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Garlic Knots: The Ultimate Guide to Perfect, Cheesy Goodness


  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 30-40 garlic knots 1x

Description

Soft, flavorful garlic knots brushed with a fragrant garlic herb oil, perfect as an appetizer or side dish.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound pizza dough, store-bought or homemade
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, plus more for serving
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Optional: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, for a little heat
  • Optional: 2 tablespoons melted butter, for brushing after baking

Instructions

  1. Prepare Garlic Herb Oil: In a small bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of olive oil, minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, parsley, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix well and set aside.
  2. Shape the Knots: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  3. Lightly flour a clean work surface.
  4. Divide the pizza dough in half.
  5. Roll one half of the dough into a long rope, about 1 inch thick.
  6. Cut the rope into 1-inch pieces (about 15-20 pieces per half).
  7. Roll one piece of dough into a rope about 6-8 inches long.
  8. Form a knot by looping one end of the rope over the other and tucking the ends underneath.
  9. Place the knot on the prepared baking sheet.
  10. Repeat steps 6-9 with the remaining pieces of dough, spacing them evenly.
  11. Coat and Bake: Brush the tops of the knots generously with half of the garlic herb oil mixture.
  12. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
  13. While baking, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil (or butter, if using).
  14. Once out of the oven, brush immediately with the remaining garlic herb oil mixture and the melted olive oil (or butter).
  15. Serve: Sprinkle with extra Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately. Optional: Serve with marinara sauce for dipping.

Notes

  • Cheese Lovers: Add mozzarella cheese to the knots before baking.
  • Spicy Knots: Add more red pepper flakes to the garlic herb oil.
  • Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs like basil, rosemary, or thyme.
  • Sweet Garlic Knots: Brush the baked knots with a mixture of melted butter, honey, and cinnamon.
  • Make Ahead: Prepare the knots ahead of time and store in the refrigerator. Add a few minutes to the baking time.
  • Freezing: Baked garlic knots can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw completely before reheating.
  • Knots are too dry: Make sure you’re using enough olive oil in the garlic herb mixture. You can also brush the knots with extra melted butter after baking.
  • Knots are burning: Reduce the oven temperature slightly and keep a closer eye on them. You can also tent the baking sheet with foil to prevent them from browning too quickly.
  • Knots are not cooking through: Make sure your oven is properly preheated. You may need to increase the baking time slightly.
  • Dough is too sticky: Add a little more flour to your work surface.
  • Dough is not rising: If you’re using homemade dough, make sure your yeast is active. You can test the yeast by adding it to warm water with a pinch of sugar. If it foams up, it’s good to go.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes