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.
