My Favorite Pizza Night Appetizer
Hello, my dear. Come sit. Let’s talk about the best garlic knots. They are my favorite thing to make for pizza night. The smell fills the whole house. Doesn’t that smell amazing? It tells everyone that a good meal is coming.
This homemade garlic knots recipe is easier than you think. You just mix, let it rise, and tie little knots. I love that part. It feels like playing with edible string. This matters because cooking should be fun, not fussy. What is your favorite thing to eat on a pizza night? I would love to know.
The Secret is in the Dough
Good dough is soft and friendly. For these herby garlic knots, we add flavor right inside. A little garlic powder and Italian seasoning go in the flour. It makes every single bite tasty. I learned this trick years ago from a neighbor.
She brought over a basket of warm knots. I still laugh at that. I ate three before I even asked for the recipe! *Fun fact: the sugar and warm water wake up the yeast. That’s what makes the dough puff up so nice.* If you like easy bread recipes, you might also enjoy this garlic herb crown roast of pork for a special Sunday.
Tying the Perfect Knot
Now for the fun part. How to make garlic knots is simple. Roll a piece of dough into a short rope. Then just tie a loose knot, like you’re tying your shoe. Tuck the ends underneath. Don’t worry if they are not perfect. Mine never are!
This matters because homemade food has character. It shows someone’s hands made it. Let them rest before baking. They will get a little puffy again. While you wait, you could start a simple side, like this Gouda garlic thyme holiday potato bake.
The Garlic Butter Magic
The real magic happens after baking. You make a simple garlic butter. Melt butter and add fresh grated garlic. Please use fresh garlic here. It makes all the difference for these parmesan garlic knots. The heat cooks the garlic just enough.
Brush it on the hot knots right from the oven. The bread soaks it all up. Then sprinkle with parmesan. Oh my. Have you ever made garlic butter knots before? What is your secret ingredient? For another great garlic butter idea, try this easy garlic butter shrimp and rice.
Time to Share and Dip
Serve these garlic knots with marinara sauce for dipping. The warm, herby bread with cool, tangy sauce is perfect. It is the ultimate start to any meal. I always make a double batch. They disappear so fast!
This recipe is a keeper. It turns simple ingredients into something special. That is the heart of good cooking. If you love garlic, you might also like this garlic and herb roasted Christmas reds for your veggies. Now, tell me, what will you serve with your first batch of homemade garlic knots?
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bread flour | 3 cups | For the dough |
| Instant yeast | 2 teaspoons | For the dough |
| Kosher salt | 1 teaspoon | For the dough |
| Sugar | 2 teaspoons | For the dough |
| Garlic powder | 1/2 teaspoon | For the dough |
| Italian seasoning | 1/2 teaspoon | For the dough |
| Milk powder | 4 teaspoons | Optional, for the dough |
| Warm water (105ºF) | 1 cup + 2 tablespoons | For the dough |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons | For the dough |
| Butter, melted | 6 tablespoons | For the garlic butter |
| Italian seasoning | 1/4 teaspoon | For the garlic butter |
| Garlic cloves, grated | 5 cloves | For the garlic butter |
| Parsley, minced | 1 tablespoon | For the garlic butter |
| Parmesan cheese, grated | 1-2 tablespoons | For topping |
Instructions
Step 1: Let’s make the dough. Mix all your dry dough ingredients in a bowl. Pour in the warm water and oil. Mix until a soft dough forms. Knead it for 10 minutes until it’s smooth. (A warm kitchen helps your dough rise faster!). This is the start of your best garlic knots.
Step 2: Let the dough rise in a covered bowl. Wait until it doubles in size. This takes about an hour. I love this quiet time. It’s perfect for planning your pizza night appetizer menu. Doesn’t that smell amazing already?
Step 3: Now, shape your homemade garlic knots. Divide the dough into 18 pieces. Roll each into a little rope. Then, simply tie it into a knot. Tuck the ends underneath. See? Learning how to make garlic knots is fun! Which shape is trickiest for you? Share below!
Step 4: Bake your knots until they’re golden. While they bake, make the garlic butter. Melt butter with fresh garlic and herbs. That fragrance is pure happiness. Brush this magic on the hot knots. Finally, shower them with parmesan for perfect parmesan garlic knots. I still laugh at how quickly these disappear!
Creative Twists
Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for a little kick. Mix some shredded mozzarella into the dough before knotting for a cheesy pull. Use this dough to make a garlic butter knots twist on holiday bread. Which one would you try first? Comment below!Serving & Pairing Ideas
These herby garlic knots are fantastic all by themselves. For a real treat, serve them with warm marinara sauce for dipping. They also make a cozy side for a bowl of soup or stew. I love how this easy bread recipe completes any meal. Which would you choose tonight?
Keeping Your Garlic Knots Fresh and Warm
Let’s talk about keeping your homemade garlic knots tasting great. These treats are best eaten warm, right from the oven. But you can make them ahead for your next pizza night appetizer. Store cooled knots in a sealed bag at room temperature for two days.
