Soft, golden, and impossibly fragrant, Garlic Knots are the ultimate comfort food that never fail to bring a smile to any table. These twisted, buttery bites are a pizza-night icon—pillowy dough baked to perfection, then drenched in a rich garlic butter and showered with fresh herbs and cheese. Whether you’re making them for a crowd or sneaking a warm one straight from the pan, Garlic Knots are always the star of the show, delivering a perfect blend of savory flavor and nostalgic joy in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed by how just a handful of humble ingredients come together to create such crave-worthy Garlic Knots! Each component has its own special role in nailing that classic flavor and texture—from the chewy dough to the punchy garlic and finishing touch of fresh herbs.
- Pizza dough (1 pound): The backbone of your knots—store-bought or homemade, just make sure it’s soft and elastic for easy knotting.
- Unsalted butter (1/4 cup, melted): Butter transforms these knots into something rich and irresistible, soaking every bite with flavor.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Fresh garlic is key for that bold, unmistakable aroma and taste—don’t skimp!
- Fresh parsley (1 tablespoon, chopped): Adds a pop of color and a subtle herbal lift to balance all the richness.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Just enough to brighten everything and make the flavors sing.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): For a hint of warmth and depth in the garlic butter.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (2 tablespoons, optional): A final flourish for those who love that salty, cheesy finish.
How to Make Garlic Knots
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F—this ensures your Garlic Knots bake up golden and puffed. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to make cleanup a breeze and prevent sticking, so every knot releases perfectly.
Step 2: Portion and Shape the Dough
Lightly flour your work surface, then divide the pizza dough into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a 6-inch rope, then gently tie it into a knot, tucking the ends underneath. This simple shape is what gives Garlic Knots their signature look and satisfying pull-apart texture.
Step 3: Bake Until Golden
Arrange the knots evenly on your prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space for them to expand. Pop them in the oven and bake for 12–15 minutes, watching for that telltale golden brown color and delicious aroma wafting through your kitchen.
Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter
While the knots are baking, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. This mixture is pure magic, ready to soak into every nook and cranny of your warm knots.
Step 5: Finish with Butter and Cheese
As soon as the Garlic Knots come out of the oven, brush them generously with the garlic butter mixture while they’re still hot. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, sprinkle the tops with grated Parmesan. Serve immediately for maximum flavor and that irresistible pull-apart softness.
How to Serve Garlic Knots
Garnishes
A shower of fresh parsley and a snowy sprinkle of Parmesan cheese make these Garlic Knots look as good as they taste. For a little extra flair, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dusting of Italian seasoning right before serving.
Side Dishes
Garlic Knots are perfect alongside a bubbling dish of baked ziti, a crisp Caesar salad, or a bowl of warm marinara for dipping. They’re also an unbeatable pairing with homemade soups or a simple spaghetti dinner—basically, anywhere you need a little extra comfort!
Creative Ways to Present
Pile your Garlic Knots high in a bread basket lined with a kitchen towel for a rustic, family-style presentation. Or, serve them on a wooden board with tiny bowls of dipping sauces like pesto, spicy arrabbiata, or even a creamy garlic aioli to make them the centerpiece of your appetizer spread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Garlic Knots can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for one day, or in the refrigerator for up to three days. They’re best fresh, but with a quick reheat, they’ll taste almost as good as new.
Freezing
You can freeze Garlic Knots after baking—just let them cool completely, then arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a zip-top bag and freeze for up to one month. When a craving strikes, you’re only minutes away from fresh-baked flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, place Garlic Knots on a baking sheet and warm them in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes, or until heated through. Avoid the microwave if you can—reheating in the oven keeps the outside crisp and the inside perfectly soft.
FAQs
Can I use homemade pizza dough for Garlic Knots?
Absolutely! Homemade pizza dough gives you complete control over flavor and texture, but store-bought works wonderfully if you’re short on time. Just make sure it’s at room temperature so it’s easy to shape.
What’s the best way to get a deep garlic flavor?
Using freshly minced garlic in the butter mixture is key. If you want even more garlic punch, try sautéing the minced garlic in butter for a minute before brushing it on the knots—you’ll get a mellow, rich flavor that’s hard to beat.
Can I make Garlic Knots ahead of time?
Yes! You can shape the knots, cover them with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for a few hours before baking. Just bring them to room temperature before popping them in the oven for best results.
Are there any gluten-free options for this recipe?
You can absolutely use your favorite gluten-free pizza dough to make Garlic Knots. The shaping and baking process stays the same, so everyone can enjoy this classic treat.
What sauces pair well with Garlic Knots?
Classic marinara is always a winner, but don’t stop there—try basil pesto, spicy arrabbiata, or even a creamy ranch dressing for dipping. The knots are the perfect vehicle for all your favorite sauces!
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried making Garlic Knots at home, now’s the perfect time to start. They’re shockingly easy, endlessly comforting, and guaranteed to steal the spotlight at your next meal. Give them a go—you’ll be amazed at how quickly they disappear!
Print
Garlic Knots Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 garlic knots 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and easy-to-make Garlic Knots featuring soft pizza dough tied into perfect knots, baked until golden, and brushed with a fragrant garlic butter mixture. These Italian-American appetizers are perfect for serving warm alongside your favorite dishes or enjoying as a savory snack.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
Garlic Butter Topping
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
- Prepare the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, divide the pizza dough into 12 equal portions. Roll each piece into a 6-inch long rope, then tie each rope into a knot, tucking the ends underneath to secure the shape. Place each knot on the prepared baking sheet, spaced evenly.
- Bake the Knots: Bake the knots in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes or until they turn golden brown and puff up nicely.
- Make Garlic Butter: While the knots bake, mix the melted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl until well combined.
- Brush and Serve: Once the knots come out of the oven, immediately brush them generously with the garlic butter mixture. Sprinkle the tops with grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Serve garlic knots fresh for the best taste and texture.
- To reheat, place in a 300°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes until warmed through.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or Italian seasoning to the garlic butter mixture.
- Optional Parmesan cheese adds a nice savory finish but can be omitted for dairy-free preferences.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 garlic knot
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
