If you have a love for buttery, garlicky bread that’s both irresistibly soft and delightfully flavorful, this Garlic Knots Recipe will become your new favorite go-to snack or side dish. These little knots of joy are made from simple pizza dough that’s tied into cute knots, baked until golden, and then drenched in a heavenly garlic butter sauce. Once you bite into one, you’ll understand why these garlic knots steal the spotlight at any meal and make perfect finger food for sharing with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to make garlic knots is wonderfully straightforward, as the ingredients are humble but crucial for capturing that perfect blend of garlic, butter, and fresh herbs. Each element plays a key role, from the soft, airy dough to the fragrant garlic that infuses every bite.
- 1 pound pizza dough: This forms the base, delivering a tender and chewy texture that’s easy to shape into knots.
- 3 tablespoons butter (melted): Adds richness and helps the knots get that beautiful golden crust and flavor boost.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): The star aromatics of this Garlic Knots Recipe, providing that deliciously pungent punch.
- 2 tablespoons parsley (chopped): Offers a fresh, herby brightness that balances all the savory goodness.
- 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese (optional): Grants a salty, nutty finish that’s perfect for sprinkling on top.
- 1 teaspoon salt (sea salt or flaky preferred): Enhances all the flavors and adds the right amount of seasoning.
How to Make Garlic Knots Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by rolling out your pizza dough on a lightly floured surface until it’s about half an inch thick. This thickness ensures the knots are fluffy on the inside but still hold their shape when tied and baked.
Step 2: Cut and Tie
Slice the dough into 1-inch-wide strips with a sharp knife or pizza cutter. Then gently tie each strip into a small knot, tucking the ends underneath to keep that neat shape during baking.
Step 3: Let the Knots Rise
Place the knots on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about two inches apart so they don’t stick together as they rise. Cover with a kitchen towel and allow them to rise for 30 to 45 minutes until noticeably puffed up and airy.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the garlic knots for 12 to 15 minutes until they turn a lovely golden brown with crispy edges, sealing in their soft, buttery center.
Step 5: Make the Garlic Butter
While the knots are baking, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté it for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant but not browned, then stir in the chopped parsley to infuse the butter with vibrant color and taste.
Step 6: Brush and Finish
Once the knots are out of the oven, brush them generously with the warm garlic butter. For an extra touch, sprinkle Parmesan cheese and a pinch of salt on top while still warm, making the flavor just irresistible.
How to Serve Garlic Knots Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a dusting of Parmesan right before serving brings brightness and texture to the garlic knots. You can also try a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for a touch of richness.
Side Dishes
These garlic knots are the perfect companion to pasta dishes, hearty soups, and fresh green salads. They also pair wonderfully with marinara or creamy dipping sauces to amp up the flavor and create a truly comforting meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your garlic knots in a rustic basket lined with a colorful napkin for casual gatherings or serve them stacked on a wooden board with bowls of dipping sauces on the side. You can even turn them into mini sandwiches by slicing horizontally and filling with mozzarella and basil for a fun twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover garlic knots in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them soft and prevents drying out, so you can enjoy their fresh taste the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked knots by placing them on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag. When ready, thaw them overnight in the fridge before baking as usual to enjoy fresh, warm garlic knots anytime.
Reheating
To bring leftover or thawed garlic knots back to life, pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 to 7 minutes. This makes the crust crispy again while warming the soft center perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pizza dough for this Garlic Knots Recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought pizza dough works wonderfully and saves time without sacrificing flavor or texture, making this recipe even more accessible.
Is Parmesan cheese necessary in this recipe?
Parmesan is optional but highly recommended. It adds a savory depth and a slight crunch that complements the garlic and butter perfectly.
Can I make these knots vegan-friendly?
Yes, simply swap the butter for a plant-based alternative and skip the Parmesan cheese, or use a vegan cheese substitute to keep these garlic knots deliciously dairy-free.
What’s the best way to reheat garlic knots without drying them out?
Reheating in the oven rather than the microwave is best to retain crispiness on the outside while keeping them soft inside. Cover loosely with foil if you want to prevent too much browning.
Can I add other herbs or spices to the garlic butter?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment with oregano, basil, or red pepper flakes to give the garlic knots your own personal twist and boost the flavor profile.
Final Thoughts
Giving this Garlic Knots Recipe a try is like inviting a little comfort and warmth into your kitchen. Whether as a snack, side, or party appetizer, these garlic knots deliver pure satisfaction with minimal effort. So roll up your sleeves, get knotting, and enjoy every buttery, garlicky bite with friends and family!
Print
Garlic Knots Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45-60 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
These Garlic Knots are soft, buttery, and bursting with garlicky flavor, perfect as a delicious appetizer or side. Made from simple pizza dough tied into knots, baked until golden brown, and brushed with a savory garlic-parsley butter, they are irresistible and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Dough
- 1 pound pizza dough
Garlic Butter Topping
- 3 tablespoons butter (melted)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons parsley (chopped)
- 1 teaspoon salt (sea salt or flaky preferred)
- 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: On a floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a rectangle about ½-inch thick to create an even base for shaping.
- Slice strips: Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the dough into 1-inch wide strips ensuring uniform size for even baking.
- Tie the knots: Gently tie each strip into a knot, tucking the ends underneath to create the classic garlic knot shape.
- Arrange on baking sheet: Place the knots on a parchment-lined baking sheet spaced 2 inches apart to allow room for rising and expansion.
- Let rise: Cover the knots with a kitchen towel and let them rise for 30 to 45 minutes until slightly puffy.
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking.
- Bake: Bake the knots in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes or until they turn golden brown on top.
- Prepare garlic butter: While the knots bake, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in chopped parsley.
- Brush garlic butter: Remove the baked knots from the oven and immediately brush them generously with the garlic-parsley butter mixture.
- Add finishing touches: Optionally sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and a pinch of sea salt. Serve the garlic knots warm for best flavor.
Notes
- Allowing the dough to rise after shaping is key for soft and fluffy knots.
- For extra garlic flavor, you can add a bit of garlic powder to the dough before rolling.
- These knots pair wonderfully with marinara sauce or as a side to pasta dishes.
- Parmesan cheese is optional but adds a lovely savory note and slight crispness.
- Use fresh parsley for bright color and flavor; dried can be substituted if needed.
