Deliciously Easy Garlic Knots

Unlock the secret to bakery-quality bread at home with these irresistible Easy Homemade Garlic Knots. Imagine biting into a warm, soft, golden-brown roll, glistening with fragrant herbed garlic butter – that’s the dream these knots deliver. They’re not just incredibly flavorful; they’re also astonishingly fast to prepare, making them a perfect addition to any weeknight dinner or special gathering. The best part? We leverage the convenience of refrigerated pizza dough, cutting down on prep time without compromising on taste or texture. Get ready for your kitchen to be filled with the intoxicating aroma of a classic Italian pizzeria!

Dipping a golden-brown garlic knot into a vibrant marinara sauce, highlighting its soft texture and herbed butter glaze.

Homemade Garlic Knots with Pizza Dough: The Ultimate Weeknight Hero

There’s an undeniable magic to a fresh, warm dinner roll, straight from the oven, that captivates even the most carb-averse diners. Its soft interior, slightly crisp exterior, and inviting aroma create an experience that transcends a simple side dish. This phenomenon is especially true for garlic knots, which boast a unique charm and flavor profile.

For those times when you crave a homemade touch but are short on time, these garlic knots made with store-bought refrigerated pizza dough are an absolute game-changer. Forget the lengthy process of kneading, proofing, and waiting. Our recipe streamlines bread making into a simple, enjoyable task. You won’t need specialized bakery equipment or hours of rising time. All that’s required is a sharp knife to portion the dough and a reliable baking sheet to achieve golden perfection. This simplicity makes it an ideal recipe for beginner bakers or busy parents looking for a quick and impressive side dish.

Beyond their ease, these garlic knots are a feast for the eyes. The elegant knotted shape transforms simple strips of dough into visually appealing spirals, baking up beautifully golden and shiny. But it’s the warm, aromatic garlic butter that truly sets them apart. As they bake, your kitchen will fill with a savory fragrance reminiscent of your favorite Italian restaurant or bustling New York pizzeria – a heavenly scent that promises a delightful culinary experience.

A generous pile of freshly baked garlic knots arranged on a rustic plate, with a small bowl of marinara dipping sauce placed invitingly beside them.

The Origins of Garlic Knots: A New York Classic

Garlic knots are more than just a delicious bread roll; they are a quintessential culinary icon of New York City, deeply rooted in the vibrant culture of its pizzerias. While the exact borough of their birth remains a friendly debate – with some attributing their creation to Brooklyn and others to Queens – there’s no doubt that these savory delights emerged from the ingenuity of New York’s pizza makers. It’s widely believed that sometime in the mid-20th century, resourceful pizzeria owners sought to minimize waste by transforming leftover pizza dough into these delectable little rolls. Dressed simply with garlic and olive oil or butter, they quickly became a beloved, inexpensive treat.

Early fans fondly recall garlic knots as small, palm-sized morsels, often sold for mere pennies alongside a slice of pizza. Over the decades, their popularity soared, and their form evolved. Today, you can find them in various sizes, from compact, bite-sized pieces to larger, more substantial rolls resembling pretzels or even small croissants. While the traditional preparation remains a favorite, modern variations sometimes include toppings like melted mozzarella or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Regardless of their size or added embellishments, the classic garlic knot experience often involves serving them with a side of warm marinara sauce for dipping, creating a perfect symphony of flavors and textures that continues to delight generations.

Key ingredients for homemade garlic knots: a stick of butter, a shaker of Italian seasoning, a roll of refrigerated pizza dough, and a small dish of freshly minced garlic.

Essential Ingredients for Your Garlic Knots

This recipe boasts a delightfully short ingredient list, making it incredibly accessible for spontaneous baking sessions. Keeping these pantry staples on hand ensures you can whip up a batch of warm garlic knots whenever the craving strikes, even on the busiest of weeknights.

Refrigerated Pizza Dough: The star of this quick recipe! One 13.8-ounce can of refrigerated pizza dough is typically enough to yield about 12 perfectly sized garlic knots. Its pre-made nature eliminates the need for yeast, kneading, and proofing, dramatically cutting down on preparation time.
Unsalted Butter: Approximately 5 tablespoons of melted butter serve as the luxurious base for our herbed garlic topping. Unsalted butter allows you to control the overall sodium content of your knots. If you only have salted butter, simply reduce any additional salt in the recipe or adjust to taste.
Fresh Garlic: The heart and soul of any garlic knot! Three cloves of freshly minced garlic provide that pungent, aromatic kick that makes these rolls so addictive. For an even more intense flavor, you can roast the garlic first, or for a milder touch, finely grate it. If fresh garlic isn’t available, one teaspoon of garlic powder can be substituted, though fresh always yields the best flavor.
Italian Seasoning: A robust blend of dried herbs like oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary. This seasoning infuses the butter with classic Italian flavors, complementing the garlic beautifully. Feel free to adjust the amount to your preference or even add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle heat.
Marinara Sauce: While optional, a warm side of marinara sauce is highly recommended for dipping. Its tangy tomato base perfectly balances the rich, savory garlic knots, creating a truly authentic pizzeria experience.

