Bacon & Chive Sourdough Garlic Knots

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Warm, golden, and brushed with garlic butter, these Bacon & Chive Sourdough Garlic Knots are a savory bake that brings together rich flavor and soft, fluffy texture. Each knot is filled with crispy bacon and fresh chives, then finished with a buttery garlic glaze and a generous sprinkle of parmesan cheese.

This recipe uses sourdough discard along with a touch of yeast, giving you the best of both worlds: a subtle tang from the sourdough and a reliable, fluffy rise from the yeast. The knots bake up soft on the inside with lightly crisp edges, while the garlic butter and parmesan create a flavorful finish that makes them hard to resist.

Why You’ll Love These Bacon & Chive Garlic Knots

These garlic knots are packed with flavor in every bite. The bacon adds a smoky, salty richness, while the chives bring a fresh contrast that keeps the bread from feeling too heavy. The sourdough discard enhances the depth of flavor without requiring a long fermentation process, making this recipe approachable and efficient.

The texture is just as satisfying as the flavor. The dough bakes into soft, pillowy knots with golden edges, and the garlic butter soaks into every crevice. The final sprinkle of parmesan cheese melts slightly into the warm bread, adding a savory, slightly nutty finish.

They’re perfect as a side dish, appetizer, or even served on their own straight from the oven.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is broken into three simple components: the dough, the mix-ins, and the garlic butter glaze.

The Dough

• 180g (3/4 cup) warm water (about 100°F)
• 7g (2 1/4 tsp) instant yeast
• 15g (1 tbsp) sugar or honey
• 125g (1/2 cup) sourdough discard
• 360g (3 cups) all-purpose flour
• 9g (1 1/2 tsp) salt
• 25g (2 tbsp) olive oil or bacon grease

The Mix-Ins

• 4-5 strips crispy bacon, finely chopped
• 3 tbsp fresh chives, finely minced

The Garlic Butter Glaze

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Extra chives for garnish

Parmesan Finish

• 1/4 cup finely grated parmesan cheese

How to Make Bacon & Chive Sourdough Garlic Knots

Step 1: Prepare the Bacon and Chives

Start by cooking the bacon until it is very crispy. This step is important because crispy bacon holds its texture better inside the dough. Transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to cool, then chop it into small crumbles.

Finely mince the chives and set them aside. Having everything prepared before mixing the dough makes the process much smoother.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about five minutes until it becomes foamy.

Add the sourdough discard and olive oil (or bacon grease if using), and mix to combine. Then add the flour and salt. Mix until a dough begins to form.

As the dough starts to come together and smooth out, about three minutes into kneading, add the chopped bacon and chives. Continue kneading for another three to four minutes until the dough is elastic and the mix-ins are evenly distributed.

Step 3: First Rise

Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl and cover it. Let it rise in a warm spot for 60 to 90 minutes, or until doubled in size.

The dough should feel soft and slightly puffy when it’s ready.

Step 4: Shape the Knots

Cut dough into 12 pieces and roll and then tie into a loose knot, tucking the ends underneath to secure the shape.

Place the knots onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between each one. Cover loosely and let them rest for 20 to 30 minutes while you preheat your oven to 400°F.

Step 5: Bake the Knots

Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the bacon bits are slightly crisp.

The aroma at this stage is rich with garlic, butter, and bacon, giving you a preview of the flavor to come.

Step 6: Garlic Butter and Parmesan Finish

While the knots are baking, melt the butter and stir in the minced garlic.

As soon as the knots come out of the oven, brush them generously with the garlic butter. The heat from the bread helps the butter soak in, enhancing both flavor and texture.

Immediately sprinkle grated parmesan cheese over the warm knots so it melts slightly into the surface. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh chives.

Tips for the Best Garlic Knots

Using very crispy bacon is key to getting the right texture. If the bacon is too soft, it can blend into the dough instead of creating distinct bites.

If you want a deeper flavor, using bacon grease in place of olive oil adds an extra layer of richness that complements the mix-ins.

When shaping, avoid over-flouring the dough. A lightly floured surface helps maintain the soft texture without making the knots dense.

Brushing the garlic butter on while the knots are still hot ensures it absorbs fully into the bread rather than sitting on top.

Serving Suggestions

These Bacon & Chive Sourdough Garlic Knots pair well with a wide range of meals. Serve them alongside soups, pasta dishes, or salads for a complete meal.

They also work beautifully as an appetizer, arranged on a platter and served warm. The combination of garlic butter and parmesan makes them especially inviting for sharing.

For a simple option, enjoy them on their own straight from the oven when they’re at their best.

Storing and Reheating

Store any leftover knots in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, refrigerate them and reheat before serving.

To reheat, place the knots in a warm oven for a few minutes or toast them lightly. This brings back their soft interior and slightly crisp exterior.

A Savory Bread Worth Making Again

These Bacon & Chive Sourdough Garlic Knots bring together familiar ingredients in a way that feels thoughtful and satisfying. The soft dough, savory mix-ins, and garlic butter finish create a balance of texture and flavor that works for everyday meals or casual gatherings.

With the addition of parmesan at the end, each knot has a slightly crisp, cheesy finish that complements the bacon and chives perfectly. It’s a simple step that makes a noticeable difference, turning a classic garlic knot into something even more flavorful.