Soft, chewy, golden, and brushed with garlicky oil, these garlic knots with marinara sauce are one of the most irresistible snacks I’ve ever made. They remind me of the ones I first fell in love with in my school cafeteria—fluffy on the inside, perfectly seasoned, and served with a sweet and tangy tomato sauce for dipping.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s comfort food at its finest. The dough is simple but bakes up pillowy and chewy, just like great pizzeria bread. The garlic oil seeps into every twist of the knot, giving me that savory punch I crave. I also like that the tomato sauce has a hint of sweetness from honey, which balances the acidity of the tomatoes beautifully. It’s a crowd-pleasing appetizer that I can serve at parties, game nights, or even alongside dinner.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Dough

• 1 cup warm water

• 1 teaspoon sugar

• 1 2 ¼ ounce packet active dry yeast

• 3 cups bread flour

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 egg, well beaten

• Nonstick spray for greasing

For the Garlic Oil

• ½ cup olive oil

• 2 heads garlic, chopped (about 1/2 cup)

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon dried basil

• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

• ½ teaspoon red chili flakes

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

• ½ cup parmesan, grated

• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley

For the Tomato Sauce

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 2 garlic cloves, sliced

• ½ teaspoon chili flakes

• 1 14.5 ounce can crushed tomatoes

• Freshly ground pepper, to taste

• 2 teaspoons honey (or more to taste)

Directions

1. In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine warm water and sugar. Sprinkle yeast on top, cover with a tea towel, and let proof for 5 minutes.

2. Add flour, olive oil, and salt. Using the dough hook, knead until a smooth elastic dough forms, about 5 minutes.

3. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour.

4. In a bowl, mix together all garlic oil ingredients and set aside.

5. For the sauce, heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Add garlic and chili flakes, cook for 2 minutes until lightly browned. Stir in tomatoes, pepper, and honey. Simmer for 10 minutes, then adjust seasoning. Keep warm.

6. Divide dough into 24 balls, roll each into a 6-inch log, and tie into knots. Place on parchment-lined baking sheets.

7. Cover loosely and let rise for 20 minutes. Preheat oven to 400°F.

8. Bake knots for 15 minutes until golden, brush with garlic oil, and bake for another 3–4 minutes until fragrant and golden brown.

9. Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping.

Servings And Timing

This recipe makes 24 garlic knots. Prep time is about 15 minutes, rising time around 1 hour 20 minutes, and baking about 20 minutes. Total time comes to about 1 hour 45 minutes. Each knot has around 158 calories.

Variations

I sometimes switch things up by sprinkling mozzarella on the knots after brushing with garlic oil for a cheesy version. Another fun variation is adding fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough itself for a more aromatic flavor. If I want to make it spicier, I increase the chili flakes both in the oil and the sauce.

Storage/Reheating

I like to store leftover knots in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, I freeze them for up to 2 months. To reheat, I wrap them in foil and bake at 350°F until warmed through, about 10 minutes. Microwaving works in a pinch, but the oven keeps them crisp on the outside.

FAQs

1. Can I Use All-Purpose Flour Instead Of Bread Flour?

Yes, I can, but bread flour gives me a chewier texture that I love. All-purpose flour will make them softer and less chewy.

2. Can I Make The Dough Ahead Of Time?

Yes, I often prepare the dough the night before and let it rise in the fridge overnight. I just bring it to room temperature before shaping the knots.

3. Do I Have To Use Honey In The Sauce?

No, but I prefer it because it dissolves easily and gives a smoother sweetness than sugar. If I don’t have honey, I use a small pinch of sugar instead.

4. Can I Air Fry These Garlic Knots?

Yes, I can cook them in the air fryer at 350°F for about 8–10 minutes until golden brown, though I have to work in batches.

5. What Can I Serve Garlic Knots With Besides Marinara Sauce?

I like serving them with pesto, ranch, or even a cheesy dip. They also pair well with soup or pasta dishes.

Conclusion

These garlic knots with marinara sauce are one of the most satisfying homemade snacks I’ve made. I love how they balance soft, chewy bread with garlicky richness and a touch of sweetness in the sauce. They’re versatile, fun to make, and always disappear quickly whenever I set them out. For me, they’re the perfect mix of nostalgic comfort and irresistible flavor.