Easy Homemade Garlic Knots

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Golden, pillowy, and bursting with buttery garlic flavor, these Easy Homemade Garlic Knots are the kind of snack or side dish that disappears in minutes. Whether you’re serving them alongside a hearty pasta dinner or just want something warm and savory to dip in marinara sauce, these knots are the ultimate crowd-pleaser.

The best part? They’re deceptively simple to make. With just a few pantry staples and a batch of store-bought or homemade pizza dough, you can bring bakery-quality garlic knots to your own table. The aroma of butter, garlic, and herbs as they bake is absolutely irresistible!

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What Kind of Dough Should I Use?

For the easiest version of these garlic knots, refrigerated pizza dough is your best friend. It offers flexibility and convenience without compromising on texture. But if you have a favorite homemade pizza dough recipe or enjoy making dough from scratch, go for it! The knots come out extra soft and fluffy with a slightly crisp edge.

You can also try using crescent roll dough for a softer, more buttery version—but just note they will be more delicate and may brown quicker.

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Ingredients for the Easy Homemade Garlic Knots

Pizza Dough
The base of our garlic knots. You can use store-bought or homemade. Make sure it’s at room temperature so it’s easy to roll and shape.

Butter
Melted butter infuses every crevice of the knots with rich, golden flavor. Don’t be shy with it—this is where the magic happens!

Garlic
Freshly minced garlic adds the signature kick. You can use garlic powder in a pinch, but fresh is best for flavor.

Parsley
Chopped parsley brings freshness and color, balancing the richness of the butter and garlic.

Parmesan Cheese
A dusting of finely grated Parmesan gives a salty, nutty finish on top. It crisps up in the oven for a gorgeous texture.

Salt
A sprinkle of coarse salt enhances all the flavors and brings everything together.

Olive Oil (optional)
For brushing the baking sheet or giving the knots a light pre-bake glaze if you want a slightly crispier crust.

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How To Make the Easy Homemade Garlic Knots

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil. This keeps the knots from sticking and helps them get golden brown on the bottom.

Step 2: Divide and Roll

Roll out your pizza dough on a floured surface into a rectangle, about 1/2 inch thick. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice the dough into 1-inch wide strips. Then, take each strip and gently tie it into a loose knot.

Step 3: Arrange and Rest

Place the tied knots onto your prepared baking sheet, leaving space between them to allow for rising. Let them rest for 10-15 minutes so they puff up a bit—this makes them extra fluffy once baked.

Step 4: Garlic Butter Brushing

In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, minced garlic, and chopped parsley. Brush half of this mixture generously over the unbaked knots. Save the rest for after they come out of the oven.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden

Bake the knots for 12-15 minutes, or until they’re lightly golden and cooked through. Keep an eye on them—the bottoms should be golden brown but not burnt.

Step 6: Final Flavor Boost

As soon as the knots come out of the oven, brush them with the remaining garlic butter and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and coarse salt. Serve warm, ideally with a bowl of marinara sauce for dipping!

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How to Serve and Store Garlic Knots

Serve these garlic knots fresh and warm for the best experience. They pair perfectly with pasta dishes like spaghetti or lasagna, or they can shine solo as an appetizer with dipping sauces like marinara, ranch, or garlic aioli.

To store leftovers, let the knots cool completely, then place them in an airtight container. They will stay soft and tasty for up to 3 days at room temperature. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make garlic knots ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the knots, place them on a baking sheet, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just let them come to room temperature before putting them in the oven.

Can I freeze garlic knots?

Yes. Once baked and cooled, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Reheat directly from frozen at 350°F until heated through (about 10-12 minutes).

What other herbs can I use?

If you don’t have parsley on hand, feel free to substitute with dried Italian herbs, oregano, or basil for a different flavor profile.

Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?

Yes, but fresh garlic gives the best flavor. If using powder, mix 1/2 to 1 teaspoon into the melted butter mixture.

How do I make them cheesier?

You can sprinkle shredded mozzarella or more Parmesan over the knots before baking for an extra cheesy bite.

What dipping sauces work best?

Marinara is a classic, but ranch, garlic butter sauce, or even pesto can be great dipping options.

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Want More Bread Side Ideas?

If you love these garlic knots, here are more cozy and carb-filled favorites worth baking:

• Cranberry Brie Pull Apart Bread for a savory-sweet twist perfect for holidays.
• Pillsbury Biscuit Garlic Butter Cheese Bombs for buttery goodness in every bite.
• Homemade Naan Bread to pair with everything from curries to grilled meats.
• Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes if you’re looking to turn garlic flavors into a full meal.
• Garlic Herb Roasted Potatoes and Veggies for a hearty, herb-loaded side.

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest appetizer or bread board so you can come back to it any time: Life with Nina on Pinterest

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go heavy on the garlic? Maybe tried adding cheese inside the knots?

I love seeing the ways you personalize these recipes—don’t be shy to share your spin or ask a question. Let’s help each other bake smarter.

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