Most Addictive Garlic Knots

This garlic knots recipe transforms simple pizza dough into irresistible, buttery treats that disappear within minutes at any gathering. The combination of fresh garlic, herbs, and Parmesan creates a flavor bomb that's impossible to resist, making these the perfect accompaniment to any Italian meal or as a standalone snack.

I first made these garlic knots for a casual pizza night with friends, and they completely stole the show. Now my family requests them weekly, often hovering around the oven as they bake, drawn in by the intoxicating aroma of garlic and butter.

Ingredients

• 1 lb pizza dough: The foundation of our garlic knots. Room temperature dough works best for easy kneading and shaping
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: Creates that luxurious coating. Use good quality butter for best flavor
• 4 cloves garlic: The star ingredient. Look for firm bulbs with tight skin for maximum freshness
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley: Adds bright color and flavor. Always choose fresh over dried for this recipe
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Provides depth of flavor. Find a blend with oregano, basil and thyme for authentic taste
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all other flavors. Kosher salt works beautifully here
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds subtle heat. Freshly ground is noticeably better
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Creates that savory crust. Use freshly grated rather than pre packaged for optimal melt
• Optional marinara sauce: Perfect for dipping. Homemade or good quality jarred both work wonderfully

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Set your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. The parchment prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier. Allow the oven to fully preheat for at least 10 minutes to ensure even cooking temperatures.

Prepare the Dough:

Allow store bought dough to rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Cold dough is difficult to work with and will fight you when shaping. Divide the softened dough into 12 equal pieces. The easiest way is to cut the dough in half, then each half into halves, and finally each quarter into thirds. Roll each piece on a clean, lightly floured surface into a 6 inch rope. The rolling motion should be gentle, using your fingertips rather than your palms to avoid warming the dough too much. Tie each rope into a simple knot and tuck the ends underneath. Place knots on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart to allow for rising.

Create the Garlic Butter Mixture:

In a small bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. For best results, mince the garlic very finely to distribute the flavor evenly. The butter should be melted but not hot enough to cook the garlic. Stir thoroughly to ensure even distribution of all seasonings.

Apply the First Butter Coating:

Using a pastry brush, generously coat each knot with the garlic butter mixture. Make sure to get into all the crevices of the knots. Reserve about one third of the mixture for later. The butter will not only add flavor but also help achieve that beautiful golden brown color.

Add the Parmesan Layer:

Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the buttered knots. Try to get an equal amount on each knot. The cheese will melt and create delicious crispy edges during baking. Press gently to help the cheese adhere to the butter.

Pin it

My absolute favorite part of this recipe is the moment the garlic hits the melted butter, filling my kitchen with that unmistakable aroma that makes everyone suddenly appear in the kitchen asking when dinner will be ready. These knots have become our Friday night tradition, signaling the start of weekend relaxation.

Storage Suggestions

These garlic knots stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 5 days. When ready to enjoy again, simply reheat in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes until warmed through. The microwave works in a pinch for 15-20 seconds, though the texture won't be quite as good as the oven method. If you want to freeze them, it's best to do so before baking. Arrange the shaped knots on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, no need to thaw, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Clever Variations

While traditional garlic knots are incredible on their own, there are several delicious variations worth trying. For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes to the garlic butter. For an extra cheese version, stuff a small cube of mozzarella inside each knot before tying. Herb lovers can amp up the flavor with additional fresh rosemary or basil in the butter mixture. For a sweeter take, brush the baked knots with honey butter instead of garlic butter. The possibilities are truly endless, making this a versatile recipe you can adapt to complement any meal.

Perfect Pairings

These garlic knots are exceptionally versatile when it comes to pairing with meals. They shine brightest alongside Italian classics like lasagna, spaghetti and meatballs, or any pasta dish with rich sauce that begs to be sopped up. They're also the perfect companion to soups, particularly tomato or minestrone varieties. For a casual gathering, serve them with an assortment of dips beyond marinara, such as pesto, alfredo sauce, or even a spinach artichoke dip. When entertaining, I often arrange them in a bread basket lined with a cloth napkin to keep them warm throughout the meal.

Pin it

These buttery garlic knots are a must-try for any Italian feast—a true crowd pleaser!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make these garlic knots ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the knots up to the baking stage and refrigerate them covered for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, brush with some of the garlic butter mixture and bake as directed, adding 2-3 minutes to the baking time.

→ What's the best way to store leftover garlic knots?

Store completely cooled garlic knots in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes to restore their texture. For longer storage, freeze in a ziplock bag for up to 1 month and reheat from frozen.

→ Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! While Parmesan provides a classic flavor, other options include pecorino romano, asiago, or a Italian cheese blend. For a more indulgent version, try sprinkling some shredded mozzarella over the knots during the last 5 minutes of baking.

→ How do I know when the garlic knots are done baking?

The garlic knots are done when they've puffed up and turned golden brown on top. The bottom should be lightly browned as well. If you tap them, they should sound hollow, indicating the inside is fully cooked.

→ What can I serve with garlic knots besides marinara?

Garlic knots pair wonderfully with alfredo sauce, pesto, garlic butter dip, olive oil with balsamic vinegar, or even a spinach-artichoke dip. They also complement soups, salads, and pasta dishes beautifully as a side.

→ Can I make these without garlic?

While garlic is the signature flavor, you can create herb knots instead by omitting the garlic and increasing the Italian herbs and parsley. Alternatively, try roasted garlic for a milder, sweeter garlic flavor that's less intense.