For longer storage, freeze them. Place baked and cooled knots on a tray. Freeze them solid, then pop them into a freezer bag. I once forgot a batch in my freezer for a month. They reheated perfectly! This easy bread recipe is perfect for batch cooking.
To reheat, warm frozen knots in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes. This brings back their soft inside and crispy edge. Batch cooking matters because it saves you time on busy nights. You always have a delicious snack ready. Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!
Simple Fixes for Common Bread Troubles
Sometimes our baking doesn’t go as planned. Do not worry. Here are three easy fixes. First, if your dough is too sticky, add a little more flour. I remember when my first dough stuck to everything. Just add one tablespoon at a time until it feels right.
Second, if your knots are dense, the yeast may be old. Always check the date on your yeast packet. Fresh yeast makes light, fluffy bread. Third, if the garlic burns in your butter, cook it on very low heat. Burnt garlic tastes bitter.
Fixing these issues builds your cooking confidence. You learn how ingredients work together. It also makes sure your herby garlic knots taste amazing every time. Good flavor comes from careful, simple steps. Which of these problems have you run into before?
Your Quick Questions, Answered
What seasoning is good for garlic knots?
Italian seasoning is perfect for garlic knots. It has dried basil, oregano, and rosemary. You can add it right into the dough. Also, brush the finished knots with garlic butter. Then sprinkle on grated parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. This creates the best garlic knots full of herby, cheesy flavor everyone loves.
How do you make quick and easy garlic Parmesan knots?
Use store-bought pizza dough to save time. Just cut it into strips and tie knots. Bake them until golden brown. While they bake, melt butter with grated garlic. Brush this garlic butter on the hot knots. Finally, shower them with parmesan cheese. You will have tasty parmesan garlic knots in no time.
What’s the secret to a creamy garlic Parmesan?
The secret is using fresh, finely grated garlic and real butter. Melt the butter gently so it does not burn. Cook the garlic for just 30 seconds until fragrant. Then mix in the parmesan. The warmth from the butter melts the cheese into a creamy sauce. It is perfect for dipping or brushing on bread.
What sauce goes best with garlic knots?
Marinara sauce is the classic choice. The tangy tomato flavor pairs wonderfully with the rich, buttery knots. You can also try a creamy ranch or a simple garlic herb dip. For a different twist, a cheesy dip works great too. Garlic knots with marinara is always a winning combination.
What seasoning for garlic knots?
Keep it simple with garlic powder and Italian seasoning in the dough. After baking, use the garlic butter wash. It has fresh garlic, parsley, and more Italian seasoning. Do not forget the parmesan cheese on top. This combination makes the most flavorful garlic butter knots. It is the heart of this garlic knots recipe.
What seasoning goes well with garlic?
Garlic loves herbs like parsley, basil, and oregano. These are in Italian seasoning. It also pairs well with thyme and rosemary. A *fun fact*: garlic and parsley are best friends in cooking. The parsley keeps the garlic flavor fresh. You can see this pair in dishes like roasted potatoes or garlic butter shrimp.
Which tip will you try first?
From My Kitchen to Yours
I hope you love making these herby, cheesy knots. Baking bread fills your home with the best smell. It is a simple joy to share with family. I would love to hear about your baking adventure. Did your family gobble them up? Have you tried this recipe? Tell me all about it in the comments below.
Happy cooking!
—Elowen Thorn
Savory Parmesan Garlic Knots
Description
These soft, fluffy Herby Parmesan Garlic Knots are brushed with a fragrant garlic butter and sprinkled with cheese for the ultimate savory side or snack.
Ingredients
Garlic Knots:
Garlic butter:
Instructions
- MIX: Add the dry ingredients for the dough to the bowl of a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment. Run the mixer to combine. Make a well in the center and pour the water and oil in there. Start the mixer on low until the flour is moist, about 2 minutes. Then kick the speed up to medium-high and knead for 10-12 minutes or until the dough pulls away from the sides of the mixer and is soft but not sticky.
- PROOF: Place the dough in a bowl that’s lightly sprayed with cooking spray. Cover and let rise for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
- SHAPE: Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat the oven to 400ºF. Line a baking sheet with a piece of parchment; set aside. Dump the dough on a lightly floured surface. Divide into 18 equal pieces. Roll the dough into a 6 inch rope and make a knot in the center. I usually tuck the ends under the body.
- BAKE: Place the knots on a baking tray. Cover the tray with plastic wrap (sprayed with oil) or a lightly damp towel, and let rest for 30 minutes. Then, bake the knots for 11-14 minutes or until the tops are golden. Prepare the garlic butter while they’re baking.
- BRUSH: Melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Then, add the Italian seasoning, and garlic and cook just long enough for the garlic to become fragrant, about 30 seconds. Sprinkle with parsley and a pinch of salt. When the knots are hot out of the oven brush them with the prepared garlic butter and sprinkle with grated parmesan. Serve warm.
Notes
- For best results, serve the garlic knots immediately after brushing with the garlic butter. The milk powder in the dough is optional but adds a slight richness and helps with browning.