Ah, garlic knots! Is there anything more delightful than the aroma of fresh-baked dough mingling with the unmistakable scent of garlic wafting through your kitchen? I remember the first time I tackled this recipe; it was a rainy Saturday afternoon, and the craving for something warm and comforting hit me like a delicious freight train. Ever since then, these little bites of joy have become a staple in my household—whether as a side dish for pasta, an appetizer at gatherings, or a sneaky snack right off the tray before they even hit the table.
What makes these garlic knots even better is how simple they are to whip up, even when you’re short on time! Using store-bought pizza dough means you can focus all your energy on the good stuff (like garlic and butter). Plus, they’re totally customizable—add some spicy red pepper flakes if you’re feeling adventurous, or dip them in marinara to bring a little Italian flair to your snack time. Let’s dive in!
What’s in Garlic Knots?
Pizza Dough: Whether you go for store-bought or make your own, this is the lovely base for those fluffy knots. I usually opt for a 16 oz package of classic pizza dough for convenience.
Unsalted Butter: Melting this golden goodness is what gives those knots a rich, buttery flavor and helps all the delicious toppings stick. (Plus, it’s hard to go wrong with butter, right?)
Garlic: Fresh garlic elevates these knots from good to downright amazing. You’ll need about 4 cloves, minced. Don’t skimp on this—garlic lovers, this is your moment!
Fresh Parsley: A little freshness goes a long way! The parsley adds a lovely green note and a mild flavor that balances the garlic.
Garlic Powder: Just in case you want to amp up the garlicky goodness.
Salt & Black Pepper: Seasoning is key! These knots need just the right amount to enhance the flavor of the dough and the garlic butter.
Grated Parmesan Cheese (optional): A sprinkle of this cheesy goodness takes the garlic knots to a whole new level! I like to add it on top while they’re hot out of the oven, helping it melt perfectly.
Extra Olive Oil (optional): For that extra glossy finish when brushing the knots before baking.
Is Garlic Knots Good for You?
Ah, the age-old question! While I wouldn’t exactly call garlic knots a health food (they are butter-drenched, after all), they do have a few redeeming qualities.
Garlic: It has numerous health benefits, such as improved heart health and boosted immunity, so you can feel a touch less guilty while indulging.
Parsley: This fresh herb is packed with vitamins A, C, and K, which are great for your immune system and overall health.
That said, these knots are best enjoyed in moderation—try having them as an accompaniment to a salad or a veggie-filled dish for a more balanced meal. And remember, it’s all about happiness in a buttery package!
How to Make Garlic Knots?
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with some lovely parchment paper.
2. Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface until you have a rectangle that’s about 1/2 inch thick.
3. Cut the dough into strips roughly 1 inch wide. Get creative here! You can tie each strip into a knot, or twist them if you’re feeling fancy—just like a little dough origami!
4. Place those beautiful knots on your prepared baking sheet, making sure to leave some space between each one (they’ll expand!).
5. In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper—this is where the magic happens!
6. Brush the garlic butter mixture generously over each knot, but save some for later because we want that final touch of flavor.
7. Bake the knots in your preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. You’ll want to keep an eye on them and not let them get too dark!
8. The moment they come out of the oven, brush them with the remaining garlic butter mixture. Oh yes, this is the moment of glory! Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese if you want to take it up a notch.
9. Serve these beauties warm as an appetizer or a perfect side dish.
Garlic Knot Tips & Tricks!
– **Bring on the Spice:** If you’re a spice lover, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes into your garlic butter mixture before brushing it onto the knots. It adds a lovely kick!
– **Fresh Herbs Galore:** Feel free to swap out parsley for basil or oregano—they each provide a unique twist on flavor!
– **Dipping Sauce Delight:** Serve these knots with marinara sauce for dipping. It brings all the flavors together beautifully.
Oh my gosh, I can’t even describe how delicious your kitchen is about to smell—seriously, your friends and family are going to be begging for this recipe! I hope you dive into making these garlic knots. They’re truly a labor of love, and I want to hear how they turn out for you! 🍽️ Enjoy!