Strips of unbaked pizza dough, neatly tied into knot shapes, arranged on a lightly floured cutting board, ready for seasoning and baking.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Homemade Garlic Knots

Making homemade garlic knots is a straightforward and enjoyable process, even for novice bakers. This recipe focuses on creating generously sized knots, similar to a croissant, offering a satisfying bite. If you prefer smaller knots, simply follow the cutting instructions and then halve each strip before shaping. Gently stretch and roll each piece slightly to form a thin rope, perfect for tying into elegant mini knots.

Prepare Your Workspace and Dough: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures the oven is at the optimal temperature for even baking as soon as your knots are ready. Next, line a standard baking sheet with parchment paper. This crucial step prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Carefully open the can of refrigerated pizza dough and gently unroll it onto a clean cutting board or a lightly floured work surface. Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, divide the dough evenly into 12 strips. Each strip should be approximately ¾ to 1 inch wide to ensure consistent knot size and baking.
Master the Art of Tying Knots: Now for the most engaging part! Take each dough strip and form it into a simple knot shape. The easiest method is to hold one end of the dough strip in each hand, then tie it just like you would a shoelace, creating a single, loose knot. As you tie each one, gently tuck the loose ends underneath the knot to create a neat, compact shape. Arrange the formed knots on your prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each to allow for expansion during baking.
Craft the Aromatic Garlic Butter: In a small, microwave-safe bowl, melt the 5 tablespoons of unsalted butter. You can do this in short 15-second bursts in the microwave until fully liquid, or in a small saucepan over low heat on the stovetop. Once melted, stir in the minced fresh garlic and the Italian seasoning until well combined. This creates the fragrant, flavorful glaze that will transform your plain dough into savory garlic knots.
Brush and Bake to Golden Perfection: Using a pastry brush, liberally coat the tops and sides of each dough knot with the herbed melted butter. Ensure every surface is glistening for maximum flavor and a beautiful golden crust. Carefully place the baking sheet into your preheated oven. Bake for approximately 16 to 18 minutes, or until the knots achieve a beautiful golden-brown color on top and are cooked through. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes, as oven temperatures can vary.
Serve Warm and Enjoy: Once baked to perfection, remove the garlic knots from the oven. Allow them to cool for just a minute or two on the baking sheet before transferring them to a serving platter. These are best enjoyed warm, so serve them immediately with a side of your favorite marinara sauce for dipping. The combination of the warm, soft bread with the tangy sauce is truly unparalleled!

Unbaked garlic knots, beautifully arranged on a parchment-lined baking tray, each generously brushed with herbed garlic butter and ready for the oven.

Pro Tips for Garlic Knot Perfection

This easy recipe is not only fun to make, but it’s also a fantastic activity to involve children in the kitchen! Before you start cutting and tying, take a moment to review these helpful tips to ensure your garlic knots turn out perfectly every time.

Ingredient Substitutions & Flavor Boosters: While butter provides a rich flavor, you can certainly substitute part or all of it with high-quality extra virgin olive oil for a slightly lighter, more traditional Italian taste. For a fresh herbal note, replace the Italian seasoning with finely chopped fresh parsley or a combination of parsley, oregano, and basil. For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a pinch of garlic salt instead of plain salt, or a tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese to the butter mixture before brushing.
Get Creative with Shapes: Don’t feel limited to the classic knot! If you’re feeling adventurous or simply want a different look, these dough strips are incredibly versatile. Try shaping them into elegant twists, fun pretzel shapes, or simple short sticks. No matter the form, the garlic-butter flavor will shine through. You can even experiment with mini-buns by simply rolling the strips into small balls.
Exploring Different Dough Options: This recipe brilliantly uses refrigerated pizza dough for speed and convenience, but your options don’t end there! If you enjoy baking from scratch, feel free to use your favorite homemade pizza dough recipe. Alternatively, refrigerated biscuit dough can also be a fantastic substitute. To use biscuit dough, simply cut each unbaked biscuit in half, then roll each half into a rope approximately 6-8 inches long. Once you have your ropes, proceed with tying them into knots and follow the recipe instructions as written. This offers a slightly different texture but is equally delicious.
Achieving the Perfect Golden Crust: For an exceptionally golden and slightly crisp exterior, you can brush the knots with a thin egg wash (one egg beaten with a tablespoon of water) before applying the garlic butter. This adds a beautiful sheen and helps achieve that desirable crackly crust.
Serving Suggestions Beyond Marinara: While marinara is a classic pairing, don’t limit yourself! These garlic knots are fantastic alongside a hearty pasta dish, dipped into a warm bowl of minestrone soup, or as a savory accompaniment to a fresh green salad. They’re also superb with a creamy alfredo sauce or even just a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese.

