Garlic Knots Recipe
If you love the irresistible aroma of freshly baked bread infused with savory garlic, then this Garlic Knots Recipe is about to become your new obsession! These soft, golden knots made from simple pizza dough are elevated by a buttery, garlicky glaze brightened with fresh parsley and a touch of heat from red pepper flakes if you like. Perfectly pillowy on the inside with a slight crispness on the outside, these garlic knots are a perfect appetizer or side that turns any meal into a cozy, flavorful experience. Let me walk you through everything you need to make these delightful bites yourself.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the simplicity fool you — each ingredient plays an essential role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color in this Garlic Knots Recipe. From the tender pizza dough forming the base to the bright fresh parsley that adds a pop of color, every element counts.
- 1 pound pizza dough (homemade or store-bought): The soft and elastic foundation that forms your garlic knots.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds a fruity richness and helps carry the garlic flavor.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter: Creates that luscious, melt-in-your-mouth coating on the knots.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Pour on the garlic love with fragrant, fresh minced garlic.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): A subtle kick that gives a warming spice without overpowering.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: Brightens the dish with fresh, grassy notes and vibrant green color.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing richness and spice.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional): Adds a salty, nutty finish for that extra punch of flavor.
How to Make Garlic Knots Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Shape the Dough
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Lightly flour your work surface and divide the pizza dough into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope about 6 inches in length, then tie them into loose knots, tucking the ends underneath so they hold their shape beautifully in the oven. Place each knot on the baking sheet, cover loosely with a towel, and let them rest for 10–15 minutes. This resting time allows the dough to relax and rise slightly, giving you those soft, pillowy knots everyone will adore.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Mixture
While the dough rests, it’s time to prepare the flavor powerhouse. Melt the unsalted butter in a small saucepan over low heat so it doesn’t brown. Stir in the olive oil, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Cook this gently for 1–2 minutes until the garlic releases its signature aroma but hasn’t turned brown — that bit of sweetness combined with savory garlic is what makes these knots unforgettable. Take the pan off the heat and mix in the salt and fresh parsley to keep all those flavors bright and fresh.
Step 3: Bake the Knots
Slide your tray of dough knots into the preheated oven and bake for 15–18 minutes or until the knots have puffed up and turned a gorgeous golden brown. As soon as they come out, brush them generously with the garlic butter mixture you prepared earlier so every bite bursts with buttery garlic goodness. If you want to go the extra mile, sprinkle each knot with grated Parmesan cheese to add that perfect finishing touch of umami and slight saltiness. Serve immediately to enjoy them at their warm, fresh-from-the-oven best!
How to Serve Garlic Knots Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can elevate your garlic knots from delicious to dazzling. A fresh sprinkle of chopped parsley not only enhances the visual appeal but also refreshes the palate. For a bit more indulgence, a dusting of grated Parmesan adds a salty, nutty dimension that pairs wonderfully with the garlic butter coating. These finishing touches personalize your knots and make them feel extra special.
Side Dishes
Garlic knots are incredibly versatile when it comes to pairing. They shine alongside classic Italian dishes like spaghetti marinara, creamy fettuccine Alfredo, or a robust lasagna. They also work beautifully as an accompaniment to soups and salads, such as a crisp Caesar or a hearty minestrone. No matter what you choose to serve alongside, these knots promise to soak up sauces and flavors, making every meal more satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re planning a party or want to impress guests, try serving your garlic knots on a rustic wooden board accompanied by small bowls of dipping sauces like marinara, pesto, or even a spicy aioli. You can also stack them in a bread basket lined with a colorful napkin to create a cozy, inviting centerpiece that encourages sharing. Another fun idea is to thread the knots onto skewers for a playful and easy-to-handle presentation that’s perfect finger food.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself lucky enough to have leftovers, store the garlic knots in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them soft but prevents them from drying out. Avoid refrigerating unless you plan to reheat them immediately, as cold can toughen the dough texture.
Freezing
Garlic knots freeze beautifully if you want to prep ahead. Place the shaped, unbaked knots on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once firm, transfer them to a freezer bag or container. When you’re ready, bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. This way, you always have a batch of warm, garlicky treats ready in minutes.
Reheating
To revive leftover or frozen garlic knots, pop them in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–7 minutes. This approach refreshes their crispy exterior while warming the inside perfectly. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make the dough chewy and less appetizing.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pizza dough for this Garlic Knots Recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought pizza dough works wonderfully and keeps the recipe quick and easy. Just make sure the dough is fresh and pliable for best results when shaping the knots.
What if I don’t have fresh parsley? Can I use dried?
You can substitute dried parsley, but use it sparingly since the flavor is more concentrated. Generally, about a teaspoon of dried parsley will do. Fresh parsley, however, adds a brightness that complements the rich garlic butter beautifully.
Are these garlic knots vegetarian-friendly?
Yes, this Garlic Knots Recipe is completely vegetarian as it contains no meat or meat-based ingredients. Just double-check your pizza dough to ensure no animal fats are used if you are strictly vegetarian.
Can I make these garlic knots vegan?
To make them vegan, simply substitute the butter with a plant-based vegan butter or olive oil and skip the Parmesan cheese or use a vegan cheese alternative. The garlic and olive oil mixture still imparts incredible flavor.
How spicy are the garlic knots if I use red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add a gentle warmth that enhances the garlic flavor without overwhelming your palate. You can adjust the amount or omit them completely based on your spice preference.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Knots Recipe is a delightful, crowd-pleasing dish that’s remarkably simple yet packed with comforting flavors you’ll crave again and again. Whether you whip them up for a family dinner, a casual get-together, or a solo snack, these golden, garlicky bites never fail to brighten the table and warm hearts. Grab your dough, fire up that oven, and treat yourself—you deserve it!
Print
Garlic Knots Recipe
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 12 garlic knots 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Garlic Knots recipe features soft, golden knots made from pizza dough, brushed with a fragrant garlic butter infused with olive oil, fresh parsley, and a hint of red pepper flakes. These easy-to-make Italian-American appetizers are perfect as a side dish or snack, finished with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
Ingredients
Dough
- 1 pound pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
Garlic Butter Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Topping
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dough: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. On a lightly floured surface, divide the pizza dough into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a 6-inch rope, then tie into a knot and tuck the ends underneath.
- Rest the Knots: Place the knots on the prepared baking sheet, cover loosely with a towel, and let rest for 10–15 minutes to allow them to relax and puff slightly.
- Make Garlic Butter Sauce: While the knots rest, melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Add the olive oil, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook for 1–2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant but not browned. Remove from heat and stir in salt and chopped parsley.
- Bake the Knots: Bake the knots in the preheated oven for 15–18 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Brush with Garlic Butter and Serve: Immediately after baking, brush the warm knots generously with the garlic butter mixture. If desired, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese. Serve warm.
Notes
- These knots are best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated in the oven at 350°F for 5–7 minutes.
- For extra flavor, double the garlic butter and serve it as a dipping sauce on the side.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
