Garlic Knots Recipe

Garlic knots are one of those simple pleasures that instantly bring people together. Whether you’re having friends over for pizza night or need a quick appetizer that everyone will love, these buttery, garlicky knots are the answer. There’s just something magical about the smell of garlic and fresh herbs filling the kitchen, and the satisfaction of pulling apart those soft, fluffy knots right out of the oven. They’re so easy to make but taste like something you’d get at your favorite Italian restaurant.

You might think you’ve had good garlic knots at your local pizzeria, but trust me—homemade garlic knots are a game-changer. Not only do you control the flavors and freshness, but there’s something about baking bread from scratch (even if you’re using store-bought dough) that feels rewarding. Plus, these garlic knots can be customized to your liking. Love extra garlic? Go for it. Want more cheese? Pile it on! And since they’re baked, not fried, you get a delicious golden crust with a soft, pillowy interior.

this RECIPE

The first time I made these garlic knots…

I remember the first time I tried making garlic knots at home. It was a Friday night, and I was craving something comforting but didn’t want to wait for delivery. I happened to have a can of refrigerated pizza dough in the fridge and a craving for garlic bread, so I thought, why not give it a shot? I’ll admit, I was a little nervous about tying the knots just right (there’s a bit of a technique to it), but once I got the hang of it, I couldn’t stop. The smell of the garlic butter as I tossed the freshly baked knots took me right back to my favorite Italian restaurants, and from that night on, they’ve become a staple in my home.

A bit of garlic knot history

Garlic knots have a humble origin story. They were created in the 1970s in New York pizzerias as a way to use up leftover dough. Instead of tossing scraps away, clever bakers twisted the dough into knots and brushed them with garlic and butter. Over time, garlic knots became a popular appetizer or snack, especially paired with dipping sauces. Though they’ve evolved slightly in different places (with varying amounts of herbs, cheese, or spices), the essential elements of bread, butter, and garlic have stayed constant. And now, with this recipe, you can bring that tradition into your kitchen!

Let’s talk ingredients: the key players

• Pizza dough: For this recipe, we’re keeping things simple with a can of refrigerated thin crust pizza dough. It’s convenient and works perfectly for these garlic knots. If you’re out of pizza dough, crescent roll dough or biscuit dough can be used in a pinch, though the texture will be slightly different. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also make your own pizza dough.
• Butter: The melted butter is what gives these knots their rich, indulgent flavor. I like to use unsalted butter so I can control the amount of salt in the recipe. If you’re vegan or dairy-free, plant-based butter works as a great substitute.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic is a must here. It adds that unmistakable aroma and flavor that just screams “garlic knots.” Mince it finely to ensure it spreads evenly over the knots.
• Parmesan cheese: Parmesan adds a salty, savory punch. You can also experiment with other hard cheeses like Pecorino Romano or Asiago if you want to switch it up.
• Herbs (basil & parsley): Fresh herbs brighten the knots and add a pop of color. If you don’t have fresh herbs on hand, dried basil and parsley will work, but cut the amount in half since dried herbs are more concentrated.
• Seasonings (salt & pepper): Salt brings out all the flavors, while pepper adds a little extra bite. You can even sprinkle some red pepper flakes if you like a touch of heat!

Kitchen gear: what you need (and what you can skip)

You don’t need anything fancy for this recipe, which makes it even better. Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll want:

• Baking sheet: A large baking sheet is essential for spreading out your garlic knots so they bake evenly. You’ll want to lightly grease it or use a non-stick cooking spray.
• Small bowl for butter mixture: Just grab a microwave-safe bowl to melt your butter and mix in the garlic, herbs, and cheese.
• Tongs: These make tossing the hot garlic knots in butter super easy. If you don’t have tongs, a large spoon or spatula works too.

