If you have a soft spot for warm, garlicky, buttery bites that keep you coming back for more, this Garlic Knots Recipe is going to become your new obsession. These little knotted treasures are impossibly fluffy inside with a golden, slightly crispy exterior, perfectly coated in a luscious garlic butter glaze that’s bursting with fresh parsley and a hint of spice. Whether you make them for a cozy night in, a crowd-pleasing appetizer, or a snack that pairs beautifully with your favorite pasta, these garlic knots are simple to whip up yet incredibly satisfying. Get ready to make the ultimate comfort food that’s guaranteed to fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma and your heart with joy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Garlic Knots Recipe shines because it uses straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that work together to create a harmonious flavor and texture. Each item is essential for that perfect balance of soft dough, flavorful butter, and a cheesy finish that keeps these knots absolutely addictive.
- 1 pound pizza dough: Whether store-bought or homemade, this is the base that gives the knots their soft and chewy texture.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted): The vehicle for all that garlicky goodness, it makes the knots irresistibly rich and shiny.
- 4 cloves garlic (minced): Fresh garlic infuses pungent, savory depth; essential for that classic garlic knot taste.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: Adds a fresh, herbaceous note and a pop of color for visual appeal.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors and balances the richness.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like a gentle kick to complement the buttery garlic.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: A salty, nutty finish that adds texture and bursts of cheesy flavor.
How to Make Garlic Knots Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures the oven is hot and ready to give your knots that perfect golden crust. Lightly grease or line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent any sticking, then roll out your pizza dough on a floured surface into a neat rectangle about 12 by 8 inches. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice the dough into 12 even strips — this is where the fun begins!
Step 2: Tie and Arrange
Take each strip and loosely tie it into a knot, like a little bow. Don’t worry about perfection; the rustic charm is part of the appeal. Space them a few inches apart on your prepared baking sheet so they have room to puff up and turn beautifully golden while baking.
Step 3: Mix and Brush Garlic Butter
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and red pepper flakes if you want a touch of heat. Brush half of this vibrant garlic butter generously over the knotted dough — this step lays down the first layer of flavor that will soak in during baking.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Pop your pan of garlic knots into the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. Keep an eye out for that gorgeous golden color and puffed-up texture that signals they’re done. The smell alone will start to make you hungry!
Step 5: Final Brush and Cheese Finish
Right after taking the knots out of the oven, brush them immediately with the remaining garlic butter mixture so the garlic flavors stay fresh and vibrant. Then sprinkle each knot with that lovely grated Parmesan, which melts slightly and adds a savory, cheesy note that elevates the whole experience.
How to Serve Garlic Knots Recipe
Garnishes
To make your garlic knots irresistible to both the eyes and palate, sprinkle a little extra chopped parsley or a shave of Parmesan cheese just before serving. A light drizzle of olive oil or even a tiny sprinkle of flaky sea salt can also make these bites feel extra special and upscale.
Side Dishes
Garlic knots are incredibly versatile and pair wonderfully with classic Italian dishes such as spaghetti marinara, creamy Alfredo pasta, or a rich lasagna. They also make a perfect side for soups and salads, especially those with robust flavors that complement garlic. Think hearty tomato soup or a fresh Caesar salad.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your garlic knots in a rustic basket lined with a checked cloth or on a beautiful wooden board with small bowls of marinara, ranch, or even a spicy arrabbiata sauce for dipping. Setting up a garlic knots platter with an array of cheeses and olives turns these simple bites into a party centerpiece that gets everyone chatting and reaching for more.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover garlic knots (which is very likely!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Keep in mind they are best enjoyed fresh but will still be delicious the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze the unbaked garlic knots by preparing them through the tying step, then placing them on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, thaw in the fridge overnight and finish with the garlic butter brush and Parmesan before baking as usual.
Reheating
To bring your garlic knots back to life, warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 to 7 minutes. This helps restore the crispiness on the outside while heating the inside just right. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that lovely texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pizza dough for this Garlic Knots Recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought pizza dough works perfectly for this recipe and saves time without sacrificing taste or texture.
How do I make these garlic knots extra cheesy?
For cheesy garlic knots, stuff each dough strip with a small piece of mozzarella before tying it into a knot, then proceed as usual. The melted cheese inside is pure comfort.
Are garlic knots gluten-free?
Traditional garlic knots use regular pizza dough made with wheat flour, so they are not gluten-free. However, you can experiment with gluten-free pizza dough alternatives available at many stores.
Can I add herbs other than parsley?
Definitely! Fresh basil, oregano, or rosemary can all add interesting flavor dimensions to your garlic knots. Just chop them finely and mix them into the garlic butter.
What should I serve garlic knots with for a party?
For a crowd-pleasing party platter, serve garlic knots alongside an array of dips such as marinara, garlic aioli, or spinach artichoke dip. They also pair great with antipasto platters featuring cheeses, cured meats, and olives.
Final Thoughts
There is something incredibly comforting and joyous about homemade garlic knots, and this Garlic Knots Recipe makes it easy to bring that magic into your kitchen. With just a handful of simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll create warm, buttery, garlicky bites that feel like a big hug with every chew. So go ahead, give it a try, share it with friends or family, and watch how these humble knots become the star of any meal or gathering. Your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Garlic Knots Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 garlic knots
- Category: Appetizer, Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Garlic Knots are a delicious and easy-to-make Italian-American appetizer or side dish. Made with soft pizza dough tied into knots, brushed with a flavorful garlic butter sauce, and topped with Parmesan cheese, these golden-brown bites are perfect for parties or as a comforting snack. They bake quickly in the oven and can be served warm with marinara sauce for dipping.
Ingredients
Dough
- 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
Garlic Butter Sauce
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Topping
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare Oven and Dough: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. On a floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a rectangle about 12 by 8 inches.
- Cut and Knot Dough: Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the dough into 12 even strips. Tie each strip into a loose knot, then place them a few inches apart on the prepared baking sheet to allow room for spreading during baking.
- Make Garlic Butter Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well to blend all the flavors.
- Apply First Coat of Sauce: Brush half of the prepared garlic butter mixture generously over the knots, ensuring each knot is well-coated to infuse flavor during baking.
- Bake the Knots: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the knots are golden brown and puffed up.
- Final Touches: Remove the knots from the oven and immediately brush them with the remaining garlic butter mixture for an extra burst of flavor. Then, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top while the knots are still warm.
- Serve: Serve the garlic knots warm as a delicious appetizer or side dish. They pair beautifully with marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
- You can prep the knots ahead of time and refrigerate them before baking to save time.
- Serve with marinara sauce for a classic dipping experience.
- For extra cheesy garlic knots, stuff each dough strip with mozzarella cheese before tying them into knots.
