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Irresistible St. Patrick’s Green Garlic Butter Knots

green garlic butter knots - featured image

Soft, buttery, garlicky knots with a vibrant green herb-infused butter, perfect for St. Patrick’s Day or any festive occasion. Easy to make from scratch with simple ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (440g)
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • 1 ¼ cups warm water (300ml, around 110°F / 43°C)
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • ½ cup unsalted butter (115g), softened
  • 4 large fresh garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup fresh spinach leaves, packed (about 30g)
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley leaves (about 10g)
  • ½ teaspoon salt (for garlic butter)
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice (optional)

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water with sugar and sprinkle yeast over the surface. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Make the dough: Add olive oil, salt, and 2 cups of flour to the yeast mixture. Stir to combine, then gradually add remaining flour ½ cup at a time, mixing well. Transfer dough to a floured surface once it pulls from the sides.
  3. Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic, slightly tacky but not sticky. Add flour or water as needed.
  4. First rise: Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1 ½ hours until doubled in size.
  5. Prepare green garlic butter: Melt softened butter in a small pan over low heat. Add minced garlic, spinach, and parsley. Cook gently for 2-3 minutes until spinach wilts and garlic softens. Transfer to blender or food processor, add salt, pepper, and lemon juice, and blend until smooth and bright green. Set aside.
  6. Shape the knots: Punch down risen dough and turn onto floured surface. Divide into 12 equal pieces (~60g each). Roll each into a 10-inch rope and tie into a loose knot. Place on parchment-lined baking sheet.
  7. Second rise: Cover knots with towel and let rest for 20-30 minutes until puffy.
  8. Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake knots for 15-18 minutes until golden brown.
  9. Brush knots generously with warm green garlic butter immediately after baking.
  10. Serve warm. Best enjoyed fresh but still delicious the next day.

Notes

If yeast does not foam during activation, start over with fresh yeast. Dough should be soft and slightly sticky but manageable. Cook garlic gently in butter to avoid bitterness. Tie knots loosely for proper rising. Brush knots with green garlic butter immediately after baking for best flavor and shine. Dough can be prepared ahead and refrigerated overnight. Use frozen spinach thawed and squeezed dry if fresh is unavailable. For dairy-free, substitute butter with vegan butter or olive oil spread.

Nutrition

Keywords: St. Patrick’s Day, garlic butter knots, green garlic butter, homemade bread, festive bread, garlic knots, herb butter, soft bread rolls