If you’re craving a warm, flavorful treat that’s both satisfying and surprisingly simple to make, this Easy Homemade Garlic Knots Recipe is here to become your new go-to snack or side. These golden, buttery knots come together with minimal ingredients, packed with fragrant garlic, fresh parsley, and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese that will make any meal feel like a special occasion. Whether you’re serving them alongside a pasta dish or just snacking with marinara sauce, garlic knots have a way of bringing joy to the table with their perfect balance of soft, pillowy dough and irresistible garlicky goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is half the fun and ensures your garlic knots turn out just right. Each element plays a vital role: the dough creates that soft, chewy base; butter enriches with luscious flavor; garlic provides that classic aromatic punch; and parmesan adds a savory finish. Fresh parsley not only brightens the flavor but also lends a lovely pop of color.
- 1 pound pizza dough: The foundation for the knots, soft and stretchy for perfect shaping.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds rich, creamy flavor and helps the garlic stick beautifully.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic is essential for that bold, savory punch everyone loves.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped: Brightens the dish with fresh herbaceous notes.
- 3 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese: A salty, nutty topping that elevates the flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances and enhances all the other flavors in the butter mixture.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional): Can be mixed in to add a smooth richness or brushed on before baking.
How to Make Easy Homemade Garlic Knots Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by letting your pizza dough come to room temperature for about 30 minutes if it was refrigerated. This step is crucial because it makes the dough easier to stretch and knot, ensuring a tender texture.
Step 2: Shape the Knots
Lightly flour your workspace and divide the dough into golf ball-sized pieces. Roll each piece into a rope about 6 to 8 inches long, then tie these ropes into small knots, tucking the ends underneath to give them a neat, uniform look that will bake beautifully.
Step 3: Let the Knots Rise
Place your knots on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them out gently so they have room to puff up. Cover them with a clean towel and let them rise for another 20 to 30 minutes. This extra rise creates those light and airy interiors everyone adores.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the garlic knots for 12 to 15 minutes until they’re a gorgeous golden brown, signaling that their crust is slightly crisp while the inside stays soft and fluffy.
Step 5: Make the Garlic Butter
While the knots bake, melt the butter in a small pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for just about a minute until fragrant—this step infuses the butter with that intense garlic aroma without burning it. Remove from heat, then stir in the chopped parsley and salt to finish the flavorful topping.
Step 6: Brush and Garnish
As soon as the garlic knots come out of the oven, generously brush them with the garlic butter mixture so every bite is soaked with that perfect flavor. Immediately sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese on top, allowing it to melt slightly and add a wonderful savory touch.
How to Serve Easy Homemade Garlic Knots Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra pop, sprinkle additional chopped fresh parsley or a pinch of red pepper flakes over the knots just before serving. These simple garnishes add color and a subtle kick that makes the dish even more exciting.
Side Dishes
These garlic knots pair beautifully with classic Italian dishes like spaghetti marinara, creamy alfredo pasta, or even alongside a fresh, crisp salad. They also work as a fantastic appetizer when served with marinara or a rich, cheesy dip.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging the garlic knots in a circular pattern on a platter with small bowls of different dipping sauces in the center. Options like spicy marinara, garlic aioli, or even a tangy pesto offer something for every palate, making presentation fun and interactive.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover garlic knots, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them soft but be sure to consume them quickly before they start to dry out.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the knots in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a sealed freezer bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to two months, letting you enjoy your Easy Homemade Garlic Knots Recipe whenever the craving strikes.
Reheating
Reheat frozen or refrigerated knots in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 8 to 10 minutes. This helps restore their crisp edges and soft interior far better than microwaving, which can make them chewy.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pizza dough for this recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought pizza dough works perfectly and saves time, making this Easy Homemade Garlic Knots Recipe even more convenient without sacrificing taste.
What if I don’t have fresh parsley on hand?
You can substitute dried parsley, but use it sparingly as it has a much stronger flavor. Alternatively, fresh basil or chives make tasty herb substitutions that complement the garlic well.
Can these garlic knots be made vegan?
Yes! Replace butter with vegan margarine or olive oil, and omit the parmesan or use a vegan cheese alternative for a delicious plant-based version.
Is it possible to make the dough from scratch?
Definitely. Homemade pizza dough adds a special touch of freshness and flavor, and it’s quite simple to prepare if you want to take your Easy Homemade Garlic Knots Recipe to the next level.
How do I get the knots perfectly soft inside and slightly crispy outside?
The keys are letting the dough rise twice and baking at the right temperature (400°F). Brushing with garlic butter right out of the oven also locks in moisture so the knots remain soft inside.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly comforting about making these garlic knots from scratch—they fill your kitchen with an incredible aroma and bring people together around a warm plate of homemade goodness. This Easy Homemade Garlic Knots Recipe is approachable, rewarding, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser every time. Give it a try, and watch these little golden knots become your new favorite indulgence!
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Easy Homemade Garlic Knots Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
These Easy Homemade Garlic Knots are soft, buttery, and bursting with garlic flavor, perfect as a delicious appetizer or side dish. Made from simple pizza dough and coated with a fragrant garlic butter and parmesan blend, they make a perfect treat for garlic lovers and a great accompaniment to pasta or salads.
Ingredients
Garlic Knots
- 1 pound pizza dough
Garlic Butter Topping
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Dough: Let the pizza dough come to room temperature for 30 minutes if refrigerated to make it easier to work with.
- Divide Dough: Lightly flour a clean surface and divide the dough into golf ball-sized portions for individual knots.
- Shape Knots: Roll each piece into a 6–8 inch rope and tie into a knot, tucking the ends neatly underneath.
- Arrange for Rising: Place the knots onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart to allow for rising.
- Second Rise: Cover the knots with a clean towel and let them rise again for 20–30 minutes to achieve a nice, fluffy texture.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) in preparation for baking.
- Bake Knots: Bake the knots for 12–15 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and deliciously crusty.
- Make Garlic Butter: While knots bake, melt the unsalted butter in a pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, careful not to burn the garlic.
- Finish Garlic Butter: Remove the pan from heat, then stir in the finely chopped parsley and salt to enhance the flavor.
- Brush Garlic Butter: Generously brush the hot garlic butter over the freshly baked garlic knots for a rich, savory coating.
- Add Parmesan: Sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese evenly over the warm knots for a cheesy finish.
- Serve: Serve the garlic knots warm with marinara sauce or your favorite dipping sauce for a perfect appetizer or snack.
Notes
- Letting the dough come to room temperature makes it easier to shape.
- Don’t skip the second rise, as it ensures soft and fluffy knots.
- Watch garlic carefully while melting to avoid burning and bitter taste.
- For extra richness, you can brush knots with olive oil before baking.
- Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
