Name: Garlic Butter Knots with Parmesan Recipe
Prep time: 1 h 30 min
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; 4 tablespoons salted butter, melted; 1 tablespoon finely-chopped fresh parsley; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; Freshly-grated Parmesan cheese; Flaky sea salt

If you love soft, buttery bread with a garlicky kick, you’re going to adore this Garlic Butter Knots with Parmesan Recipe. They’re the perfect cozy snack or dinner side – golden, fluffy, and sprinkled generously with Parmesan. Trust me, these little knots will disappear fast!

The image shows several golden brown garlic knots placed closely together on a white marbled surface. Each knot has a shiny, soft texture with a glossy finish from a light coating of butter or oil. Small green herb flakes, likely parsley, are sprinkled evenly over the knots, giving a fresh contrast to the warm color. Coarse salt granules and small bits of grated cheese are scattered on top, adding extra texture and detail. The knots have a rounded, twisted shape with well-risen dough that appears fluffy and tender. 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 Butter Knots with Parmesan Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Garlic Butter Knots with Parmesan Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Garlic Butter Knots with Parmesan Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made tons of garlic bread over the years, but these garlic knots are something special. They’re soft inside with just the right golden crust, coated in a fragrant garlic butter that gets me every time.

Simple ingredients: You probably already have most of what you need in your pantry.
Perfect for any occasion: Great as a side dish, snack, or even party appetizer.
Quick rising dough: No need for long overnight waits – you’ll have fresh garlic knots in just over an hour.
Customizable toppings: Parmesan and flaky sea salt bring a lovely savory finish that makes every bite irresistible.

Ingredients & Why They Work

These garlic butter knots are surprisingly simple to make, and picking the right ingredients really brings out the best flavors. When you shop for this recipe, look for fresh yeast if possible, real Parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley to brighten up the garlic butter topping.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of clear water, a small white ceramic bowl with golden melted butter, a small white ceramic bowl of creamy milk, a small white ceramic bowl of amber honey, a small pile of fine white all-purpose flour, two whole uncracked brown eggs with clean shells, a small white ceramic bowl of active-dry yeast granules, a small white ceramic bowl of fine sea salt, a small white ceramic bowl of light beige garlic powder, a small white ceramic bowl of freshly grated pale yellow Parmesan cheese, a small white ceramic bowl of flaky sea salt crystals, a small bunch of finely chopped fresh bright green parsley placed neatly, all arranged with perfect symmetry 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 to hydrate and activate the yeast.
Melted butter: Adds richness to the dough and blends beautifully with the garlic butter brush-on.
Milk: Helps create a tender, soft crumb in the knots.
Honey: Just a touch of sweetness to help feed the yeast and mellow out the garlic flavors.
Active-dry yeast: The magic behind that perfect dough rise and airy texture.
All-purpose flour: Gives structure – the key is adding just enough for a slightly sticky, manageable dough.
Fine sea salt: Enhances flavor without overpowering the garlic and cheese.
Garlic powder: Infuses the dough itself with subtle garlic flavor, complementing the buttery topping.
Salted butter: For the melt-in-your-mouth garlic butter coating.
Fresh parsley: Adds a fresh, herbal note and beautiful color to the topping.
Freshly-grated Parmesan cheese: The savory, nutty finish that makes these knots irresistible.
Flaky sea salt: A final sprinkle that adds texture and boosts flavor perfectly.

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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 Butter Knots with Parmesan Recipe is how easy it is to customize. Whether you want to switch up the herbs, adapt for dietary needs, or add a little extra flavor punch, these knots are a perfect base to make truly your own.

Herb Twist: I love swapping out parsley for fresh basil or rosemary for a seasonal flair — both bring a wonderful freshness that complements the garlic beautifully.
Spicy Kick: For a little heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes into the garlic butter before brushing. It adds a nice zing that's absolutely addictive!
Dairy-Free Version: Using plant-based butter and almond or oat milk works wonderfully if you’re avoiding dairy. The knots still turn out soft and flavorful.
Cheese Options: Besides Parmesan, try a sprinkle of Pecorino Romano or even a dash of nutritional yeast for a cheesy-savory hit with a twist.

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

The image shows four shiny golden brown garlic knots on a silver metal tray. Each knot has a smooth, slightly shiny surface with bits of green parsley sprinkled and some salt crystals on top. One of the knots is being brushed with a black brush dipped in melted butter mixed with green herbs. The background is a white marbled surface with part of a small white bowl containing butter visible on the left side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Warm Up Your Liquids Just Right

Start by combining water, melted butter, milk, and honey in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat gently—about 1 minute to start—then stir. Keep warming in 15-second bursts until the mixture feels warm to the touch but not hot, ideally around 110°F. This temperature is key to waking up the yeast without killing it.

Step 2: Activate the Yeast for a Perfect Rise

Pour your warm liquid into the stand mixer bowl, sprinkle the yeast evenly across the surface, and give it a quick stir. Patience pays off here—leave it to rest for 5 minutes until it looks foamy and alive. This tells you the yeast is ready to work its magic.

Step 3: Mix & Knead the Dough with Care

Add 3 ½ cups flour, sea salt, and garlic powder to the yeast mixture. Begin mixing on medium-low with a dough hook. If it’s sticking too much to the bowl, add flour gradually—up to ½ cup more—until it pulls slightly away but stays a bit sticky. Knead on low for 4 to 5 minutes until your dough feels smooth and springy. Then shape it into a ball and pop it into a greased bowl.

Step 4: Let the Dough Rise — Twice!

Cover your dough with a damp towel and let it rest for 15 minutes to puff up slightly. After shaping the knots later, you'll give it another 15-minute rise to ensure soft, tender bites packed with airiness. Trust me, these rest periods make a world of difference!

Step 5: Shape Your Knots

On a lightly floured surface, roll your dough gently into a 16-inch log. Cut into 15 or 16 even pieces, then roll each into an 8-inch rope. Tie each rope into a loose knot, tucking the ends under or leaving them out — whichever you prefer. Place them on your parchment-lined baking sheet and cover with a kitchen towel for that second rise.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Once risen, bake your knots at 400°F for 15 minutes. Look for a beautiful golden brown hue on top and a firm, cooked-through texture. The aroma alone is totally worth the wait!

Step 7: Brush with Garlic Butter and Finish with Parmesan

While baking, whisk together melted butter with chopped parsley and garlic powder. As soon as the knots come out hot from the oven, brush each one generously with the garlic butter. Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan and a pinch of flaky sea salt on top, then serve warm. This finishing touch elevates your knots from simple to sensational!

Top Tip

Perfecting this Garlic Butter Knots with Parmesan Recipe is all about the little details that bring those soft, flavorful knots to life. Here are some tips I’ve gathered from hands-on baking to help you get the best results every time.

Getting the Dough Just Right: I’ve found that adding flour gradually until the dough pulls away from the bowl but remains slightly sticky produces the softest knots—don’t over-flour!
Temperature Matters: Make sure your liquid mixture is warm at about 110°F—not hot! This activates the yeast perfectly without killing it, leading to a beautiful rise.
Knot Tying Technique: Rolling each piece into an 8-inch rope before knotting ensures even cooking and that lovely chewy texture that makes garlic knots irresistible.
Don’t Skip the Garlic Butter Brush: Brushing the knots immediately after baking while they’re hot lets the butter soak in and helps the Parmesan stick like a charm—this finish makes all the difference.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Knots with Parmesan Recipe

A group of golden brown garlic knots piled on a white plate, each knot showing three to four distinct twisted dough sections that are soft and slightly shiny from a butter glaze. The surface of each knot is sprinkled with coarse salt flakes and small green parsley pieces, giving texture and color contrast. The knots look fluffy with a light crust, and the plate rests on a white marbled surface with part of a mustard yellow cloth visible in the corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

After brushing on the luscious garlic butter and sprinkling Parmesan, consider adding a dash of freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor. For a festive touch, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes offers a gentle spicy kick that pairs beautifully with the buttery richness.

Side Dishes

These knots are a perfect companion to classic Italian dishes like a crisp Caesar salad or a hearty bowl of tomato basil soup. They also shine alongside pasta dishes, especially creamy Alfredo or zesty marinara, making mealtime feel like a cozy trattoria experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover garlic knots in an airtight container at room temperature and enjoy within 2 days. This helps keep their soft texture intact without drying out.

Freezing

You can freeze leftover knots by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 1 month. To enjoy later, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat garlic knots in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through. This method revives their crispy exterior and soft interior beautifully, better than a microwave.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use dried parsley instead of fresh in the garlic butter?

Yes, you can substitute dried parsley if fresh isn’t available, but use about half the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated. Fresh parsley will give you the brightest, freshest flavor.

How do I know when my yeast is properly activated?

When you sprinkle the yeast over the warm liquid and stir, let it rest for 5 minutes. You’ll see the mixture become bubbly and foamy on top—this shows the yeast is alive and ready to work its magic.

Can I make these knots dairy-free?

Absolutely! Replace the milk and butter with your favorite plant-based milk and vegan butter or oil. The texture may vary slightly, but you’ll still get delicious garlic knots.

What causes dough to be sticky, and should I worry about it?

A slightly sticky dough is exactly what you want here—it means your knots will be soft and tender. Just add flour gradually and don’t overdo it; the dough should pull away from the bowl but still feel a bit tacky.

Final Thoughts

Making Garlic Butter Knots with Parmesan from scratch is such a rewarding little kitchen adventure — the aroma, the golden-brown color, and that first warm bite all feel like magic. Whether you’re serving them as a cozy dinner side or snacking on them fresh out of the oven, they’re sure to bring smiles to your table. So gather your ingredients, get your hands doughy, and enjoy every buttery, cheesy, garlicky moment!