Garlic Parmesan Knots are soft, fluffy bread tied up in fun shapes and slathered in buttery garlic goodness. Topped off with bright, cheesy Parmesan, these little bites are oh-so-yummy!
These knots are perfect for sharing or just enjoying with a movie night. I can’t help but munch on a few straight from the oven, trying not to burn my fingers in the process! 😂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pizza Dough: You can use store-bought dough for convenience, or make your own if you’re feeling adventurous. If you’re gluten-free, look for gluten-free pizza dough options or use a ready-made gluten-free bread dough.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds the best flavor, but if you’re in a pinch, garlic powder works too. Use 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder per clove to substitute.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan gives these knots their cheesy kick. If you need a dairy-free option, try nutritional yeast for a similar flavor. Pecorino Romano is a great alternative if you want something sharper.
Butter: Unsalted butter is great for this recipe, but you can use olive oil for a lighter version. It adds a nice flavor too!
How Do I Shape the Knots Perfectly?
Shaping the knots might seem tricky at first, but it’s pretty simple! Here’s how to do it:
- Once you’ve cut your dough into strips, take one strip and make a loose knot by crossing one end over the other.
- Gently pull the ends to create the knot and tuck them underneath the dough to keep everything in place.
- Don’t worry about making them perfect—each knot has its own character!
- Make sure to leave enough space on the baking sheet for the knots to expand a bit while baking.
With a little practice, you’ll have a whole tray of beautiful knots ready to bake!
Garlic Parmesan Knots
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 (16-ounce) package pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Optional: extra Parmesan for sprinkling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare and around 15-18 minutes to bake, making a total of about 30 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick snack or appetizer!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This way, it will be ready by the time you’re done preparing the knots. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to make clean-up easy.
2. Prepare the Dough:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a rectangle about 12 by 14 inches. If the dough is sticking, just sprinkle a little more flour. Don’t worry about making it perfect; just get it as flat as you can!
3. Cut and Shape the Knots:
Using a pizza cutter or a sharp knife, slice the dough into 12 equal strips, approximately 1 inch wide. Take a strip and tie it into a loose knot, then tuck the ends underneath. Place each knot on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between them.
4. Prepare the Garlic Butter Mixture:
In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. This delicious mixture will give your knots their fantastic flavor!
5. Brush on the Flavor:
Using a pastry brush (or even the back of a spoon), generously brush each knot with the garlic butter mixture. Make sure they’re nicely coated for that yummy garlic flavor!
6. Bake the Knots:
Now it’s time to bake! Place the baking sheet in the oven and let the knots bake for 15-18 minutes, or until they are golden brown. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
7. Final Touches:
Once the knots are golden and done baking, take them out of the oven and brush them again with any leftover garlic butter. While they’re still warm, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley for an extra burst of flavor.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Grab a plate and serve those delicious Garlic Parmesan Knots warm! They’re a fantastic appetizer or a perfect side dish with pasta, salad, or soup. Enjoy every cheesy, garlicky bite!
Can I Use Store-Bought Pizza Dough?
Absolutely! Store-bought pizza dough makes this recipe quick and easy. Just roll it out and follow the instructions as usual. It’s a great time-saver!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Garlic Parmesan Knots in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 5-10 minutes to bring back that freshly baked flavor!
Can I Make These Knots in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the knots and refrigerate them unbaked for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just brush on the garlic butter, and they may need a few extra minutes in the oven if they’re cold.
What Can I Substitute for Parmesan Cheese?
If you don’t have Parmesan on hand or prefer a different flavor, try using Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a vegan option. Both will still give you a tasty finish!