Garlic Knots

by
Print Recipe

Introduction

Garlic Knots are the ultimate comfort food, turning simple pizza dough into a mouthwatering, savory treat. These golden, soft knots are generously coated with a fragrant garlic butter sauce, finished with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, and baked to perfection for a crispy exterior and a fluffy, pillowy interior. Whether you’re serving them alongside pasta, pizza, or as a standalone snack, Garlic Knots are always a crowd-pleasing addition that no one can resist.

The first time I made these, I was amazed by how easy they were to make and how quickly they disappeared. As the dough transformed into these aromatic, buttery knots, the kitchen filled with the irresistible scent of garlic and herbs. When they came out of the oven, golden and piping hot, I knew they would be a hit—and they certainly didn’t last long.

What I love most about Garlic Knots is their versatility. They’re perfect as a starter, a side dish, or even a snack on their own. Serve them with marinara sauce for dipping, or enjoy them just as they are for a carb-lover’s dream come true. You can also experiment with adding a sprinkle of Parmesan or crushed red pepper for an extra kick. No matter how you serve them, these knots are a guaranteed crowd favorite, perfect for any occasion.

Perfect for:

  • Family dinners
  • Pizza night
  • Party appetizers
  • Side dish for pasta
  • Comfort food lovers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Garlic Knots will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen:

  • Soft and Fluffy Texture: The dough is soft and pillowy, and the knots have the perfect balance of chewiness and fluffiness.
  • Garlic Butter Goodness: A rich garlic butter sauce adds savory depth to each bite, with just the right amount of garlic flavor.
  • Simple Ingredients: Made with simple pantry ingredients, garlic knots are easy to prepare and don’t require any special skills.
  • Customizable Flavors: You can adjust the garlic and herb ratio to suit your taste or even add extra cheese for a cheesy garlic knot version.
  • Perfectly Dippable: Serve with marinara or ranch for dipping and take your garlic knots to the next level.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Preparation Time: 15 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 30 minutes
  • Servings: 12 garlic knots
  • Calories per serving: Approximately 150-200 calories
  • Key Nutrients: Protein: 4g, Carbs: 30g, Fat: 7g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Garlic Knots:

  • 1 lb pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • Marinara sauce for dipping (optional)

Ingredient Highlights

  • Pizza Dough: The base of the knots can be store-bought or homemade, and it provides a soft and chewy texture.
  • Garlic Butter: The garlic butter mixture is the key to infusing the knots with that rich, savory flavor.
  • Oregano and Parsley: These herbs bring freshness and an aromatic touch to the garlic butter.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Adds a cheesy, nutty flavor that enhances the richness of the garlic butter.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Optional for a mild kick of heat that balances out the richness of the butter.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Dough:

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
  2. Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a rectangle, about ½ inch thick.
  3. Cut the Dough: Using a pizza cutter or knife, cut the dough into strips about 1 inch wide and 6 inches long.

Shape the Knots:

  1. Tie the Knots: Take each strip of dough and tie it into a knot by forming a loop, then tucking one end through the loop and pulling it tight. Place the knots on the prepared baking sheet.
  2. Brush with Olive Oil (Optional): Before baking, you can lightly brush the dough with olive oil to help achieve a golden-brown color.

Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce:

  1. Melt the Butter: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.
  2. Add the Garlic and Herbs: Once melted, add the minced garlic, oregano, parsley, salt, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Stir the mixture until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
  3. Optional Parmesan Cheese: If you like, stir in the Parmesan cheese into the garlic butter for an extra burst of flavor.

Bake the Garlic Knots:

  1. Bake the Knots: Place the garlic knots in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and fully cooked through.
  2. Brush with Garlic Butter: As soon as the knots come out of the oven, brush them generously with the garlic butter mixture, making sure to coat each knot evenly.

Serve and Enjoy:

  1. Serve Warm: Serve the garlic knots warm, with marinara sauce or ranch dressing on the side for dipping if desired.

How to Serve

Garlic Knots are the perfect accompaniment to a variety of meals:

  • With Pizza: Serve alongside your favorite pizza for the ultimate Italian meal.
  • With Pasta: Pair with spaghetti, lasagna, or other Italian pasta dishes for a complete meal.
  • As Appetizers: Serve with dipping sauces like marinara, ranch, or garlic butter for a tasty party appetizer.
  • For a Snack: Enjoy them on their own as a snack or light meal.
  • With Soup: Serve as a side to tomato soup or minestrone for a comforting combo.

