If you’re after a snack that’s ridiculously easy, irresistibly tasty, and perfect for sharing, you’ve come to the right place. I absolutely love this Garlic Parmesan Knots Recipe because it transforms simple canned pizza dough into buttery, garlicky, cheesy little bites that even my pickiest eaters gobble up. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through every step to ensure your knots come out beautifully golden and packed with flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: This recipe uses pre-made pizza dough, so no fussing with yeast or rising times.
- Flavor Packed: The combo of garlic, parmesan, and herbs hits all the right savory notes.
- Kid Friendly: My family goes crazy for these little knots, and they’re perfect for snacking or dinner sides.
- Versatile: You can easily customize the herbs and cheese to suit your taste or dietary needs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient list is short and sweet — and each component plays a big role in delivering that classic Garlic Parmesan Knots flavor you crave. Plus, these ingredients are easy to find, which is a win when you want a quick snack or side.
- Pizza dough: Using canned pizza dough means convenience without sacrificing texture — perfect thickness ready right out of the can.
- Butter: Melted and mixed with garlic and herbs, it’s what makes these knots buttery and rich.
- Garlic powder: For that garlicky punch without overpowering the knots or making your fingers too smelly.
- Dried oregano: Adds a subtle Mediterranean herby note that complements garlic perfectly.
- Fresh parsley: I like to use fresh for brightness, but dried works if that’s what you’ve got on hand.
- Parmesan cheese: Finely grated parmesan adds a salty, nutty richness that elevates these knots from simple to special.
- Cooking spray: To keep your baking sheet slick and ensure the knots don’t stick.
Variations
One of the things I love most about this Garlic Parmesan Knots Recipe is how easy it is to customize. Whether you want to make them extra cheesy, a little spicy, or even vegan-friendly, you can tailor them exactly to your cravings.
- Extra cheesy: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella or asiago on top before baking — my kids love the gooey cheese pull.
- Spicy twist: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the butter mixture for a gentle heat kick.
- Herb variations: Swap oregano and parsley with rosemary or thyme depending on your mood or pantry.
- Vegan option: Use vegan butter and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan — my vegetarian friends say it’s just as addictive.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Knots Recipe
Step 1: Shape the Knots
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F — that’s the perfect heat for golden, tender knots. Lay out your canned pizza dough flat on a clean surface. I like to use a pizza cutter here because it slices through the dough evenly and quickly (kitchen shears work too!). Cut the dough into 12 equal strips. Then, tie each strip into a little knot, tucking the ends neatly underneath so they hold their shape during baking.
Step 2: Mix the Garlic Parmesan Butter
In a small bowl, combine melted butter with garlic powder, dried oregano, chopped fresh parsley, and finely grated Parmesan cheese. I always reserve a little bit of this buttery mixture to brush on the knots right after they come out of the oven — it’s where the magic happens! Brush the rest generously over your knotted dough, so every bite gets that buttery, flavorful coating.
Step 3: Bake Until Golden
Place your prepared knots on a cooking-sprayed sheet pan and slide them into the oven. Bake for about 10 to 12 minutes, but keep an eye on them — the knots should turn a beautiful golden brown on top. Timing can vary slightly by oven, so don’t be afraid to peek. Once done, brush the reserved garlic parmesan butter all over the hot knots — you’ll love the extra burst of flavor and shine.
Pro Tips for Making Garlic Parmesan Knots Recipe
- Even Sizing Matters: Cutting the dough into equal strips helps them bake uniformly so no knot is under- or overcooked.
- Watch Your Oven: Every oven is different — start checking after 9 minutes to catch that perfect golden hue without burning.
- Fresh Herbs Shine: I always grab fresh parsley if I can — it adds bright color and a fresh pop of flavor.
- Don’t Skip the Butter Brush Post-Bake: Brushing the reserved garlic butter right after baking keeps the knots extra saucy and flavorful.
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Knots Recipe
Garnishes
I love to sprinkle a little extra finely grated Parmesan and fresh chopped parsley on top just before serving — it brightens up the look and adds a fresh zing that contrasts beautifully with the warm garlic butter.
