Sourdough discard garlic knots are soft, fluffy, and packed with rich garlic flavor. This recipe turns leftover sourdough discard into irresistible knots that work perfectly as a side dish, appetizer, or snack. Fresh from the oven, they deliver bakery-style texture with homemade comfort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Uses sourdough discard with no waste
- Soft, fluffy texture with golden edges
- Rich garlic butter flavor
- Perfect as a side, snack, or appetizer
- Easy to prepare with simple ingredients
Ingredients

- 1 cup sourdough discard
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- ¾ cup warm water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Garlic Butter
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Step-by-Step Instructions

- In a large bowl, combine sourdough discard, warm water, sugar, yeast, and olive oil.
- Add flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Knead dough for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Cover and let rise for 1 hour until doubled in size.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet.
- Divide dough into strips, tie each strip into a knot, and place on baking sheet.
- Bake 15–18 minutes until lightly golden.
- Mix melted butter, garlic, parsley, and salt.
- Brush garlic butter generously over warm knots before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Add grated parmesan to garlic butter for extra flavor
- Use fresh herbs like basil or oregano
- Shape into rolls instead of knots if preferred
- Brush with garlic butter twice for stronger flavor
Storage & Freezer Instructions
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for best texture
- Freeze baked garlic knots for up to 2 months
- Thaw at room temperature before reheating
Serving & Pairing Ideas

- Serve alongside pasta dishes
- Pair with soups or stews
- Enjoy with marinara sauce for dipping
- Add to appetizer platters
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use unfed sourdough discard?
Yes, unfed discard works perfectly and adds mild tang without overpowering flavor.
Do these knots taste sour?
No, the flavor stays mild and balanced, especially after baking and garlic butter coating.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, refrigerate the dough overnight and shape before baking.
Can I bake them in advance?
Yes, bake earlier in the day and reheat before serving for best results.
Ready to Make It?
Sourdough discard garlic knots are soft, buttery, and full of garlic flavor. Save this recipe for an easy way to use discard while creating a crowd-pleasing side everyone will enjoy.
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Sourdough Discard Garlic Knots
- Total Time: 38 mins
- Yield: 12 knots 1x
Description
Sourdough discard garlic knots are soft, fluffy, and brushed with rich garlic butter. Perfect side or appetizer using sourdough discard.
Ingredients
1 cup sourdough discard
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons instant yeast
¾ cup warm water
2 tablespoons olive oil
Garlic Butter:
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon chopped parsley
¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
1. Combine sourdough discard, water, sugar, yeast, and oil.
2. Add flour and salt, mix into dough.
3. Knead until smooth and elastic.
4. Cover and let rise until doubled.
5. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
6. Shape dough into knots and place on baking sheet.
7. Bake until lightly golden.
8. Mix garlic butter ingredients.
9. Brush butter over warm knots.
Notes
Brush garlic butter twice for stronger flavor.
Use parmesan for extra richness.
Serve warm for best texture.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 18 mins
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 knot
- Calories: 165
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 12mg