Garlic Knots Recipe

Oh, I absolutely love sharing this Garlic Knots Recipe with you because it’s the perfect little homemade treat that feels both indulgent and surprisingly easy. These soft, buttery knots bursting with fresh garlic and a sprinkle of parmesan are something my family goes crazy for, especially when we want a cozy appetizer or a snack that pairs just right with pasta night.

You’ll find that making garlic knots from scratch is way less intimidating than it seems, and the payoff is incredible—warm, golden knots with that irresistible garlic butter flavor melted right in. Whether you’re serving guests or just treating yourself on a quiet night, this Garlic Knots Recipe is a delicious, crowd-pleasing winner.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient here pulls its weight to bring out the classic and comforting flavors of garlic knots. Plus, using store-bought pizza dough saves time without sacrificing that lovely soft texture.

• Pizza dough: I love using store-bought dough—it’s fresh and hassle-free, just be sure to let it come to room temperature before handling.
• Unsalted butter: Melting this to mix with garlic delivers that luscious coating; unsalted gives you control over the saltiness.
• Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic really makes the difference—I prefer grating it so it blends evenly without burning.
• Kosher salt: Just a pinch enhances the butter and garlic flavors without overpowering them.
• Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a lovely pop of color and a hint of freshness.
• Parmesan cheese: This adds that savory, nutty finish on top that your family will love biting into.

Variations

One of the things I love about this Garlic Knots Recipe is that it’s super easy to personalize. Feel free to get creative with herbs or cheese—your kitchen, your rules!

• Herb Mix: I sometimes swap out parsley for fresh basil or oregano for a different twist, which gives it a more Italian vibe.
• Cheese Options: Experimenting with shredded mozzarella or asiago instead of Parmesan is fun and adds a melty, gooey texture.
• Spicy Touch: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter brings a nice subtle kick that wakes up the flavor.
• Vegan Version: Substitute butter with olive oil and skip the cheese to make it dairy-free but still delicious.

How to Make Garlic Knots Recipe

Step 1: Let the Dough Rest and Prep Your Oven

Start by taking your pizza dough out of the fridge and letting it come to room temperature—this usually takes about 30 to 45 minutes. I’ve learned that trying to stretch cold dough only leads to frustration and ripping. Meanwhile, adjust your oven rack to the center and preheat to 400°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper so your knots won’t stick and cleanup is a breeze.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Base

Melt your butter in a small pot over low heat—this gentle warming avoids burning. Once melted, add your minced or grated garlic and kosher salt, then cook just until it starts to froth a bit. This step is key to coaxing out that mellow garlic flavor without bitterness. Remove from heat immediately to prevent burning—the smell alone will make your kitchen feel welcoming!

Step 3: Shape the Knots Like a Pro

On a lightly floured surface, stretch the dough into a roughly 12×10 inch rectangle. I use a pizza wheel to cut it into four squares, then slice each square into four strips about 6 inches long—no need to be super precise, just even enough so the knots bake uniformly. Roll each strip into a rope and tie it into a simple knot, tucking the ends under so they don’t unravel while baking. Place on your parchment-lined sheets roughly one inch apart, which gives each knot room to puff up nicely.

Step 4: Brush and Bake

Brush about a third of your garlic butter onto the knots right before baking. I try to skip the actual garlic pieces because they tend to burn in the oven and get bitter. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until they’re beautifully golden brown, rotating trays halfway to ensure even baking. Keep your eye on them starting around 15 minutes so they don’t overcook—they go from perfect to dry pretty fast!

Step 5: Finish with Garlic Parsley Butter and Parmesan

While the knots bake, stir your chopped parsley into the remaining garlic butter. If the butter has cooled and solidified, just warm it gently again on the stove—it really brings the freshness of parsley to life. Once the knots come out of the oven, toss them right away in this fragrant butter mixture and shower generously with freshly grated Parmesan. This final step is what transforms them from good to absolutely irresistible.

How to Serve Garlic Knots Recipe

Garnishes

I usually finish my garlic knots with a shower of freshly chopped parsley for that bright green pop and then a generous dusting of Parmesan. Sometimes, I like adding a little red pepper flakes on top if we’re feeling spicy, or even a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for a glossy finish. These simple touches always make them feel special.

Side Dishes

These garlic knots shine alongside a hearty bowl of marinara or a creamy tomato basil soup for dipping. They’re also a no-brainer pairing with pasta dishes like spaghetti Bolognese or your favorite lasagna. I’ve even snuck them into dinner parties next to antipasto platters and salads—they fill out the table perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For birthday parties or casual get-togethers, I’ve arranged these knots into a wreath shape on a baking tray, drizzled with garlic butter and sprinkled with herbs—it’s such a fun centerpiece! You can also serve them in individual mini baskets lined with parchment paper for a rustic, cozy vibe. Trust me, presentation makes the snack feel even more inviting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (which I doubt!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. I roll them into foil or beeswax wrap to keep them soft, but if you find they’re losing their fresh-baked charm, reheating helps revive them beautifully.

Freezing

I’ve had success freezing garlic knots after shaping but before baking—just place them on a tray, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. When you want to enjoy, bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes. This is a lifesaver when unexpected guests arrive.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop the knots in a 350°F oven for about 5-7 minutes to bring back that freshly baked texture—microwaving tends to make them soggy, so I avoid that. A quick warm-up in the oven crisps the outside and softens the inside perfectly, just like fresh.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Knots Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s such an easy way to make guests feel cared for with minimal fuss. I love how the aroma fills the house while they bake, promising a warm, buttery, garlicky delight just moments away. Trust me—you’ll want to make these over and over, whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving a cozy snack. Give them a try and watch how quickly they disappear!

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