If you are craving a cozy Italian-American treat that perfectly combines soft, pillowy bread with the irresistible aroma of fresh garlic, this Garlic Knots Recipe will become your new best friend in the kitchen. These golden, buttery knots are a delightful appetizer or side that bring warmth and flavor to any meal. Whether you pair them with pasta, soup, or enjoy them solo, these baked gems deliver a beautiful balance of texture and taste that’s impossible to resist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Garlic Knots Recipe calls for a handful of simple, everyday ingredients that each play a vital role in crafting the perfect knot. The freshness of garlic and parsley, the rich creaminess of butter, and the subtle nuttiness of Parmesan all come together to make these knots truly shine.
- 1 pound pizza dough: This forms the soft and chewy base of your knots; store-bought works great to save time.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Brings richness and helps infuse the garlic flavor into every nook.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: The star of the recipe, providing that bold and aromatic punch.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley: Adds a fresh, vibrant note and beautiful color contrast.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the richness.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a mild hint of warmth and depth.
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional): Sprinkles of this bring a savory finish that’s simply irresistible.
How to Make Garlic Knots Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. On a lightly floured surface, roll your pizza dough out into a rectangle roughly half an inch thick. This thickness is just right to keep your knots soft on the inside yet slightly golden and crisp on the outside after baking.
Step 2: Shape the Knots
Cut the dough into 12 equal strips, then carefully tie each strip into a loose knot. Don’t worry if they don’t look perfect — their rustic charm is part of the fun! Tuck the ends underneath so the knots hold their shape during baking, and place them spaced out on your prepared baking sheet.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter
Mix melted butter with minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. This mixture is where the magic of flavor happens. Brush half of this luscious garlic butter over the knots before they hit the oven. This step ensures they soak up the garlicky goodness right from the start.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake your garlic knots for 12 to 15 minutes until they puff up and turn a beautiful golden brown. The smell alone will make your kitchen feel like an authentic Italian bakery.
Step 5: Finish With Garlic Butter and Optional Parmesan
As soon as they come out of the oven, brush the remaining garlic butter over the warm knots to lock in moisture and flavor. If you love a cheesy touch, sprinkle grated Parmesan over the top right away so it melts slightly. Serve immediately for the best experience.
How to Serve Garlic Knots Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like a sprinkle of extra fresh parsley or a dash of crushed red pepper flakes can elevate these knots. The parsley boosts the vibrant color and fresh taste, while red pepper flakes add a subtle kick that wakes up your palate.
Side Dishes
Garlic knots are incredibly versatile so they pair beautifully with robust tomato-based dishes. Think spaghetti marinara or a hearty minestrone soup. They also serve as an excellent companion to salads or grilled veggies, adding a comforting bread element to balance lighter sides.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve these knots with your favorite dipping sauces like marinara, ranch, or even a garlic-infused olive oil. Arrange them in a basket lined with a colorful napkin for a cozy dinner party vibe. You can also skew a few on a toothpick for bite-sized party appetisers — guaranteed crowd-pleasers!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from this Garlic Knots Recipe, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This prevents the knots from drying out while keeping them soft and fresh enough to enjoy later.
Freezing
To freeze, place the cooled knots in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer bag or airtight container. They’ll stay good for up to one month. Freezing is a fantastic way to have these treats ready for any garlic bread cravings that strike unexpectedly.
Reheating
Reheat frozen or refrigerated garlic knots in an oven preheated to 300°F for about 5 to 10 minutes. Wrapping them loosely in foil can help maintain moisture. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that lovely crust and fluffy interior texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use homemade pizza dough for this recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade dough works beautifully and lets you control the ingredients and texture, but store-bought dough is a convenient and tasty shortcut.
How can I make these garlic knots vegan?
Simply swap out the butter for a plant-based margarine or olive oil and skip the Parmesan cheese, or use a vegan cheese alternative to keep that cheesy touch.
Can I add cheese inside the garlic knots?
Yes! Placing small cubes of mozzarella or your favorite cheese inside each knot before baking creates a melty, delicious surprise with every bite.
What if I want a spicier garlic knot?
Add crushed red pepper flakes to the garlic butter mixture before brushing it on the knots. This simple addition brings a nice heat level without overpowering the garlic flavor.
Are garlic knots gluten-free?
The classic recipe uses traditional pizza dough, which contains gluten. However, you can experiment with gluten-free pizza dough to make a gluten-free version that tastes just as delightful.
Final Thoughts
Making your own Garlic Knots Recipe is such a satisfying and delicious way to impress family and friends or simply indulge yourself with the comforting flavors of garlic, butter, and fresh herbs. These little morsels are quick to prepare and always bring a touch of homemade warmth to any meal. Give them a try and watch how fast they disappear at your table — you might just end up making them a weekly tradition!
Print
Garlic Knots Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 garlic knots
- Category: Appetizer, Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Garlic Knots are delightful, soft knots made from pizza dough, brushed generously with garlic butter, and baked to golden perfection. They make a perfect appetizer or side dish, combining buttery garlic flavor with a hint of parsley and optional Parmesan cheese for added richness.
Ingredients
Dough
- 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
Garlic Butter
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Topping
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the oven and dough: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a rectangle about 1/2 inch thick.
- Shape the knots: Cut the rolled dough into 12 equal strips. Tie each strip into a loose knot, tucking the ends underneath if needed, and place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
- Make garlic butter and brush first layer: In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper. Brush about half of this garlic butter mixture over the tops of the knots.
- Bake the knots: Bake the knots in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and cooked through.
- Finish with remaining garlic butter and optional cheese: Remove the baked knots from the oven and, while still warm, brush them with the remaining garlic butter mixture. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Serve warm: Serve the garlic knots immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Best served fresh from the oven, but can be reheated at 300°F for a few minutes.
- Add crushed red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for a bit of spicy heat.
- Use fresh parsley for the brightest flavor; dried parsley can be used but will be less vibrant.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat gently to maintain softness.
