If you’ve ever fallen in love with the warm, buttery, and garlicky goodness of Garlic Knots from your favorite pizzeria, then this Garlic Knots Recipe is about to become your next kitchen obsession. Soft, fluffy knots of pizza dough brushed with a fragrant garlic butter sauce make for the perfect snack, appetizer, or side. It’s such a simple dish, yet each bite bursts with rich flavor and a comforting aroma that instantly transports you to a cozy Italian trattoria. Whether you’re serving them for a casual get-together or a family dinner, these garlic knots never fail to impress and satisfy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Garlic Knots Recipe lies in its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients, each component plays a vital role in crafting the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color. From the dough that forms the soft base to the garlic butter that coats each knot in richness, every ingredient contributes something special.
- 1 lb pizza dough: The foundation of your knots, providing the tender and chewy texture you’re craving. Store-bought works wonderfully for convenience, or homemade if you’re feeling ambitious.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and creates the luscious garlic-infused coating that makes these knots irresistible.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Brings that punch of fresh, aromatic garlic flavor that defines this dish.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried parsley): Adds a burst of herby freshness and a splash of vibrant green color to brighten the knots.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing the garlic and butter perfectly.
- Optional: 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Sprinkled into the garlic butter for a savory, cheesy twist that elevates the flavor even more.
How to Make Garlic Knots Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Surface
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). It helps to line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking, so your knots bake up golden and come off the tray easily.
Step 2: Shape the Dough
Divide your pizza dough into 12 equal pieces. Rolling each piece into a 6 to 8-inch rope creates the perfect length for tying into loose knots. This shaping step is fun and gives these little bites their signature look and texture.
Step 3: Bake to Golden Perfection
Place your dough knots onto the prepared baking sheet and pop them into the oven. Baking for 12 to 15 minutes ensures they cook through and develop that beautiful golden-brown crust that’s just begging to be brushed with garlic butter.
Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
While the knots bake, melt your butter in a small saucepan or microwave. Stir in the minced garlic, chopped parsley, and salt to infuse the butter with fresh, garlicky aroma. Adding Parmesan cheese here is optional but highly recommended if you want to take the flavor up a notch.
Step 5: Brush the Freshly Baked Knots
As soon as your knots come out of the oven, brush them generously with the garlic butter mixture. Doing this while they’re still warm helps the butter soak into every nook and cranny, making each bite perfectly buttery and flavorful.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your Garlic Knots warm, either on their own with extra garlic butter for dipping or with a side of marinara sauce for a classic pairing. This step is all about enjoying the fruits of your labor—soft, garlicky knots that melt in your mouth.
How to Serve Garlic Knots Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can add a perfect finishing touch. A sprinkle of extra chopped parsley brightens the knotted bread visually and adds a burst of herbal freshness. For an indulgent kick, topping with additional grated Parmesan or a drizzle of olive oil adds even more depth.
Side Dishes
Garlic knots are versatile! They pair beautifully with hearty pasta dishes, fresh salads, or a bowl of rich, warming soup. Marinara or a spicy arrabbiata sauce serves as a fantastic dipping partner that echoes the classic Italian flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to wow your guests, serve the knots in a rustic basket lined with colorful napkins, or arrange them around a bowl of dipping sauce on a wooden board. You could even sprinkle them with chili flakes or drizzle with infused oils for a gourmet touch that’s easy but impressive.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover garlic knots can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This keeps them soft and maintains their fresh-baked flavor. To keep them from drying out, avoid refrigerating unless you plan to reheat thoroughly.
Freezing
If you want to prepare ahead, you can freeze the knots before baking. Arrange the knotted dough on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready, bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
For best results when reheating, warm garlic knots in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 to 7 minutes. This will revive their crisp exterior and keep the inside soft. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the dough rubbery instead of tender and pillowy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen pizza dough to make the Garlic Knots Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen pizza dough works great. Just thaw it according to package instructions before proceeding with shaping and baking your knots.
How do I prevent the garlic from burning in the butter?
Minced garlic is added to melted butter off the heat or with gentle warming to avoid burning. If you prefer, you can sauté the garlic lightly on low heat until fragrant before mixing it with butter.
Can I make these knots gluten-free?
Yes, by substituting regular pizza dough with a gluten-free dough recipe or store-bought gluten-free dough, you can enjoy garlic knots that fit your dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.
Is it okay to add herbs other than parsley?
Definitely! Fresh oregano, basil, or thyme make excellent alternatives or additions to parsley, giving your garlic knots a unique twist.
Can I add cheese inside the knots before baking?
Yes! Wrapping small pieces of mozzarella or provolone inside the dough before tying the knots results in deliciously gooey, cheesy centers that take your Garlic Knots Recipe to the next level.
Final Thoughts
Making this Garlic Knots Recipe at home is one of those simple pleasures that brings a little joy to any day. Fluffy dough, rich garlic butter, and that lovely golden crust come together quickly and easily, inviting you to savor every bite. I promise once you try these, they’ll become a household favorite just as they did for me—perfect for sharing, comforting, and celebrating good food with good people.
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Garlic Knots Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Total Time: 27-30 minutes
- Yield: 12 garlic knots
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These homemade Garlic Knots are soft, golden-brown twists of pizza dough brushed with a flavorful mixture of garlic, melted butter, parsley, and optional Parmesan cheese, perfect as a snack or a side dish. They bake quickly in the oven to produce warm, aromatic knots that pair wonderfully with marinara or extra garlic butter for dipping.
Ingredients
Dough
- 1 lb pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
Garlic Butter Topping
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried parsley)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Optional: 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Shape Dough: Divide the pizza dough into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope approximately 6-8 inches long, then tie each rope into a loose knot. Arrange the knots evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the Knots: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the knots for 12-15 minutes, until they turn golden brown and are cooked through.
- Prepare Garlic Butter: While the knots bake, melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat or microwave until melted. Stir in the minced garlic, chopped parsley, and salt. If using Parmesan cheese, add it to the mixture now and stir well to combine.
- Brush with Garlic Butter: As soon as the garlic knots come out of the oven and are still warm, brush them generously with the prepared garlic butter mixture, ensuring they are well coated.
- Serve: Serve the garlic knots warm with extra garlic butter for dipping or alongside marinara sauce for a delicious snack or side dish.
Notes
- You can use store-bought or homemade pizza dough based on your preference.
- For a stronger garlic flavor, increase the minced garlic to 4 cloves.
- Sprinkling Parmesan cheese on top before baking can add extra flavor and a crispy texture.
- If you prefer, substitute dried parsley with fresh parsley for more vibrant taste.
- These knots are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven.
- Serve with marinara sauce or ranch dressing as alternative dipping options.
