Introduction
Garlic Parmesan Knots are soft, golden-brown rolls shaped into fun little knots, brushed with garlic butter, and sprinkled generously with Parmesan cheese. They’re pillowy on the inside, lightly crisp on the outside, and packed with rich garlicky flavor. These knots are the perfect side dish for pasta dinners, soups, or pizza night — or they can be served as an appetizer with a marinara dipping sauce.
The best part? They look impressive but are surprisingly simple to make. Whether you make them from scratch or with shortcut dough, these knots are guaranteed to steal the spotlight at your table.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it’s the ultimate comfort food. There’s something so satisfying about pulling apart a soft, buttery knot and smelling the garlic and Parmesan. They’re bite-sized, fun to eat, and versatile enough for any occasion. They also freeze well, making them a great make-ahead recipe for parties or busy weeknights.
Why This is a Must-Try Dish
- Deliciously addictive: Garlic, butter, and Parmesan — a winning combo.
- Versatile: Works as a snack, appetizer, or side dish.
- Crowd-pleasing: Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or parties.
- Beginner-friendly: Great intro to bread-making.
- Customizable: Easily flavored with herbs, spices, or even stuffed.
Recipe Information
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes (plus 1 hour for dough rising)
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: ~1 hour 35 minutes
- Servings: 12 knots
- Calories: ~160 per knot (approximate)
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Course: Appetizer, Side Dish, Snack
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 cup warm water (110°F / 43°C)
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for kneading)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
For the Garlic Butter Topping
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 3 garlic cloves, minced (or 1 tsp garlic powder)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Simple Cooking Directions
- Make dough and let rise.
- Roll into ropes, tie into knots, and bake until golden.
- Brush with garlic butter and sprinkle with Parmesan.
Step-by-Step Preparation
Step 1: Make the Dough
- In a bowl, mix yeast, warm water, and sugar. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Add flour, olive oil, and salt. Mix until dough forms.
- Knead for 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Step 2: First Rise
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise 1 hour or until doubled.
Step 3: Shape the Knots
- Punch down dough and divide into 12 equal pieces.
- Roll each piece into a rope (about 6 inches long).
- Tie into a simple knot and tuck ends underneath.
- Place knots on a lined baking sheet.
Step 4: Bake
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Bake knots for 12–15 minutes until golden brown.
Step 5: Add Garlic Butter
- Mix melted butter, garlic, and parsley.
- Brush warm knots with garlic butter.
- Sprinkle generously with Parmesan.
How to Serve
- Serve warm as a side with pasta, pizza, or soup.
- Offer with marinara sauce, Alfredo sauce, or ranch for dipping.
- Arrange on a platter as an appetizer for parties.
Additional Recipe Tips
- For extra cheesiness, add mozzarella inside before tying into knots.
- Use bread flour instead of all-purpose for chewier knots.
- Double the garlic butter for dipping sauce.
- Brush again with garlic butter right before serving for maximum flavor.
Variations
- Herb Knots: Add oregano, basil, or Italian seasoning to the garlic butter.
- Cheesy Stuffed Knots: Wrap dough around a cube of mozzarella before tying.
- Spicy Knots: Add red pepper flakes to garlic butter.
- Shortcut Version: Use store-bought pizza dough to save time.
Freezing & Storage
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days.
- Refrigeration: Store up to 5 days; reheat before serving.
- Freezing: Freeze baked knots for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes.
Special Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Baking sheet (lined with parchment)
- Pastry brush (for garlic butter)
Conclusion
Garlic Parmesan Knots are soft, garlicky, cheesy, and absolutely irresistible. With their beautiful shape and bold flavor, they’re a restaurant-style treat you can easily make at home. Whether you enjoy them as a side, appetizer, or snack, these knots are guaranteed to be a hit at your table — simple to prepare, yet unforgettable in taste.
Garlic Parmesan Knots
Description
Garlic Parmesan Knots are soft, golden-brown rolls shaped into fun little knots, brushed with garlic butter, and sprinkled generously with Parmesan cheese. They’re pillowy on the inside, lightly crisp on the outside, and packed with rich garlicky flavor.
Ingredients
For the Dough
For the Garlic Butter Topping
Instructions
-
Step 1: Make the Dough : In a bowl, mix yeast, warm water, and sugar. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy. Add flour, olive oil, and salt. Mix until dough forms. Knead for 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
-
Step 2: First Rise : Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise 1 hour or until doubled.
-
Step 3: Shape the Knots : Punch down dough and divide into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope (about 6 inches long). Tie into a simple knot and tuck ends underneath. Place knots on a lined baking sheet.
-
Step 4: Bake : Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake knots for 12–15 minutes until golden brown.
-
Step 5: Add Garlic Butter : Mix melted butter, garlic, and parsley. Brush warm knots with garlic butter. Sprinkle generously with Parmesan.
