Easy and Delicious Garlic Knots Recipe

These Garlic Knots are the perfect combination of golden, buttery goodness and aromatic garlic flavors, all wrapped up in a soft, chewy knot. Whether you’re making them for a cozy family dinner, a game night, or as a snack, they’re quick and easy to whip up, and they always disappear fast! With just a handful of ingredients, these little knots are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and they’ll elevate any meal with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Simple: Ready in about 30 minutes, these garlic knots are the perfect recipe for busy weeknights or whenever you’re craving something irresistible.
• Deliciously Flavorful: Buttery, garlicky, and slightly crispy on the outside, these knots are packed with so much flavor that they’re practically begging to be dipped in marinara sauce.
• Versatile: They make a fantastic side dish, appetizer, or even a snack on their own. Plus, you can customize them with different seasonings to suit your taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making these Garlic Knots is so easy, and you likely already have most of these ingredients in your pantry!

• Pizza Dough: The base for these knots. You can use store-bought pizza dough for convenience, or make your own if you’re up for it. Either way, the dough will puff up beautifully and create those irresistible soft, fluffy knots.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic is a must! Mince it finely to release that robust garlic flavor that’ll infuse the butter, and in turn, the knots.
• Butter: The key to giving your garlic knots that golden, crispy exterior and rich, indulgent flavor. Melted butter is tossed with the garlic to coat the knots perfectly.
• Olive Oil: A little drizzle of olive oil helps to keep the knots tender and adds a lovely hint of flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan is sprinkled on top after baking to give the knots a cheesy, salty finish.
• Herbs: Fresh or dried parsley adds a pop of color and fresh taste that complements the garlic. You can also experiment with other herbs like oregano or basil for an extra layer of flavor.
• Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the garlic and buttery flavors. Make sure to adjust based on your taste preferences.

Variations

Want to mix things up? Here are some easy variations to try:

Herbed Garlic Knots: Add dried herbs like oregano, thyme, or basil directly into the dough or the butter mixture for an herbaceous kick.

Cheesy Garlic Knots: For extra cheesy goodness, sprinkle shredded mozzarella or a bit of cheddar cheese in the middle of each knot before baking.

Spicy Garlic Knots: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a small diced jalapeño into the garlic butter mixture for a spicy twist.

Garlic Butter Rolls: If you prefer a different shape, roll the dough into individual round balls, coat them with the garlic butter, and bake them as rolls!

How to Make Garlic Knots

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). If you’re using store-bought dough, let it rest at room temperature for about 10 minutes to make it easier to handle. Roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle or square, and then cut the dough into strips.

Step 2: Form the Knots

Take each strip of dough and tie it into a knot, tucking the ends underneath to create a nice, secure shape. Place the knots on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space between each one.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter

In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter with olive oil. Add the minced garlic and cook it on low heat for 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant, but not burned. Stir in some chopped parsley and a pinch of salt.

Step 4: Coat the Knots

Brush the garlic butter mixture generously over the tops of the knots, making sure every knot gets a good coat of that flavorful butter.

Step 5: Bake the Knots

Pop the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until the knots are golden brown. If you want them extra crispy, bake for an additional couple of minutes.

Step 6: Add Parmesan and Serve

As soon as the knots come out of the oven, sprinkle freshly grated parmesan cheese over the top. Let the knots cool for just a minute, and they’re ready to serve!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Overwork the Dough: If you’re using homemade dough, avoid over-kneading it. This will keep the knots soft and fluffy instead of dense.
• Fresh Garlic: For the best flavor, always use fresh garlic. It has a more intense and vibrant taste compared to garlic powder.
• Brush Twice: For extra buttery goodness, brush the knots with more garlic butter after they’ve baked, just before serving.
• Use a Pizza Stone: If you have one, using a pizza stone can help achieve a crispier bottom on your garlic knots.

How to Serve

These Garlic Knots are perfect as a side dish to almost any meal. Here are a few ideas for pairing:

With Pasta:

Serve them alongside a classic pasta dish like spaghetti with marinara sauce or a creamy Alfredo pasta. The garlic knots will be perfect for dipping in the sauce!

As a Snack:

If you’re hosting a party or need a snack, serve these with a bowl of marinara sauce for dipping. It’s a simple but satisfying treat that everyone will enjoy.

With Soup or Salad:

These knots are also great served with a hearty soup like tomato basil or a fresh green salad. Their soft, chewy texture complements the soup’s richness beautifully.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover garlic knots in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat them by wrapping in foil and warming them in the oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes.

Freezing

You can freeze the garlic knots before baking! After forming them, place the unbaked knots on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to bake, no need to thaw—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

To reheat, simply place the knots in a preheated oven or microwave until warmed through. They’re best enjoyed fresh, but they still taste amazing the next day!

FAQs

1. Can I make garlic knots with store-bought dough?
Yes! Using store-bought dough makes the recipe incredibly quick and easy. You’ll still get delicious, fluffy knots without the extra effort.

2. Can I make garlic knots ahead of time?
You can prep the knots ahead of time and store them in the fridge for a few hours before baking. If freezing, freeze them before baking and bake straight from frozen.

3. How do I keep my garlic knots from getting soggy?
Make sure to brush the knots with the garlic butter mixture just before baking, and not before they go in the oven. This prevents the dough from absorbing too much moisture.

4. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes! If you’re not a fan of parmesan, you can swap it for mozzarella, Asiago, or even a sprinkle of feta for a different flavor profile.

Final Thoughts

These Garlic Knots are the perfect way to add something special to your meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re serving them with pasta, soup, or as a standalone snack, they’re guaranteed to be a hit. Try them out the next time you want a warm, comforting treat that’s both easy and utterly delicious!

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