Name: Garlic Knots
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 pound pizza dough; 3 tablespoons butter (melted); 3 cloves garlic (minced); 2 tablespoons parsley (chopped); 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese (optional); 1 teaspoon salt (sea salt or flaky preferred)

Soft, fluffy, and golden with a savory garlic butter glaze, these Garlic Knots are the kind of side dish that steals the spotlight. Whether you’re planning a cozy pasta night, serving up a comforting bowl of soup, or prepping for a game-day spread, these garlic knots bring the warm, buttery goodness that everyone craves. Each knot is tender on the inside with a slight crisp on the outside, generously brushed with melted butter, minced garlic, and a sprinkle of parsley for freshness.

These garlic knots are also a fantastic way to dress up pizza dough. They come together quickly and bake beautifully, making them ideal for last-minute guests or weeknight dinners. Dip them in marinara sauce, serve them alongside lasagna, or let them shine on their own—they’re that good.

What Kind of Dough Should I Use for Garlic Knots?

The best dough to use for garlic knots is classic pizza dough. You can use store-bought pizza dough for convenience or make your own from scratch if you have the time. What matters most is that the dough is elastic and soft, which allows the knots to puff up beautifully in the oven. If you’re after extra flavor, consider using a dough with a hint of olive oil and garlic powder already mixed in.

Ingredients for the Garlic Knots

Pizza Dough
The base of these knots. Go for a dough that’s soft and easy to roll. You can use fresh, homemade, or pre-made from the grocery store.

Butter
Melted and brushed generously over the knots after baking, butter gives that rich, golden finish and enhances the garlic flavor.

Garlic
Freshly minced garlic infuses the butter with a strong, aromatic punch that makes garlic knots irresistible.

Parsley
Chopped parsley adds freshness and a pop of color, balancing the richness of the butter and garlic.

Parmesan Cheese (optional)
A light dusting before or after baking adds a savory, umami depth.

Salt
A sprinkle of sea salt or flaky salt brings everything to life with a perfect final touch.

How To Make the Garlic Knots

Step 1: Prep the Dough

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a rectangle, about ½-inch thick. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the dough into even strips—around 1 inch wide.

Step 2: Tie the Knots

Take each strip and gently tie it into a knot. Tuck the ends underneath and place each knot on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for rising.

Step 3: Let Them Rise

Cover the baking sheet with a clean kitchen towel and let the knots rest for 30 to 45 minutes. They should puff up slightly. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Step 4: Bake Until Golden

Bake the knots in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until they turn a beautiful golden brown.

Step 5: Make the Garlic Butter

While the knots bake, melt the butter in a small saucepan. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Stir in the chopped parsley and remove from heat.

Step 6: Brush and Serve

Once the garlic knots are out of the oven, immediately brush them with the warm garlic butter. Optionally, sprinkle with grated Parmesan and a pinch of sea salt. Serve warm with marinara sauce or enjoy as-is.

How to Serve and Store Garlic Knots

Garlic knots are best served warm, straight from the oven when the butter is still glistening and the garlic aroma is at its peak. They’re a perfect side for pasta dishes like spaghetti or fettuccine Alfredo, and they pair beautifully with marinara or pizza sauce for dipping. You can also serve them alongside soups, salads, or as part of an appetizer spread for parties.

To store leftovers, allow the knots to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5–7 minutes to restore their softness and flavor. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve the texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I don’t have fresh garlic?

You can substitute fresh garlic with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder in the butter mixture. It won’t be as aromatic but will still deliver great flavor.

Can I make the garlic knots ahead of time?

Yes! You can form the knots and refrigerate them covered overnight. Bring them to room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.

Can I freeze garlic knots?

Absolutely. After baking and cooling, place the knots in a freezer-safe bag. Reheat them in the oven straight from frozen at 325°F (160°C) until warmed through.

How do I keep the knots soft after baking?

Brush with butter as soon as they come out of the oven and store in a sealed container once cooled. This helps maintain softness.

Can I use crescent roll dough instead of pizza dough?

You can! The texture will be slightly different—flakier and lighter—but still delicious. Adjust baking time slightly as crescent dough browns quickly.

What dipping sauces go best with garlic knots?

Marinara is a classic, but ranch, garlic aioli, or even Alfredo sauce are amazing options for extra indulgence.

Want More Bread Side Ideas?

If you loved these garlic knots, here are a few more savory, carby delights to round out your meal:

Homemade Naan Bread – Soft, chewy, and perfect with curry or grilled meats.
Pillsbury Biscuit Garlic Butter Cheese Bombs – Stuffed, cheesy, and ready in minutes.
Cranberry Brie Pull Apart Bread – A sweet-and-savory showstopper.
Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes – For those who love garlic flavors in a heartier form.
Garlic Herb Roasted Potatoes and Veggies – A rustic side packed with garlicky goodness.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest appetizer or bread board so you can find it again whenever you need a quick, crowd-pleasing side.

And if you made these garlic knots, I’d love to hear how they turned out! Did you stick with the classic version, or add a cheesy twist? Share your photos or tips in the comments.

➡️ Looking for more cozy bakes and garlic-infused bites? Check out my Pinterest board where I post new ideas daily: Life with Nina on Pinterest

Garlic Knots

Author: Nina Johnson
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 12 garlic knots 1x
Category: Bread, Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian-American
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These homemade Garlic Knots are soft, buttery, and bursting with garlicky flavor. Perfect as a side to pasta, soups, or as a party appetizer, they’re made using pizza dough and brushed with a warm garlic butter sauce. Dip them in marinara or enjoy them on their own — either way, they’ll disappear fast!