These Easy and Cheesy Garlic Knots are fluffy and full of cheesy goodness! With buttery garlic flavor and a sprinkle of herbs, they are perfect as a snack or side dish.
If you love the smell of garlic wafting through your kitchen, you’re in for a treat! I can never resist popping a few in my mouth right out of the oven—so good! 😋
Making these knots is a breeze, and they pair perfectly with marinara sauce. I love serving them with pizza nights; it makes everything feel extra special and cozy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pizza Dough: You can use store-bought dough for convenience, or make your own if you prefer. If gluten-free is needed, try gluten-free pizza dough available in stores.
Mozzarella Cheese: While mozzarella is fantastic, you can substitute with provolone or a dairy-free cheese for a different twist or dietary needs.
Butter: Unsalted butter gives you control over the saltiness. You can substitute with olive oil or a plant-based butter for a vegan option.
Garlic: Fresh garlic has a strong flavor, but garlic powder can work in a pinch. Use 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder instead of fresh if you don’t have any handy.
Parsley: Fresh parsley brightens the flavor, but dried parsley can be used if fresh is unavailable. Just use less; about one tablespoon of dried parsley will work.
How Do You Create A Soft, Chewy Texture?
Getting your garlic knots perfectly soft and chewy is all about handling the dough correctly! Here’s how to ensure they turn out great:
- Don’t overwork the dough. Just roll it enough to make a rectangle before cutting. Overworking can make it tough.
- Make sure to pinch the dough closed securely around the cheese. This helps keep the cheesy goodness inside!
- Bake until golden but not overcooked. Keeping an eye on them in the oven helps maintain that soft center.
Enjoy the warm, cheesy knots or store leftovers in an airtight container—they reheat well in the oven!
Easy and Cheesy Garlic Knots
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 can (16.3 oz) refrigerated pizza dough or 1 batch of homemade pizza dough
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried parsley)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (optional)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for sprinkling)
- Marinara sauce (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 30 minutes total. This includes 5 minutes for prep and rolling out the dough, 15 minutes for baking, and a few more minutes to prepare the garlic butter sauce. Perfect for a quick snack or side dish during dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your knots get that lovely golden brown color when they bake. While the oven heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Dough:
Next, roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface until it’s about 12×9 inches in size. The dough should be nice and even so your knots cook uniformly. Cut the dough into about 12 equal strips and then cut each strip into smaller pieces, roughly 1.5 inches each.
3. Fill and Shape the Knots:
Take each small piece of dough, place about 1 tablespoon of shredded mozzarella cheese in the center, and pinch the dough closed around the cheese to make a ball or knot shape. Be sure to fully seal up the cheese inside; we want all that melty goodness to stay put!
4. Bake the Knots:
Arrange the cheese-filled knots on the prepared baking sheet, making sure to leave a bit of space between them for expanding. Bake them in the oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. The smell will be heavenly!
5. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
While your knots are baking, it’s time to prepare the garlic butter sauce. In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and Italian seasoning (if you’re using it). This sauce will coat the knots beautifully!
6. Finish and Serve:
Once the knots are out of the oven, immediately brush them generously with your garlic butter mixture for that extra flavor kick. If you like, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top for a tasty finishing touch. Serve them warm with marinara sauce on the side for dipping, and enjoy the cheesy, garlicky goodness!
These cheesy garlic knots come out beautifully golden, soft inside, with a deliciously gooey cheese center, and a punch of garlic and herb flavor on the outside—perfect for sharing!
Can I Use Frozen Pizza Dough for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just ensure the frozen dough is fully thawed before using. Place it in the fridge overnight or leave it out at room temperature for a few hours until soft and workable.
Can I Make These Garlic Knots Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can shape the knots and place them on the baking sheet, then cover and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready, simply preheat the oven and bake as directed.
How to Store Leftover Garlic Knots?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes or until warmed through.
What Other Cheeses Can I Use?
You can experiment with different cheeses, like cheddar, provolone, or a dairy-free cheese for a vegan option. Just make sure whatever cheese you use melts well!
