Garlic Knots Recipe
If there’s one crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s guaranteed to disappear the moment it hits the table, it’s Garlic Knots. These soft, pillowy bites are a glorious marriage of buttery dough, fragrant garlic, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs. Whether you’re serving them alongside a bubbling lasagna or just munching straight from the tray, Garlic Knots deliver irresistible flavor in every twist and turn. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, you’ll be amazed how quickly these golden knots come together—and how quickly they vanish!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Garlic Knots lies in their simplicity. Each ingredient plays a starring role, from the chewy dough to the garlicky butter and fresh herbs. Here’s what you’ll need to create a batch of these irresistible knots:
- Pizza dough: The base of every great Garlic Knot. Store-bought or homemade, just make sure it’s fresh and at room temperature for easy shaping.
- Unsalted butter: Melted butter adds rich flavor and gives the knots their signature golden shine.
- Fresh garlic: Minced garlic infuses each knot with bold, savory aroma—don’t skimp here!
- Fresh parsley: Chopped parsley adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness that balances the richness.
- Salt: A little salt brings out all the delicious flavors hiding in the dough and butter.
- Black pepper: Just a touch for gentle warmth and depth.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional): For those who love a cheesy finish, Parmesan melts beautifully over the warm knots.
How to Make Garlic Knots
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s nice and hot when your Garlic Knots are ready to bake. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper—this keeps the knots from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Shape the Knots
Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the pizza dough to about 1/2 inch thick. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice the dough into 12 even strips. Take each strip and gently tie it into a loose knot, tucking the ends underneath for a tidy look. Arrange the knots on your prepared baking sheet, leaving a bit of space between each one so they can puff up while baking.
Step 3: Mix the Garlic Butter
In a small bowl, stir together the melted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper. This aromatic mixture is the secret weapon that transforms simple dough into unforgettable Garlic Knots. The moment the garlic hits the warm butter, you’ll know you’re in for something special!
Step 4: Brush and Bake
Generously brush about half of the garlic butter mixture over each knot, making sure to get into all the little crevices. Slide the tray into the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the knots are puffed and golden brown. The kitchen will smell absolutely incredible.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
While the knots are still warm, brush them with the remaining garlic butter for even more flavor. If you like, sprinkle a shower of grated Parmesan over the top for a melty, cheesy finish. Serve your Garlic Knots immediately—ideally while they’re still steaming and soft.
How to Serve Garlic Knots
Garnishes
A little extra flourish goes a long way. Try a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for vibrant color, or a dusting of Parmesan cheese for a salty, savory kick. If you like a touch of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes is fantastic too!
Side Dishes
Garlic Knots are the perfect sidekick for classic Italian dishes. Serve them with a bowl of warm marinara sauce for dipping, alongside a hearty lasagna, or next to a fresh Caesar salad. They’re also a hit with soups like tomato basil or creamy minestrone.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try piling your Garlic Knots in a bread basket lined with a checkered napkin for a pizzeria vibe. Or, if you’re hosting, skewer them onto wooden sticks for a playful appetizer platter. Mini Garlic Knots can even be tucked into lunchboxes for a delicious surprise!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow end up with extra Garlic Knots, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They’ll lose a bit of their just-baked softness but are still incredibly tasty.
Freezing
To freeze, arrange cooled Garlic Knots in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a zip-top bag. Freeze for up to two months. When you’re craving a fresh batch, simply reheat from frozen—no need to thaw!
Reheating
To bring back that bakery-fresh taste, reheat Garlic Knots in a preheated 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes. You can also microwave them for a few seconds, but the oven keeps them soft inside and slightly crisp on the outside.
FAQs
Can I use homemade pizza dough instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! Homemade pizza dough gives Garlic Knots an even fresher, chewier texture. Just make sure to let the dough rest and come to room temperature for easy handling.
What’s the best way to keep Garlic Knots soft?
Brush them with extra butter as soon as they come out of the oven and cover loosely with foil if you’re not serving right away. This locks in moisture and keeps them pillowy soft.
Can I make Garlic Knots ahead of time?
Yes! You can shape the knots and refrigerate them (covered) for a few hours before baking. When you’re ready, simply brush with garlic butter and bake as directed.
Are Garlic Knots vegetarian?
They sure are! As long as you use vegetarian Parmesan or skip the cheese, these knots are a wonderful vegetarian option.
What dips go well with Garlic Knots?
Marinara is a classic, but you can also dip Garlic Knots in ranch, pesto, or even a cheesy Alfredo sauce for extra indulgence.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like pulling apart a warm, freshly baked batch of Garlic Knots and sharing them with family or friends. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, these knots are easy, impressive, and utterly delicious. Give them a try—the hardest part is not eating them all yourself!
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Garlic Knots Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 garlic knots 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Garlic Knots are soft, flavorful bread twists made from pizza dough, infused with a rich garlic butter sauce and sprinkled with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese. Perfect as an appetizer or side dish, these golden-brown knots are quick to prepare and bake, offering a delicious Italian-American treat that pairs wonderfully with pasta, soups, or salads.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
For the Garlic Butter Sauce
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Optional Toppings
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Shape the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough evenly into a rectangle approximately 1/2 inch thick. Cut the dough into 12 equal strips, then tie each strip into a loose knot, tucking the ends underneath if necessary, and place them spaced apart on the prepared baking sheet.
- Make and Apply Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper. Brush half of this flavorful garlic butter mixture evenly over the knots to infuse them with aroma and taste before baking.
- Bake the Knots: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the knots turn golden brown and cooked through, developing a slightly crispy exterior and tender interior.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the knots from the oven and while still warm, brush them with the remaining garlic butter to give them an extra burst of flavor and moisture. Optionally, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Best enjoyed fresh out of the oven but can be reheated at 300°F for a few minutes to regain warmth and softness.
- For a spicy variation, add crushed red pepper flakes to the melted butter mixture.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days and reheat before serving.
- Substitute fresh parsley with dried parsley if unavailable, adjusting quantity to 1 teaspoon.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 knot
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