Side Dishes
These knots are an absolute dream alongside a bowl of marinara sauce for dipping, a fresh green salad, or even with my favorite creamy tomato soup. They also pair beautifully with any pasta or cozy Italian dinners you have planned.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like to arrange the knots in a circular wreath shape on a large plate and put a small ramekin of marinara or garlic butter sauce in the center— it always makes guests smile and adds a festive touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover garlic knots in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When I reheat, they still taste great and retain much of their softness if I use the right method (more on that below).
Freezing
These knots freeze beautifully! I freeze them on a baking sheet first to keep their shape, then transfer to a freezer bag. When I want to enjoy them, I just pop them straight onto a baking sheet and bake at 350°F until warmed through, about 10-12 minutes.
Reheating
The best way I’ve found to reheat leftover garlic knots is in the oven — it keeps them crisp on the outside and soft inside. I avoid microwaving because that usually makes them tough or chewy. Wrapping in foil keeps them from drying out too much while reheating.
FAQs
-
Can I make Garlic Parmesan Knots Recipe from scratch without canned dough?
Absolutely! While I use canned pizza dough for simplicity, you can make your own homemade dough if you prefer. Just be sure your dough is rolled to a consistent thickness and is pliable enough to tie knots without tearing.
-
How do I prevent the knots from getting soggy?
Brushing the knots with butter before baking and again after baking actually helps keep them moist yet not soggy. Baking at a high enough temperature until golden also ensures they’re nicely crisped on the outside.
-
Can I substitute Parmesan cheese with another cheese?
Yes! Pecorino Romano offers a sharper flavor, and Asiago provides a nuttier taste. Just use finely grated cheese so it melts evenly.
-
What dipping sauces pair well with Garlic Parmesan Knots?
I love classic marinara, but ranch dressing, garlic butter sauce, or even a spicy arrabbiata sauce work wonderfully depending on your mood.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, this Garlic Parmesan Knots Recipe has become my go-to whenever I need a cozy, comforting snack or something simple to impress guests without breaking a sweat. I love how quick it is and how it fills the kitchen with buttery garlic aroma that everyone instantly loves. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed how these little knots turn a handful of simple ingredients into a mouthwatering treat your friends and family will ask for again and again.
Print
Garlic Parmesan Knots Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 12 knots
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
These Garlic Knots with Parmesan are a simple and delicious appetizer or snack made from canned pizza dough, brushed with a flavorful mixture of butter, garlic, herbs, and Parmesan cheese, then baked to golden perfection. Perfectly soft and buttery with a savory garlic kick, they pair wonderfully with marinara sauce for dipping.
Ingredients
Dough
- 1 13-ounce can pizza dough (refrigerated section)
Garlic Butter Mixture
- 5 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley (or 1 teaspoon dried parsley)
- 3 tablespoons finely grated Parmesan cheese
Other
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly coat a sheet pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Dough: Open the can of pizza dough and lay it flat on a clean surface. Slice the dough into 12 equal strips. Tie each strip into a knot shape, tucking the ends underneath to secure.
- Mix Butter Topping: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, garlic powder, dried oregano, parsley, and grated Parmesan cheese. Set aside 1 1/2 tablespoons of this mixture for brushing after baking.
- Coat Knots: Brush the remaining butter mixture generously over each dough knot, ensuring they’re well coated for flavor.
- Bake: Place the knots on the prepared sheet pan and bake for 10-12 minutes until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Finish and Serve: As soon as they come out of the oven, brush the reserved butter mixture over the knots for an extra burst of flavor. Serve warm, optionally with warm marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Using canned pizza dough simplifies the process and ensures perfectly textured knots without needing to roll out dough.
- A pizza cutter helps slice the dough evenly; kitchen shears work as an alternative.
- Serving with warm marinara sauce makes these knots an irresistible appetizer or side dish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 knot (approximately)
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 0.5 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 0.7 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *