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Golden-brown sourdough garlic knots with melted butter and parsley

Sourdough Garlic Knots

Chef Carol
Sourdough garlic knots combine the tangy, chewy goodness of sourdough with the rich, buttery flavor of garlic. Made with a naturally fermented sourdough starter, these knots develop deep, complex flavors while maintaining a soft and airy texture. Brushed with a savory garlic butter topping, they make the perfect side for pasta, soups, or a delicious appetizer for any occasion.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine American, Italian
Servings 2 servings
Calories 160 kcal

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Kitchen scale (optional, for precise measurements)
  • Wooden spoon or dough whisk
  • Clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap
  • Bench scraper (optional, for dividing dough)
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Pastry brush (for applying garlic butter)
  • Small saucepan (for melting butter)
  • Oven

Ingredients
  

  • For the Dough:
  • 1 cup 240g active sourdough starter (bubbly and fed)
  • 2 ½ cups 300g bread flour
  • ¾ cup 180ml warm water
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp honey or sugar optional, for a hint of sweetness
  • For the Garlic Butter Topping:
  • 4 tbsp butter melted
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
  • ½ tsp Italian seasoning
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan optional

Instructions
 

  • Step 1: Preparing the Dough
  • Mix the Ingredients – In a large bowl, combine the sourdough starter, warm water, and honey. Stir well. Add the flour, salt, and olive oil.
  • Knead the Dough – Mix until a rough dough forms. Knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  • Bulk Fermentation – Cover and let the dough rest at room temperature for 6-8 hours, or until it doubles in size. If your kitchen is cooler, fermentation may take longer.
  • Step 2: Shaping the Garlic Knots
  • Divide the Dough – Transfer the doubled dough to a floured surface and divide it into 8-10 equal pieces.
  • Roll and Knot – Roll each piece into a rope (about 6 inches long) and tie it into a simple knot. Tuck the ends underneath.
  • Final Proofing – Place knots on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover and let them rest for another 1-2 hours until slightly puffy.
  • Step 3: Baking the Knots
  • Preheat the Oven – Set the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • Bake – Place the knots in the oven and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until golden brown.
  • Prepare Garlic Butter – While baking, melt the butter and mix in the minced garlic, salt, parsley, and Italian seasoning.
  • Step 4: Finishing Touches
  • Brush with Garlic Butter – Once out of the oven, brush knots generously with the garlic butter mixture.
  • Sprinkle Parmesan (optional) – For extra flavor, sprinkle grated Parmesan over the warm knots.
  • Serve and Enjoy – Let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

For a softer texture: Cover with foil immediately after baking to retain moisture.
For a crispier texture: Bake 3-5 minutes longer and let cool uncovered.
Make-ahead option: Shape and refrigerate the knots overnight before baking.
Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days, refrigerate for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes or in an air fryer at 320°F (160°C) for 4-6 minutes.
Enjoy your homemade sourdough garlic knots—perfectly chewy, buttery, and packed with flavor! 🍞🧄✨
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