Quick Sourdough Discard Garlic Knots
Quick Sourdough Discard Garlic Knots transform excess starter into soft buttery knots brushed with garlicky parsley butter—perfect side dish or snack ready in under 2 hours.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Uses unfed discard straight from fridge
- No yeast needed
- Soft pillowy texture
- Addictive garlic butter
- Freezer-friendly dough

Ingredients
Dough
- 115g unfed sourdough discard (room temp)
- 80g whole milk (room temp)
- 12g honey (1¾ tsp)
- 13g olive oil (1 Tbsp)
- 200g all-purpose flour
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp fine sea salt
Garlic Butter
- 4 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ tsp fine sea salt
- 1 tsp dried parsley (or 1 Tbsp fresh)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Mix Dough
Whisk discard + milk + honey + olive oil. Add flour + garlic powder + salt. Knead 3 min smooth.
Step 2: First Rise
Oil bowl. Dough ball coated side up. Cover plastic wrap. Rest warm spot 2 hours doubled.
Step 3: Shape Knots
Parchment-lined sheet. Divide 8 pieces (~53g). Roll 12–15″ ropes. Tie knots, tuck ends under.
Step 4: Proof
Brush olive oil. Cover loosely. Rest 30 min puffy.
Step 5: Preheat
450°F oven.
Step 6: Bake
12–14 min lightly golden (190°F internal).
Step 7: Garlic Butter
Melt butter. Garlic 1–2 min fragrant. Off heat salt + parsley. Brush warm knots immediately.
Expert Tips for Success
- Room temp discard mixes smoothly
- Slightly sticky dough perfect
- Garlic butter while HOT maximum absorption
- 190°F internal prevents doughy centers
- Bread flour slightly chewier texture
Variations and Substitutions
- Parmesan sprinkle before butter
- Everything bagel seasoning swap
- Herb butter rosemary/thyme
- Cheesy mozzarella stuffed
- Vegan plant milk + vegan butter
Serving Suggestions
- Marinara dipping
- Pasta dinner side
- Pizza night essential
- Caesar salad pairing
- Antipasto platter
FAQs
Q: Dough too sticky?
A: Flour hands, not dough
Q: Flat knots?
A: Overproofed—proof less
Q: Pale color?
A: Higher temp 475°F
Q: Store?
A: Airtight 2 days room temp
Q: Freeze?
A: Baked rewarm 350°F
Final Thoughts
Sourdough Discard Garlic Knots prove waste wonderful—buttery soft centers with garlicky crunch create irresistible snack perfection worth every quick discard rescue.
Discover the Joy of Quick Sourdough Discard Garlic Knots Today!
Delight in the heavenly aroma of freshly baked garlic knots combined with the tangy essence of sourdough in a quick and easy package. These garlic knots are a convenient and delicious way to utilize sourdough discard while offering a unique savory and tangy taste profile.
Ingredients
- 1 cup active sourdough starter
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Optional: Parmesan cheese
Directions
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In a mixing bowl, combine the active sourdough starter, flour, water, and salt to form a sticky dough.
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Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic, then let it rise until doubled in size.
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Roll out the dough and cut it into strips to form individual knots.
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Tie each strip into a knot and place them on a baking sheet to rise again.
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Bake the garlic knots until they are golden brown and fragrant.
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While the knots are baking, prepare a garlic-infused olive oil mixture with minced garlic, parsley, and salt.
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Once the knots are done, brush them generously with the garlic oil mixture and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if desired.
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Serve warm and enjoy the irresistible flavors of these Quick Sourdough Discard Garlic Knots!

