Garlic knots

There’s something magical about the smell of warm, buttery garlic bread wafting through the kitchen. The first time I made garlic knots, it wasn’t for a fancy dinner or a planned appetizer—it was out of necessity. I had leftover pizza dough and a hungry group of friends waiting for something to snack on. What came out of the oven were soft, golden, bite-sized knots, drenched in garlic butter. They disappeared within minutes. That happy accident turned into one of my favorite quick recipes to this day.

This garlic knots recipe is perfect for beginner cooks. It doesn’t require complicated techniques, fancy equipment, or obscure ingredients. You’ll only need a few pantry staples and about 30 minutes. Best of all, the recipe is flexible, forgiving, and packed with flavor—making it a winner for weeknights, casual gatherings, or anytime you want to serve something warm and delicious without stress.

Why This Recipe is Special

Garlic knots are more than just a side dish—they’re an experience. Warm, soft, and golden on the outside with rich, savory garlic flavor, these knots deliver comfort in every bite. Originally created to use up leftover pizza dough, they’ve since become a pizzeria classic. This homemade version brings that same satisfying flavor into your own kitchen, no matter your cooking experience. What makes this version especially great for beginners is the use of pre-made dough, which cuts down on prep time without sacrificing taste. Plus, every ingredient serves a clear purpose, which means you’ll not only make something tasty—you’ll learn something, too.

Ingredients and Preparation

Pizza Dough
This is the base of your garlic knots. Pre-made thin crust pizza dough works great for convenience. If you’re feeling adventurous, homemade dough adds a personal touch. For a twist, try crescent roll dough—it gives a slightly different texture but still tastes amazing.

Butter
Butter acts as the flavorful coating that keeps the knots moist and rich. It carries the garlic and herb flavors beautifully. For a lighter option, try olive oil.

Fresh Garlic
Minced garlic brings bold flavor and aroma. It’s the heart of this dish. If you’re short on time, garlic powder can substitute, but fresh garlic gives unbeatable depth.

Parmesan Cheese
This adds a salty, umami-rich kick to the butter. Nutritional yeast or grated Romano are solid alternatives if you’re out of parmesan.

Basil and Parsley
Fresh herbs brighten up the buttery richness. Dried herbs can be used in a pinch, but fresh is more vibrant.

Salt and Pepper
These balance out the richness and elevate all the other flavors.

Optional Dipping Sauces
Marinara, ranch, or creamy garlic sauce take these from a great snack to a restaurant-quality appetizer.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1
Preheat your oven to 400°F and lightly grease a large baking sheet with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2
Take your pre-made pizza dough and divide it into 16 even pieces. Roll each piece between your palms or on a lightly floured surface into a rope about 10 to 12 inches long.

Step 3
Tie each rope into a loose knot. Don’t overthink it—just like tying your shoelaces, but with dough. Tuck one end underneath and the other over the top, gently pressing them into place. This keeps the shape during baking.

Step 4
Place all your knots on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each one so they don’t stick together.

Step 5
Bake in the preheated oven for 14–16 minutes, or until the knots are golden brown and slightly crispy on the outside. They should feel firm to the touch but soft inside.

Step 6
While the knots bake, melt your butter in a small pan or microwave-safe bowl. Stir in the minced garlic, parmesan cheese, basil, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.

Step 7
Once the knots are done baking, immediately transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Pour the garlic butter mixture over the warm knots and gently toss to coat each piece evenly.

Step 8
Serve warm, with your favorite dipping sauce on the side or just as they are—they’re flavorful enough to stand alone.

Beginner Tips and Notes

• Dough too sticky to work with? Lightly oil your hands or sprinkle a little flour on your work surface. This makes shaping easier.
• Knots browning too fast? Cover them loosely with foil for the last few minutes of baking.
• No fresh garlic? Use 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder per clove as a quick substitute.
• Short on time? You can prepare the butter mixture while the knots bake, or even make it in advance and reheat gently.
• No brush to apply butter? Toss the knots in a bowl with the butter mixture—it’s just as effective and evenly coats them.

Serving Suggestions

Garlic knots pair beautifully with classic Italian mains like spaghetti, lasagna, or baked ziti. They also make an irresistible party snack on their own. Add a small bowl of warm marinara or creamy ranch dressing for dipping, and they’ll disappear fast.

Leftovers? Store any cooled garlic knots in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for 4–5 days. Reheat in a toaster oven or air fryer to bring back the crispy outside.

Conclusion

Whether you’re making these garlic knots for a weeknight family dinner or a last-minute get-together, they’re sure to impress. Simple, flavorful, and endlessly versatile, they’re a must-have in any beginner cook’s arsenal. Give this Garlic knots easy sheet pan dinner side a try and let me know how it turned out. Did you add your own twist? Share your version in the comments—I’d love to hear from you. Happy cooking!

FAQ About Garlic Knots

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