Additional Tips

  • Make Ahead: You can prepare the knots up to the point of baking, then refrigerate them covered with plastic wrap until ready to bake.
  • Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Make sure the garlic knots are spaced out on the baking sheet for even baking.
  • Adjust Garlic to Taste: Feel free to increase or decrease the amount of garlic based on your preference.
  • Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic gives the best flavor, but you can also use pre-minced garlic in a jar if needed.
  • Add Extra Cheese: For cheesy garlic knots, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the garlic butter before baking.

Recipe Variations

Here are 10 variations you can try for Garlic Knots:

  • Cheesy Garlic Knots: Add shredded mozzarella cheese into the dough or sprinkle it on top of the baked knots for a cheesy twist.
  • Herb-Infused Knots: Experiment with different herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil in the garlic butter sauce.
  • Spicy Garlic Knots: Add extra crushed red pepper flakes or chili powder to the garlic butter for some heat.
  • Cheddar Garlic Knots: Use sharp cheddar cheese instead of Parmesan for a more robust cheese flavor.
  • Garlic Parmesan Knots: After brushing with garlic butter, sprinkle the knots with additional grated Parmesan cheese.
  • Bacon Garlic Knots: Add crispy bacon bits to the dough before baking for a savory, meaty flavor.
  • Buffalo Garlic Knots: Toss the baked knots in buffalo sauce for a spicy, tangy twist.
  • Sun-Dried Tomato Garlic Knots: Mix chopped sun-dried tomatoes into the dough for a tangy, Mediterranean flair.
  • Olive Garlic Knots: Add sliced Kalamata olives to the dough for a briny, savory flavor.
  • Garlic and Onion Knots: Stir in finely chopped onions with the garlic for a more complex flavor profile.

Freezing and Storage

  • Freezing: To freeze garlic knots, bake them fully, then let them cool completely. Place them in a freezer bag or airtight container and store for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.
  • Storage: Store leftover garlic knots in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.

Special Equipment

  • Stand Mixer: A stand mixer with a dough hook helps knead the dough quickly and thoroughly, saving time and effort.
  • Dough Scraper: Useful for dividing the dough into even portions and handling sticky dough without making a mess.
  • Rolling Pin: For evenly rolling out the dough into the desired thickness before cutting it into strips.
  • Baking Sheet: A sturdy baking sheet or sheet pan is necessary for placing the knots on to bake evenly.
  • Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier when baking garlic knots.
  • Pastry Brush: Ideal for brushing the garlic butter mixture onto the knots for an even coating.
  • Pizza Cutter: Helps cut the dough into strips quickly and evenly, making the process faster.
  • Silicone Baking Mat: A reusable, non-stick mat that provides a better alternative to parchment paper, ideal for easy removal of garlic knots.
  • Basting Brush: For drizzling or spreading the garlic butter mixture over the freshly baked knots.
  • Garlic Press: For mincing garlic easily and evenly to incorporate into the butter mixture for that perfect garlic flavor.

FAQ

  1. Can I use store-bought dough?
    Yes, store-bought pizza dough works perfectly for garlic knots and saves time.
  2. How do I make garlic knots without yeast?
    Use baking powder biscuit dough as a quick substitute for yeast-based dough.
  3. Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
    Yes, use 3 times the amount of fresh herbs as dried herbs for the best flavor.
  4. How do I make the garlic butter sauce more flavorful?
    Add a dash of Italian seasoning, lemon zest, or balsamic vinegar to enhance the garlic butter flavor.
  5. Can I make these ahead of time?
    Yes, prepare the knots and freeze them before baking. Bake when ready to serve.

Conclusion

Garlic Knots are a delicious, easy-to-make treat that’s perfect for any occasion. These soft, buttery knots are infused with irresistible garlic flavor and are the perfect complement to pizza, pasta, or even enjoyed on their own with a dipping sauce. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, snack, or side dish, they’re always a hit.

Made with simple ingredients, these garlic knots are quick to prepare and deliver that warm, fresh-out-of-the-oven goodness. With their crispy, golden edges and fluffy center, they’re sure to become a favorite in your home.

I can’t wait to see how you enjoy your Garlic Knots! Snap a photo and tag me on Instagram—I’d love to see your creations. Don’t forget to share your favorite dipping sauces in the comments. Happy baking!

Leave a Comment