Soft, fluffy garlic knots made with silken tofu dough are one of the easiest ways to turn a simple bread dough into a bakery-style side dish. These knots bake up tender, lightly chewy, and full of garlic flavor — perfect alongside pasta, soup, or salads.
What makes this recipe special is the silken tofu dough. Instead of eggs or dairy, silken tofu adds moisture and protein while helping create a soft, enriched texture.
If you’re new to baking with tofu, I explain the technique in detail in my Ultimate Guide to Baking With Silken Tofu, where I cover why it works, how to substitute it for eggs, and the best recipes to start with.
These garlic knots are a great example of how silken tofu can transform simple bread dough into something rich and soft without eggs.
Watch this video tutorial:
https://youtu.be/a1Q7qfsXyqI
How to Make the Master Silken Tofu Dough Recipe
These garlic breadsticks are made using this one simple eggless vegan dough I call the Master Silken Tofu Dough in my eBook. This one dough makes so many vegan breads! I make cinnamon rolls, bagels, pizza crust and so much more. Here’s how to make the dough that’s in my Silken Tofu Bread Recipes eBook.
Watch the Master Silken Tofu Dough tutorial:
- Get the Master Silken Tofu Dough recipe: Silken Tofu Dough: Step-by-Step Directions (The Master Dough)
Silken Tofu Bread Recipe eBook
This recipe and 18+ other vegan silken tofu bread recipes are in my printable recipe eBook! This one dough makes so many great eggless dairy free baked goods.
Why Silken Tofu Works in Bread Dough
Many enriched bread recipes rely on eggs for structure, moisture, and tenderness. Silken tofu provides similar benefits, which is why it works so well in these garlic knots.
Silken tofu helps:
• add moisture to the dough
• create a soft crumb
• add plant-based protein
• improve dough elasticity
Because of this, the dough bakes into fluffy knots with a tender interior, while still holding their shape beautifully.
- Learn more about baking with silken tofu in my Ultimate Guide to Baking With Silken Tofu
When to Make These Garlic Knots
These knots are incredibly versatile. They work well as:
• a side dish for pasta
• garlic bread alternative
• party appetizers
• soup or salad accompaniment
• pull-apart dinner rolls
The garlic butter topping gives them that classic pizzeria garlic knot flavor.
GARLIC KNOTS OR BREAD TWISTS
Get the Silken Tofu Breads Recipe eBook
Soft, pull-apart knots or bread twists brushed with garlic butter.
PROTEIN: ~7–8g per knot
INGREDIENTS
• 1 batch Master Silken Tofu Dough
• 3 tablespoons melted vegan butter or olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced or 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley
INSTRUCTIONS
- Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces.
- Roll each piece into a rope about 8 inches long.
- Shape the dough:
• Tie into a simple knot and tuck the ends underneath, or
• Twist two ropes together and press the ends to seal. - Place the shaped dough on a lined baking sheet or lightly oiled baking dish.
- Let the knots rise for 30–40 minutes, until slightly puffy.
- In a small bowl, mix the melted vegan butter (or olive oil), garlic, and parsley.
- Brush the garlic mixture generously over the knots.
- Bake at 375°F for 16–18 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 190–200°F.
STORAGE
Store covered at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Reheat briefly in the oven to refresh the texture.
RECIPE NOTES
For extra flavor, add ¼ cup grated vegan parmesan to the garlic butter mixture before brushing onto the dough.
Get the Silken Tofu Breads Recipe eBook
Tips for Perfect Garlic Knots
Don’t skip the rise.
Even though the dough is enriched with tofu, allowing the knots to rise helps them bake up fluffy.
Brush twice for more flavor.
Brush once before baking and again immediately after baking for extra garlic flavor.
Check internal temperature.
Bread is fully baked when it reaches 190–200°F inside. This ensures the interior isn’t gummy.
Variations to Try
Once you make these once, it’s easy to customize them.
Cheesy Garlic Knots
Add vegan parmesan or nutritional yeast to the garlic butter.
Herb Knots
Add oregano, basil, or Italian seasoning to the topping.
Pull-Apart Garlic Bread
Instead of shaping knots, place dough balls close together in a baking dish and brush with garlic butter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these with other egg substitutes?
You could, but silken tofu works particularly well because it provides both moisture and structure. Other substitutes like flax or applesauce can make bread dense.
What kind of tofu should I use?
Use silken tofu, not firm tofu. Silken tofu blends smoothly into dough and creates the soft texture these knots need.
Can I freeze garlic knots?
Yes. Let them cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven to restore the texture.
Why does silken tofu work so well in baking?
Silken tofu acts as a protein-rich binder that helps mimic the structure eggs provide in many baked goods. I explain this in detail in my Ultimate Guide to Baking With Silken Tofu, including how to substitute it in cakes, breads, and desserts.
If you’re building a collection of tofu baking recipes, this is one of the best starter recipes because it shows how easily silken tofu dough can be turned into different breads.
From the same dough, you can also make:
• bagels
• cinnamon rolls
• dinner rolls
• sandwich bread
All using the same silken tofu technique.
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