A close-up shot of a garlic knot being dipped into marinara sauce, emphasizing its soft, airy interior and golden, buttery crust.

How to Store and Reheat Leftover Garlic Knots

If you’re lucky enough to have any garlic knots left over (a rare occurrence!), proper storage and reheating techniques will ensure they remain as delicious as they were fresh from the oven.

Storage Guidelines: To keep your garlic knots fresh, place them in airtight containers or sturdy food storage bags. The ideal spot for storage is a cool, dry place like a pantry or a bread box, away from direct sunlight and heat. They will maintain their quality at room temperature for up to five days. It’s crucial to avoid refrigerating your garlic knots, as the cold environment can cause them to lose moisture rapidly, leading to a stale and dry texture much faster than if stored at room temperature.
Reheating for Freshness: To bring your garlic knots back to life, place them in a toaster oven or a conventional oven preheated to 350°F (175°C). Reheat for just a few minutes, typically 5-7 minutes, or until they are warmed through and regain a slight crispness on the exterior. Be careful not to overcook them, as this can dry them out. For a quick refresh, a microwave can be used, but only for 10-15 seconds per knot, as prolonged microwaving can make them chewy.

Can I Freeze Garlic Knots for Later?

Absolutely! Freezing garlic knots is an excellent way to prepare them in advance, providing a convenient and delicious side dish ready to bake whenever you need it. This method is perfect for meal prepping or ensuring you always have a quick homemade treat on hand.

Freezing Unbaked Knots: Once you have shaped your dough strips into knots and brushed them with the herbed garlic butter, arrange them in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Place the entire sheet pan into the freezer until the knots are completely frozen solid – this usually takes about 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer the solid knots into freezer-safe bags or airtight containers, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label with the date. They will last beautifully in the freezer for up to one month.
Baking from Frozen: When you’re ready to bake, there’s no need to thaw! Simply arrange the frozen knots on a parchment-lined baking sheet and place them directly into a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven. You will need to increase the baking time by approximately 5 to 10 minutes, so expect them to bake for 21-28 minutes total, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time to ensure perfect results.
Freezing Baked Knots: While best enjoyed fresh, you can also freeze baked garlic knots. Allow them to cool completely, then store them in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 2-3 weeks. To reheat, thaw them at room temperature for an hour, then warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes until soft and warm.

Easy Homemade Garlic Knots

by
Katerina | Easy Weeknight Recipes

Freshly-baked and shining with herbed garlic butter, these easy Garlic Knots are the soft, flavorful dinner rolls of your dreams!

Prep Time:
10

Cook Time:
18

Total Time:
30

Servings:
12

Ingredients

1 can (13.8 ounces) refrigerated pizza dough
5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Marinara, for serving

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Open the can of refrigerated pizza dough and gently unroll onto a cutting board. With a sharp knife, cut into 12 even strips about ¾-inch in width.
Fold each dough strip into a knot shape, and place on the prepared baking sheet. You can create the knot shape by holding one end of the dough in each hand and tying into a single knot. Tuck the loose ends underneath.
In a small bowl, melt the butter on low heat in the microwave. Stir in the Italian seasonings and minced garlic.
Using a pastry brush, evenly coat the tops of the dough knots with the herbed butter mixture.
Place the baking sheet into the preheated oven, and bake for 16 to 18 minutes, or until golden on top.
Remove the pan from the oven, and serve the garlic knots warm with marinara sauce for dipping.

Nutrition

Nutritional info is an estimate and provided as courtesy. Values may vary according to the ingredients and tools used. Please use your preferred nutritional calculator for more detailed info.

More Easy Bread Recipes to Try

If you loved making these garlic knots, you’ll be thrilled to discover more simple and delicious bread recipes that are perfect for any occasion. Expand your baking repertoire with these fantastic options:

No Knead Dutch Oven Bread: Experience the joy of rustic, artisan bread with minimal effort. This recipe delivers a perfectly crusty exterior and a soft, airy interior every time.
Easy Homemade Flatbread Recipe: Versatile and quick, this flatbread is perfect for dipping, wraps, or as a base for pizzas. It’s a fundamental recipe that opens up a world of culinary possibilities.
Air Fryer Red Lobster Biscuits: Recreate the beloved cheesy, garlicky biscuits from your favorite seafood restaurant right in your air fryer. They’re incredibly tender and packed with flavor, making them an instant crowd-pleaser.