Step-by-step: my foolproof method (and a few hard-learned lessons)

1. Preheat your oven: First things first—set your oven to 400°F so it has time to heat up while you prep the dough.
2. Divide and roll: Open the can of pizza dough (yes, the pop can be a bit startling) and divide it into 16 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a 12-inch rope. If the dough is sticking, a little cooking spray on your hands will help.
3. Tie the knots: Now for the fun part! Tie each rope into a loose knot. Tuck one end underneath the knot and the other end over the top and into the center. If your knots don’t look perfect, don’t worry—they’ll still taste amazing!
4. Bake to golden perfection: Place your knots on the baking sheet and pop them in the oven for 15 minutes, or until they’re a lovely golden brown.
5. Make the garlic butter: While the knots are baking, melt the butter in your bowl and stir in the garlic, parmesan, basil, parsley, salt, and pepper. The smell alone will make you drool.
6. Toss and serve: When the knots are out of the oven, toss them in the garlic butter mixture while they’re still warm. Serve them up with your dipping sauce.

Fun variations and adaptations

Want to make this recipe your own? Here are some fun ways to switch things up:

• Cheesy garlic knots: Before tying the knots, sprinkle some mozzarella cheese inside each dough rope. When they bake, you’ll get gooey, melty cheese in every bite.
• Gluten-free garlic knots: Swap the pizza dough for a gluten-free variety (many stores carry it now!). You might need to adjust the baking time slightly, so keep an eye on them.
• Herb lovers’ version: Add a mix of fresh oregano and rosemary to the butter for an extra herby kick.
• Spicy garlic knots: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the butter mixture for a subtle heat that complements the garlic.

How to serve these garlic knots

If you’re serving these at a party, pile them high in a breadbasket with a little extra parmesan sprinkled on top for good measure. Add a side of warm sauce or garlic sauce for dipping—it takes them to the next level. If you’re feeling fancy, garnish with a sprig of fresh basil or parsley to add a pop of color.

Perfect beverage pairings

Since these garlic knots are savory and buttery, you’ll want something refreshing to drink. Here are a few of my pairings:

• Sparkling water with lemon: The light bubbles and citrus balance out the richness of the knots.
• Iced tea: Whether sweetened or unsweetened, iced tea is a great match. Try a lemon or peach variety for extra flavor.
• Lemonade: The tartness of lemonade cuts through the buttery garlic, making for a perfect combination.
• Italian soda: If you’re in the mood for something fizzy and fun, an Italian soda with a splash of fruit syrup is a great choice.

Storage and reheating tips

If you somehow have leftovers (it’s rare in my house), you can store the garlic knots in an airtight container for up to two days. To reheat, just pop them in a 350°F oven for about 5-7 minutes, and they’ll be good as new. Microwaving works too, but they won’t be as crispy.

Scaling the recipe for a crowd

Need more garlic knots? No problem! You can easily double or triple the recipe to feed a crowd. Just be sure to use multiple baking sheets or bake them in batches so the knots don’t overcrowd the pan (which could lead to uneven baking).

Potential issues (and how to avoid them)

If your knots come out too dense, you might have overworked the dough. Try handling it as little as possible when rolling and tying the knots. If the dough tears while you’re tying it, just press it back together—pizza dough is pretty forgiving!

Give this recipe a try!

I hope this recipe brings you as much joy as it does for me. Whether you’re serving them as a side for pasta night, or just enjoying them as a snack, these garlic knots are guaranteed to please. Feel free to experiment with the flavors and make them your own. I can’t wait to hear how they turn out!

Frequently asked questions

Can I use homemade pizza dough?
Absolutely! Homemade dough will give the knots a slightly different texture but will taste amazing.

Can I make these garlic knots ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep and tie the dough knots ahead of time and store them in the fridge for a few hours. Bake just before serving for the best results.

Can I freeze garlic knots?
Yes, you can freeze the baked garlic knots. Just reheat them in the oven straight from the freezer at 350°F for about 10-12 minutes.

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Yes! Just reduce the amount by half since dried herbs are more concentrated.

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