If you’ve ever found yourself craving a warm, buttery, garlicky treat that feels like a comforting hug from the oven, then you are in for a real treat with this Garlic Knots Recipe. These golden, soft knots of pizza dough infused with garlic butter and fresh parsley bring together the best of simple ingredients and straightforward technique to create a snack or side that’s utterly irresistible. Perfect for sharing or savoring by yourself, this recipe invites you to enjoy the magic of garlic knots that are crispy on the outside and tender inside every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this Garlic Knots Recipe is delightfully easy because the ingredients are simple yet pack incredible flavor. Each ingredient plays a key role from creating the perfect dough texture to adding that signature garlicky goodness that will have everyone asking for seconds.
- 1 lb pizza dough: The foundation of your knots, whether homemade or store-bought, for soft and chewy texture.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Essential for brushing, adding richness and buttery flavor.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Provides the punch of fresh garlic that defines these knots.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped: Adds a fresh, herbaceous note and a pop of green color; dried parsley works too.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the flavors perfectly, bringing out the sweetness of garlic and butter.
- Optional: 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: For an extra savory, nutty layer of flavor that pairs beautifully with garlic.
How to Make Garlic Knots Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
The first step to baking perfect garlic knots is to preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature ensures your knots bake evenly to a nice golden brown while keeping the inside soft and pillowy. Make sure to line your baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Shape the Knots
Divide your pizza dough into 12 equal pieces to get uniformly sized knots. Roll each piece into a rope about 6 to 8 inches long, then tie it into a loose knot. These knots are charmingly rustic, so don’t worry about making them perfect—handmade means delicious. Arrange them spaced out on your baking sheet so they have room to puff up.
Step 3: Bake the Knots
Pop your prepared knots into the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. Keep an eye out for that beautiful golden hue forming on the tops. This is your sign that the dough is cooked through but still tender inside, ready to soak up all the garlicky goodness to come.
Step 4: Prepare the Garlic Butter
While the knots are baking, it’s time to make your garlic butter. Melt the butter gently in a saucepan or microwave, then stir in the minced garlic, chopped parsley, and salt. If you’re a fan of Parmesan, adding it now will melt it into the buttery mixture, creating an extra layer of flavor that clings to the knots perfectly.
Step 5: Coat the Knots
Once the knots come out of the oven, brush them immediately with your warm garlic butter mixture. Coating them while they’re hot allows the butter to soak in and infuse every bite with rich, aromatic flavor. This step truly transforms simple dough into something mouthwateringly delicious.
How to Serve Garlic Knots Recipe
Garnishes
Finishing your garlic knots with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or an extra dust of grated Parmesan can elevate both appearance and flavor. Not only do these garnishes add a bright color contrast, but they also layer on fresh herbal and cheesy notes that delight the palate.
Side Dishes
Garlic knots are a versatile side that pairs wonderfully with hearty Italian dishes like spaghetti, meatballs, or lasagna. They also shine alongside fresh salads or soups, adding a comforting, buttery touch to any meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your garlic knots as part of a party platter with marinara sauce, ranch dip, or even a spicy arrabbiata sauce for dipping. You can also turn them into mini sliders by slicing and filling with mozzarella and pepperoni before baking, creating a playful snack everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover garlic knots, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them soft and prevents them from drying out. Using parchment paper between layers helps avoid sticking.
Freezing
To enjoy garlic knots later, you can freeze them before baking. Arrange shaped knots on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer into a freezer bag. When ready to bake, allow them to thaw slightly and bake as usual. You can also freeze baked knots by wrapping them well and reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat garlic knots in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-8 minutes to maintain their crisp exterior and soft interior. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make them chewy or soggy.
FAQs
Can I use homemade pizza dough for this Garlic Knots Recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade pizza dough works wonderfully and allows you to control the ingredients and freshness. Just make sure the dough has had enough time to rise before shaping.
What can I substitute if I don’t have fresh parsley?
Dried parsley is a fine substitute. Use about one-third the amount of fresh parsley called for in the recipe, as dried herbs are more concentrated.
Can I make these knots vegan?
Yes! Simply substitute the butter with a plant-based margarine or olive oil and omit the Parmesan cheese, or use a vegan cheese alternative.
How do I make the knots extra crispy?
Baking a little longer until they are deeply golden, or brushing them with olive oil before baking, can add extra crispiness to the knots.
Is Parmesan cheese necessary in this Garlic Knots Recipe?
Parmesan is optional. It adds a lovely nutty and salty flavor but the knots are delicious even without it thanks to the garlic butter and parsley.
Final Thoughts
There is something so comforting and utterly satisfying about warm garlic knots fresh from the oven. This Garlic Knots Recipe is a wonderful way to bring a little warmth and joy to your kitchen, whether as a snack, side, or party pleaser. I encourage you to try making them at home—you’ll find it’s a simple, rewarding process with a delicious payoff that will have you coming back for more. Happy baking and even happier eating!
Print
Garlic Knots Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 garlic knots
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
These Garlic Knots are soft, buttery, and packed with fragrant garlic and fresh parsley. Easy to make with store-bought or homemade pizza dough, they’re baked to golden perfection and brushed with savory garlic butter. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or side to your favorite Italian dishes.
Ingredients
For the Garlic Knots
- 1 lb pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
For the Garlic Butter
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried parsley)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Optional: 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent the knots from sticking during baking.
- Shape the Knots: Divide the pizza dough into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope about 6-8 inches long, then tie each rope into a loose knot. Place the knots evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the Knots: Bake the knots in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, until they are golden brown on the outside and cooked through inside.
- Prepare the Garlic Butter: While the knots bake, melt the butter in a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl. Stir in the minced garlic, chopped parsley, and salt. If desired, add the grated Parmesan cheese to the mixture for an extra burst of flavor.
- Coat the Knots: When the garlic knots are freshly baked, immediately brush them generously with the garlic butter mixture while they are still warm to absorb the flavors.
- Serve: Serve the garlic knots warm. They are delicious on their own or served with extra garlic butter for dipping, or alongside marinara sauce as a tasty snack or side dish.
Notes
- For best results, allow the dough to come to room temperature before shaping.
- You can substitute dried parsley if fresh is not available, but fresh gives a brighter flavor.
- These knots can be reheated in a warm oven briefly to regain freshness.
- Optional Parmesan cheese adds a nice savory touch but can be omitted for a dairy-free option.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.
