Soft Garlic Knots
These soft, pillowy garlic knots are brushed with a buttery, garlicky mixture, making them the perfect comfort food for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 1/3 cup very warm water (about 79 g)
- 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (one packet)
- 1/4 cup + 1/4 teaspoon granulated sugar (51 g total)
- 1 1/3 cups warm milk (about 332 g)
- 5 tablespoons butter, softened (76 g)
- 1 large egg
- 1½ teaspoons salt
- 4–4½ cups all-purpose flour (about 500 g) — add gradually; use less if dough is not too sticky
For the Garlic Topping
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
Instructions
Preparation
- In a small bowl, stir warm water, yeast, and 1/4 teaspoon sugar. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the foamy yeast, remaining 1/4 cup sugar, warm milk, softened butter, egg, and salt. Mix briefly to combine.
- With the mixer running on low, add 4 cups of flour gradually. Knead 5–6 minutes until the dough is smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky. Add up to 1/2 cup more flour only if needed.
First Rise
- Lightly grease a large bowl. Place the dough inside, turn to coat all sides, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled, about 1 hour.
Shaping
- Punch down the dough. Divide into golf-ball-size pieces (about 24–28). Roll each into a 9-inch rope and tie a loose knot.
- Place knots on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between them.
Second Rise
- Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let rise again in a warm place until puffy and nearly doubled, about 1 hour.
Baking
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake knots for 10–12 minutes until lightly golden on top.
Garlic Butter
- While knots bake, whisk together olive oil, melted butter, garlic powder, and parsley flakes.
- Brush hot knots generously with garlic butter as soon as they come out of the oven. Serve warm with marinara for dipping.
Notes
You can refrigerate shaped knots overnight after the second rise for fresher bread the next day. Warm up before baking.