Welcome to the delightful world of soft, buttery bites with this irresistible Garlic Parmesan Knots Recipe. These golden, knotted parcels of dough are infused with fragrant garlic and herbs, then topped with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese that melts into every nook and cranny. Whether you’re craving a savory snack or a perfect accompaniment to dinner, these knots bring cozy comfort and impressive flavor with every bite. Trust me, once you try this Garlic Parmesan Knots Recipe, it’ll quickly become your go-to for sharing or savoring alone.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple but essential, each playing a crucial role in bringing out the classic flavors and perfect texture of these knots. From the buttery garlic herb blend to the soft pizza dough, every element contributes harmony and richness.
- Butter (5 tablespoons, melted): The base for the flavorful herb garlic mixture that keeps knots moist and scrumptiously rich.
- Garlic cloves (3, minced): Fresh garlic delivers that savory punch that makes these knots unforgettable.
- Dried oregano (½ teaspoon): Adds an earthy, slightly peppery herbal note to deepen the flavor profile.
- Dried basil (½ teaspoon): Brings a sweet, slightly minty brightness that complements garlic perfectly.
- Dried thyme (½ teaspoon): A subtle, fresh herb essence that rounds out the seasoning mix.
- Kosher salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the savory flavors while balancing the herbs.
- Ground black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Provides a gentle heat and sharpness for extra depth.
- Refrigerated pizza dough (1 tube, 13.8 oz): The soft, stretchy canvas for shaping our tasty knots – no yeast rising needed!
- Fresh parsley (1 tablespoon, finely chopped): Adds a pop of green color and a light, fresh finish.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (3 tablespoons): The salty, nutty topping that melts on warm knots, making them absolutely irresistible.
You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Knots Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Herb Butter
First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. While that’s heating, mix the melted butter, minced garlic, dried oregano, basil, thyme, salt, and black pepper in a medium bowl. This herby garlic butter is going to infuse the knots with flavor and keep them beautifully moist as they bake.
Step 2: Shape the Dough into Knots
Roll out your refrigerated pizza dough onto a large clean surface until it forms a rectangular shape, then bring it together into a 12-inch long log. Use a knife to cut the dough into 12 even 1-inch pieces. Each piece then gets rolled lengthwise into a rope, and you’ll tie it like tying shoelaces, looping one end through the middle to form a tight but gentle knot. If the ends are long, tuck them in—it helps the knot hold its shape without unraveling.
Step 3: Brush and Bake
Brush each formed knot liberally on all sides with the garlic herb butter using a pastry brush. Then place them on the lined baking sheet spaced evenly to allow for rising and browning. Bake for about 20 to 25 minutes, until the tops are nicely golden brown and the smell of warm garlic fills your kitchen.
Step 4: Final Touches
As soon as the knots come out of the oven, brush them again with the buttery herb mixture to boost the flavor. Sprinkle chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese generously on each knot so the cheese melts slightly from the residual heat, creating a savory topping that’s hard to resist.
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Knots Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley not only adds a vibrant color contrast to the golden knots but also brings a fresh brightness that lifts all the buttery, garlicky flavors. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan on top makes a nutty, salty crown that takes the presentation and taste to the next level.
Side Dishes
These knots pair beautifully with almost anything—think alongside a fresh green salad to balance the richness, or serve them as a hearty companion to your favorite pasta dishes. They also make a stellar snack with a bowl of marinara sauce for dipping, turning a simple bite into an indulgent experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or casual dinners, arrange the knots in a spiral or circle on a large platter and garnish with sprigs of fresh herbs. You can even drizzle a bit of extra melted butter mixed with a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. Serving these garlic knots in a rustic basket lined with parchment paper adds charm and invites everyone to dig in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any left over (and sometimes there is a little, but usually not!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This keeps their texture soft and ensures they remain delicious for serving again.
Freezing
You can freeze these knots before baking. Arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to enjoy, bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time for perfect, fresh-off-the-oven delight.
Reheating
Reheat leftover knots in a preheated 350°F oven for about 5-7 minutes to refresh the crisp exterior and warm the cheesy, buttery inside. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the dough chewy instead of delightfully tender.
FAQs
Can I use homemade dough instead of refrigerated pizza dough?
Absolutely! Homemade dough will work beautifully if you have the time. Just make sure your dough is well rested and elastic enough to shape into knots easily.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes. You can substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative and omit or replace the Parmesan with a plant-based cheese to suit dairy-free diets without losing much flavor.
How spicy is this Garlic Parmesan Knots Recipe?
This recipe isn’t spicy; the black pepper adds just a gentle warmth. If you’d like more heat, toss in some red pepper flakes to the butter mixture for a delicious kick.
Can I prepare the knots ahead and bake them later?
Yes! Prepare the knots and brush with the herb butter, then cover and refrigerate for a few hours before baking. This can help save time without compromising flavor.
What can I serve instead of parsley as a garnish?
Chopped fresh basil or chives also work wonderfully as garnishes, adding their own unique fresh notes and vibrant touch.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so comforting about warm, garlicky knots studded with Parmesan cheese, and this Garlic Parmesan Knots Recipe delivers every time. Perfect for family dinners, game days, or just to satisfy those snack cravings, these knots are a little bundle of joy you’ll want to make again and again. So grab your ingredients, have fun shaping those knots, and enjoy every flavorful bite!
PrintGarlic Parmesan Knots Recipe
These Garlic Parmesan Knots are soft, buttery, and packed with savory garlic and herb flavors, topped with fresh parsley and parmesan cheese. Perfect as a delicious appetizer or side bread, these easy-to-make knots use refrigerated pizza dough for convenience and bake to golden perfection in under 30 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Herb Butter Mixture
- 5 tablespoons butter, melted
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Dough and Toppings
- 1 (13.8 ounce) tube refrigerated pizza dough
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley
- 3 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Make Herb Butter Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, dried thyme, kosher salt, and ground black pepper. Stir well and set aside for flavor infusion.
- Shape The Dough: Unroll the refrigerated pizza dough onto a large cutting board into a flat rectangle. Use your hands to gently bring the dough together, forming a 12-inch long log.
- Slice The Dough: Using a sharp knife, cut the dough log into 12 equal pieces, about 1 inch in length each.
- Form Knots: Roll each piece into a longer rope on the cutting board. Cross one end over the other as if tying shoelaces, then fold one end through the center opening to form a knot. Tuck any long ends into the dough to keep the shape tidy.
- Brush With Herb Butter: Place each knot onto the prepared baking sheet. Using a pastry brush, generously coat each knot on all sides with the butter and herb mixture.
- Bake The Knots: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes until the tops turn golden brown and the knots are cooked through.
- Add Finishing Touches: Remove the baking sheet from the oven. While the knots are still hot, brush them again with the remaining herb butter mixture, then immediately sprinkle with finely chopped parsley and grated parmesan cheese for garnish and extra flavor.
- Serve: Serve the garlic parmesan knots immediately while warm for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the herb butter mixture.
- These knots can be frozen after shaping and brushed with butter; thaw before baking and brush again before baking.
- Use fresh herbs if available for a brighter herb flavor.
- Ensure the knots are baked until golden brown but not overly dark to avoid bitterness.
- Serve with marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping.
