The Best Homemade Garlic Knots Recipe

There’s something comforting and nostalgic about soft, fluffy garlic knots—those twisted bites of dough infused with garlic, olive oil, and herbs. Traditionally made with wheat flour and yeast, garlic knots have long held a place in pizza orders, bakery cases, and Italian meals. Now, with a gluten-free twist, you can enjoy the same savory satisfaction without the grains.

In gluten-free and paleo-inspired kitchens, garlic knots are being reimagined using alternative flours, binders, and fermentation techniques. This evolution brings together the aroma of roasted garlic, the richness of oil, and a tender bite that holds its shape well. As the demand for grain-free bread alternatives grows, these garlic knots have emerged as an elegant side or appetizer that pairs beautifully with soups, salads, and mains.

Make them for dinner parties, cozy weeknight dinners, or as a shareable starter. These garlic knots bring bold flavor, beautiful presentation, and a comforting texture — all while staying gluten-free and mindful of dietary needs.

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Homemade Garlic Knots (Gluten-Free & Paleo)

Recipe Details

Yield: 8 knots
Active Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Recipe Ingredients

For the garlic knots:

• 1 cup almond flour
• 1 cup tapioca flour, plus more for dusting
• 3 tablespoons coconut flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon sea salt
• ½ cup water, plus more as needed
• 2 tablespoons Garlic Infused Coconut Oil, divided

For the topping:

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 3 tablespoons Garlic Infused Coconut Oil
• ½ teaspoon sea salt

Recipe Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Whisk almond flour, tapioca flour, coconut flour, garlic powder, baking soda, and sea salt in a large bowl.
2. Add water and 1 ½ tablespoons coconut oil; stir until dough comes together. The dough should be a little sticky but still moist. If it’s too dry, add extra water 1 tablespoon at a time, as needed.
3. Sprinkle tapioca flour onto a work surface. Dump out dough and form it into a disc. Roll it out to 8-inches wide, and approximately ½-inch thick.
4. Cut the dough into 8 strips. Take one strip and roll it into a log, then carefully tie it into a knot. If the rope breaks, squeeze dough back together before proceeding.
5. Place knot on a sheet tray and lightly brush with remaining ½ tablespoon oil; repeat with remaining knots.
6. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until slightly golden.
7. While the knots bake, stir the parsley, oil, and salt in a small bowl for the topping.
8. Brush the topping over warm knots just before serving.

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Garlic Knots Nutrition Facts

*Estimated per knot (recipe yields 8 knots). Based strictly on Thrive Market’s ingredient amounts.

Serving Size	1 knot
Calories	≈ 250 kcal
Protein	≈ 5 g
Carbs	≈ 18 g
Sugar	≈ 1 g
Fiber	≈ 3 g
Fat	≈ 18 g

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Garlic Knot Variations & Baking Tips

• Herb mix: Add fresh chopped rosemary, thyme, or parsley to the garlic-oil mixture for extra aroma.
• Cheesy twist: Stir in a bit of grated Parmesan or dairy-free cheese alternative into the garlic oil before brushing.
• Spice variant: Insert red pepper flakes or chili powder for a subtle heat component.
• Garlic method: Roast whole garlic cloves until sweet, then mash them into the oil blend for a milder, sweeter garlic flavor.
• Freezing option: After forming the knots, freeze them on a tray. When ready to serve, bake straight from frozen (may add a few minutes).
• Oil brush timing: Brush garlic oil both before and after baking to reinforce flavor and moisture retention.

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Best Garlic Knot Pairings

• Marinara or pizza sauce — classic dip to echo Italian flavors.
• Caesar or Tuscan kale salad — crisp greens with tang to balance richness.
• Roasted tomato soup or butternut bisque — perfect for dunking soft garlic knots.
• Grilled or baked fish (e.g. shrimp, cod) — knots complement delicately flavored proteins.
• Olive tapenade or herbed butter — savory spreads that echo the garlic-oil notes.

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When to Make Garlic Knots

• Italian dinner nights — serve alongside pasta, lasagna, or pizza.
• Appetizer spreads — plate them early during dinner parties or gatherings.
• Brunch or lunch menus — a savory twist alongside eggs, frittatas, or shakshuka.
• Wine and cheese evenings — use them as a rustic bread alternative for guests.
• Potlucks or shareable meals — easy to transport and serve warm as a crowd-pleaser.

Recipe credit: Angela Gaines