Sourdough Garlic Knots Recipe for Soft Buttery Flavor
Sourdough garlic knots instantly transform your kitchen into a cozy bakery. The smell of garlic melting into butter, the golden edges of the knots, and the soft chewy crumb from bread with sourdough starter make this recipe unforgettable. Pulling one apart reveals an airy texture and a tangy bite that only sourdough can give. These knots are not only delicious but also one of the most versatile homemade sourdough recipes you can try. They are perfect for family dinners, parties, or even foods to make and sell from home when you want to impress with something both simple and irresistible.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Sourdough Garlic Knots
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Stir the sourdough starter into warm water until mostly dissolved.
- Mix in flour and salt until a shaggy dough forms. Cover and rest for 30 minutes (autolyse).
- Add olive oil and knead for 5 to 7 minutes until smooth. A stand mixer with a dough hook works well.
- Place dough in an oiled bowl. Cover and bulk ferment for 4 to 6 hours, doing 3 to 4 stretch and folds during the first 2 hours.
- Shape dough into a rectangle. Cut into strips 1 inch wide and 8–10 inches long. Tie each strip into a knot.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake knots for 18 to 22 minutes or until golden brown.
- While baking, mix melted butter with garlic, parsley, oregano, red pepper flakes, and salt.
- Brush garlic butter onto hot knots right after baking for maximum flavor.
Nutrition
Notes
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Let us know how it was!Why you will love sourdough garlic knots
Sourdough garlic knots are more than just bread. They combine the charm of Italian flavors with the rustic feel of sourdough baking.
- They are a creative way to explore things to do with dough.
- They belong to the list of sourdough starter discard recipes that help you reduce waste.
- They are crowd pleasers that work as side dishes, appetizers, or snacks.
- They offer easy things to make with sourdough starter for both beginners and experienced bakers.
- They inspire organic food ideas since you can use fresh garlic, herbs, and olive oil.
These knots are proof that sourdough can be as fun as it is flavorful.
Ingredients for sourdough garlic knots
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes and Substitutions |
| Active sourdough starter | 150 g | Must be bubbly and recently fed |
| Warm water | 300 g | Around 80 to 85°F (27 to 29°C) |
| All purpose flour | 500 g | Bread flour can be used for more chew |
| Salt | 10 g | Balances flavor |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp | Plus extra for greasing |
| Unsalted butter | 4 tbsp melted | Used for garlic topping |
| Garlic | 2 to 3 cloves minced | Fresh gives the best flavor |
| Parsley | ¼ cup chopped | Basil or cilantro as alternatives |
| Dried oregano | ½ tsp optional | For herbal depth |
| Red pepper flakes | Pinch optional | Adds gentle heat |
| Salt | Pinch | Mixed into garlic butter |
Simple ingredients become extraordinary when baked into garlic knots. They show just how many easy things to make with sourdough starter are possible.
How to make sourdough garlic knots step by step
- Stir the starter into warm water until mostly dissolved.
- Mix in flour and salt until a shaggy dough forms. Cover and rest for 30 minutes.
- Add olive oil and knead for 5 to 7 minutes until smooth. A stand mixer with a dough hook works too.
- Place dough in an oiled bowl. Cover and bulk ferment 4 to 6 hours. Perform 3 to 4 sets of stretch and folds during the first 2 hours.
- Shape into a rectangle on a floured surface. Cut into strips 1 inch wide and 8 to 10 inches long. Tie each into a knot.
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 18 to 22 minutes until golden brown.
- Mix butter, garlic, parsley, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Brush onto knots immediately after baking.
These steps create knots that belong on every list of homemade sourdough recipes.
How to serve sourdough garlic knots with style
Garlic knots can be enjoyed in many creative ways.
- Pair with marinara or alfredo for an Italian style dinner.
- Add to soup nights for a warm and hearty side.
- Offer them as foods to make and sell from home by packaging them in eco friendly boxes.
- Prepare seasonal twists like cheesy holiday knots or spicy summer versions.
- Transform them into sweet treats by swapping garlic butter for cinnamon sugar.
This is why they rank high on any list of things to do with dough.
How to perfect sourdough garlic knots like a pro
A few secrets make sourdough garlic knots bakery worthy.
- Always use an active starter to ensure proper rise.
- Do not skip the autolyse and stretch and folds. They give the dough its signature softness.
- Brush garlic butter while the knots are still hot so it soaks into every layer.
- Add cheese like parmesan or mozzarella for extra flavor.
- Experiment with non bread sourdough recipes by creating dessert versions with chocolate or fruit fillings.
Following these tips guarantees knots that shine in both taste and presentation.
Common mistakes to avoid when making sourdough garlic knots
- Using discard instead of active starter. Discard belongs in sourdough throwaway recipes, not in this rise dependent dough.
- Cutting fermentation time short, which leads to dense knots.
- Baking too long, which makes knots dry.
- Forgetting to space them out on the tray, which prevents even baking.
- Skipping the garlic butter glaze, which is the heart of this recipe.
Avoiding these mistakes ensures your knots are always soft, golden, and delicious.
Storage and reheating instructions for sourdough garlic knots
| Storage Method | Duration | Tips |
| Room temperature | 2 days | Keep in airtight container |
| Refrigerator | 4 to 5 days | Warm in oven at 325°F until soft |
| Freezer | 3 months | Wrap individually and reheat at 350°F for 12 to 15 minutes |
For best results brush with extra melted butter before serving.
Frequently asked questions about sourdough garlic knots
Can I use sourdough discard?
Not in this recipe. Discard is better for pancakes, crackers, and other sourdough throwaway recipes.
Can I prepare the knots ahead of time?
Yes. Shape them and refrigerate overnight. Bake the next day.
Can I make them sweeter instead of savory?
Yes. Swap garlic butter for a cinnamon sugar topping to explore non bread sourdough recipes.
Can I sell them at a bake sale?
Absolutely. They are great foods to make and sell from home because they are easy, attractive, and everyone loves garlic bread.
Conclusion
Sourdough garlic knots prove that bread with sourdough starter can be exciting, versatile, and deeply satisfying. They are one of the best easy things to make with sourdough starter for family meals, parties, or bake sales. From garlic butter to sweet variations, they belong in your list of homemade sourdough recipes. Save this recipe to use again and again, and enjoy the endless possibilities of sourdough baking.
