl with a damp towel to keep the dough cozy. Let it rise for 15 minutes — you’ll notice it puff up slightly, signaling it’s getting ready to be shaped into those irresistible knots.

Step 5: Shape into Perfect Garlic Knots

Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment. Gently press your dough out into a 16-inch log with even thickness. Slice it into 15 or 16 pieces, then roll each into an 8-inch rope. Tie each into a knot — tucking the ends under if you like a tidy look or leaving them out for rustic charm. Arrange them on your baking sheet, cover loosely with a towel, and let them rise for another 15 minutes. This short rest helps them get airy and soft.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide your baking sheet into the oven and bake the knots for 15 minutes. Look for a light golden color on top — that toasty hue means the knots are perfectly cooked through, tender inside with just the slightest crisp outside.

Step 7: Garlic Butter Time!

While the knots bake, whisk together the melted butter, fresh parsley, and garlic powder for your herb butter. This fragrant blend will transform your knots from simple bread into an unforgettable treat.

Step 8: Glaze and Garnish

As soon as the knots come out of the oven, transfer the baking sheet to a wire rack to cool slightly. Brush each knot generously with your garlic herb butter, then sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan and a pinch of flaky sea salt over the top. That final touch adds a savory, melty, salty kick that’s just divine.

Step 9: Serve Warm and Savor Every Bite

Serve these warm, buttery garlic knots fresh from the oven. They’re perfect alongside pasta, on a party platter, or just enjoyed on their own — a soft, garlicky hug in bread form.

Top Tip

Mastering this Garlic Knots with Parmesan and Herb Butter Recipe is all about a few key details that make your knots irresistible every time. Here are some insider tips that I always keep in mind when baking these soft, flavorful treats.

Temperature Matters: Make sure the liquid mixture is warm but not hot (around 110°F). This keeps the yeast happy and active, giving you that perfect rise and fluffy texture.
Flour Gradually: Don’t dump all the flour at once — add it gradually until the dough pulls away from the bowl but stays slightly sticky. This keeps your knots soft, not tough.
Gentle Knotting: When shaping the knots, be gentle to avoid overworking the dough. This helps keep them light and airy once baked.
Brush Immediately: Brush the garlic butter right after baking while the knots are hot. It locks in the flavor and creates that beautiful glossy finish.

How to Serve Garlic Knots with Parmesan and Herb Butter 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

Feel free to get creative with garnishes! A sprinkle of extra freshly grated Parmesan, a dusting of finely chopped fresh parsley, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes adds a wonderful pop of color and flavor. For extra indulgence, drizzle a bit of olive oil or a touch of balsamic glaze just before serving.

Side Dishes

These garlic knots make a fantastic accompaniment to Italian classics like pasta marinara, creamy Alfredo, or a rich lasagna. They’re also incredible alongside soups like tomato basil or minestrone. Want something lighter? Pair them with a crisp green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover garlic knots fresh by placing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delicious for up to 2 days—perfect for a next-day snack or quick side.

Freezing

You can freeze these knots to enjoy later! After they’ve cooled completely, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature before reheating.

Reheating

To bring back that fresh-baked warmth, reheat your garlic knots in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 8-10 minutes. This will refresh their softness and melt any lingering butter on top—way better than a microwave!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the dough by hand if I don’t have a stand mixer?

Absolutely! Knead the dough by hand for about 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. It requires a bit more elbow grease but yields the same delicious results.

What if I don’t have fresh parsley for the garlic butter?

No worries—dried parsley works well too! Use about 1 teaspoon of dried parsley in place of the fresh. It may be a little less vibrant but still adds lovely herbaceous notes.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute the butter and milk with plant-based alternatives like olive oil, vegan butter, and almond or oat milk to keep it dairy-free without sacrificing the rich flavor.

How do I know when the garlic knots are done baking?

Look for a light golden brown color on top and a fully cooked interior. Baking for 15 minutes at 400°F as instructed usually nails it—just keep an eye to ensure they don’t overbrown.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so satisfying about pulling a tray of warm, soft garlic knots fresh from the oven—especially when they’re laced with fragrant herb butter and sprinkled with savory Parmesan. This Garlic Knots with Parmesan and Herb Butter Recipe is a cozy, crowd-pleasing favorite that’s perfect anytime you want a simple homemade treat. I hope you savor every bite as much as I do!