Garlic Knots

These Garlic Knots are a must-have for anyone who loves the combination of buttery, garlicky goodness wrapped in soft, freshly baked dough. The irresistible smell of garlic and herbs filling your kitchen will have your mouth watering in anticipation.

Serve them with a side of marinara sauce for dipping, or just enjoy them on their own. These knots are great for family meals, gatherings, or as a perfect snack to pair with a bowl of soup. Whether you’re serving them at a casual dinner or a festive event, they’re sure to steal the spotlight!

Full recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

• 4 garlic cloves, minced

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Roll out the pizza dough into a rectangular shape, then slice it into strips (about 1 inch wide).

3. Take each strip of dough and tie it into a knot, tucking the ends underneath to secure.

4. Place the knots on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each knot.

5. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, and black pepper.

6. Brush the garlic butter mixture generously over each knot.

7. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the knots are golden brown and cooked through.

8. If desired, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and bake for an additional 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts.

9. Remove from the oven and brush the knots with a little extra olive oil for a glossy finish.

10. Serve warm and enjoy!

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes Kcal: 150 kcal per serving | Servings: 12 garlic knots

The Origin of Garlic Knots

Garlic knots are an Italian-American creation that combines the flavors of garlic bread with the fun shape of a knot. While they are not originally from Italy, their roots trace back to the United States, where they first appeared in pizza shops in the late 20th century. Traditionally, garlic knots were made from pizza dough leftover from pizza-making, giving a new life to dough scraps. The knots were baked, brushed with garlic butter, and served alongside pizza or pasta dishes. This clever use of pizza dough quickly gained popularity, becoming a beloved side dish in many Italian-American households and restaurants.

Why Garlic Knots Are So Popular

The allure of garlic knots lies in their simplicity and versatility. Made from basic pizza dough, they are elevated by the addition of garlic butter, which infuses the dough with rich, savory flavors. The garlic and butter work together to create an irresistible aroma and taste that is both comforting and satisfying. The knots themselves are soft and chewy on the inside with a slightly crisp, golden-brown exterior, creating the perfect balance of textures.

Another reason for the popularity of garlic knots is their versatility. They can be served as a side dish to a variety of meals, from pasta and pizza to salads and soups. Garlic knots also make an excellent snack or appetizer for parties and gatherings. Whether you are hosting a casual dinner with friends or preparing a holiday feast, garlic knots are a crowd-pleaser that can easily be customized to suit your preferences.

How to Make Garlic Knots

Making garlic knots at home is simple and requires only a few basic ingredients. The key to perfect garlic knots is using fresh, high-quality dough. You can use store-bought pizza dough for convenience or make your own dough from scratch for a more personalized touch.

Once you have your dough ready, you will need to roll it out into strips and tie each strip into a knot. This process is easy to do and adds a fun, homemade touch to the garlic knots. After the knots are formed, they are baked until golden brown, and then brushed with a flavorful garlic butter mixture. Fresh garlic, parsley, and a bit of salt and pepper are key ingredients for the garlic butter, creating a fragrant, savory coating that will have your taste buds dancing.

While the classic garlic butter coating is the most popular, you can experiment with other additions like grated Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes for a spicy kick, or even a drizzle of olive oil for extra richness. Some people also enjoy dipping garlic knots in marinara sauce or ranch dressing for added flavor.

Serving Suggestions for Garlic Knots

Garlic knots can be served in various ways depending on the occasion. They pair wonderfully with a variety of main dishes, such as pizza, pasta, and salads. The rich flavor of the garlic butter complements the acidity of tomato-based sauces, making them an excellent side to dishes like spaghetti marinara, lasagna, or even a hearty bowl of minestrone soup. For a casual meal, garlic knots can be served alongside a fresh green salad or a creamy bowl of soup for a balanced, comforting meal.

If you’re looking for an appetizer, garlic knots are the perfect choice. Their individual serving sizes make them easy to share, and they can be served with different dipping sauces such as marinara, pesto, or garlic-infused olive oil. For a fun twist, you can also serve garlic knots as a snack with cheese boards, charcuterie platters, or as part of a bread basket for your guests to enjoy before the main course.

Garlic knots are also an excellent addition to any gathering or party. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner with friends or throwing a large celebration, garlic knots are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Their buttery, garlicky flavor appeals to a wide range of tastes, and they are easy to make in large batches to serve a crowd.

Tips for Perfect Garlic Knots

To ensure your garlic knots turn out perfectly every time, here are a few tips:

1. Use Fresh Dough: For the best results, use fresh dough that has had time to rise. If you are using store-bought dough, make sure it is at room temperature before you begin shaping the knots.

2. Don’t Skip the Garlic Butter: The garlic butter is what gives the garlic knots their signature flavor, so be sure to use plenty of garlic and fresh herbs for the best results. If you love garlic, feel free to add more cloves to suit your taste.

3. Brush Immediately After Baking: Once the knots are out of the oven, brush them immediately with the garlic butter so they absorb the flavor while they are still warm. This will ensure that the garlic butter seeps into every knot, making them extra flavorful.

4. Experiment with Cheese: If you want to take your garlic knots to the next level, sprinkle some grated Parmesan or mozzarella cheese over the knots right before baking. This will create a cheesy, golden crust that will delight your taste buds.

5. Don’t Overcrowd the Knots: When placing the knots on the baking sheet, make sure they have enough space between them to expand. If the knots are too crowded, they may not cook evenly and could become soggy in the center.

6. Add a Touch of Fresh Herbs: While garlic and butter are the main ingredients, adding fresh herbs like parsley or oregano can enhance the flavor of your garlic knots. A sprinkle of fresh herbs before serving adds color and an extra burst of flavor.

Garlic Knots: A Comfort Food Classic

Garlic knots are more than just a side dish—they are a comfort food classic that brings warmth and happiness to any meal. With their irresistible combination of buttery garlic goodness and soft, pillowy dough, these little knots are the perfect addition to any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying them with a hearty bowl of soup or serving them as an appetizer at your next gathering, garlic knots are sure to be a hit.

The beauty of garlic knots lies in their versatility. They can be customized to suit your tastes by adding different seasonings, cheeses, or dips. Whether you like your garlic knots spicy, cheesy, or extra garlicky, you can adjust the recipe to create a version that perfectly fits your preferences.

Conclusion

Garlic knots are a delicious, easy-to-make treat that will surely become a favorite in your kitchen. Whether you’re preparing them for a cozy family dinner or serving them at a large gathering, these garlic butter-coated knots are sure to impress. With their mouthwatering aroma, irresistible taste, and versatility, garlic knots are a dish that everyone can enjoy. So, why not try making a batch today and experience the simple joy of homemade garlic knots?