Garlic knots are one of those small joys that make any meal feel a little more indulgent. They’re soft, golden, and generously brushed with a fragrant garlic-butter mixture that’s impossible to resist. Whether you serve them as a side to pasta, with a bowl of soup, or just eat them on their own, garlic knots always bring comfort and flavor to the table.
Making garlic knots at home is easier than you might think. You can use homemade pizza dough if you have the time, or keep things simple with store-bought dough, both work beautifully. Once the dough is portioned, it’s rolled into strips and tied into knots. It’s a fun, hands-on process that doesn’t need to be perfect, in fact, their slightly irregular shapes make them even more charming.
While the knots bake until golden brown, you make the magic: a warm mixture of melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, and a touch of salt. Some people like to add a pinch of grated parmesan for extra flavor, and it’s a great option if you’re going for that classic pizzeria vibe.
As soon as the knots come out of the oven, they’re brushed with the garlic butter so it soaks into every nook and cranny. The result is a tender, buttery roll with crispy edges and a bold, garlicky finish. Serve them warm and fresh, they’re best that way, and watch how quickly they disappear.
Garlic knots are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. They’re great for family dinners, game day spreads, or even just as a snack with some marinara sauce for dipping. You can even prep them ahead of time and reheat before serving.
Simple, flavorful, and always satisfying, garlic knots turn humble dough into something truly crave-worthy. Try them once, and they’ll become a regular request at your table.
Ingredients
- 1 pound pizza dough
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp parsley chopped, fresh
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese grated
- salt to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Roll out the pizza dough into a rectangle on a lightly floured surface.
- Cut the dough into thin strips, about 1/2 inch wide.
- Twist each strip into a knot and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
- While the knots are baking, mix together the melted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Remove the knots from the oven and brush with the garlic butter mixture while still warm.
- Sprinkle with salt to taste.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Garlic knots are the best! I love that you use pizza dough! So clever!!!
Why use fresh parsley? Dried herbs work just fine… right?
These garlic knots are amazing! I made them for my family and they disappeared in minutes. So easy to follow the recipe. Definitely a keeper!
Not gonna lie, I was skeptical about only baking 12-15 minutes. Turns out they crisp up nicely though. Garlic flavor was strong (in a good way).
Same here—I didn’t think 12–15 min would do it, but “golden brown” is the real tell. That garlic-butter brush at the end really makes them pop.
I didn’t have parmesan, so I used cheddar instead. They don’t taste the same, but they still came out pretty good!
Cheddar? That’s not even close to the original idea! But if it worked for you, great.
Cheddar sounds interesting! I might try that next time. Glad they turned out good!
These garlic knots are AMAZING! I couldn’t stop eating them. 💖
I tried these too! They are super good, just like you said! 😍
They look great, but my dough never rises. Any tips?
Garlic knots? More like garlic dreams! 😍
Why do we need to twist the dough, can’t we just make balls? Seems unnecessary.
Twisting the dough gives it more surface area to soak up that garlicky goodness. Trust me, it makes a difference!
Wow. Best snack with soup ever. My kids ate them all. 400 is the sweet spot.
1 pound dough… okay but mine didn’t cut into neat strips lol. They looked messy. Tasted fine, but I’m not sure I did Step 2 right.
Too salty for my taste. I dunno if I did it wrong or what, but it wasn’t for me.
These came out dangerously good. The garlic butter soak is legit and the parmesan makes them taste like a fancy pizza place. I’d make a whole batch again.
I was a bit skeptical at first. I thought they would be too buttery, but they turned out just right! I might add more garlic next time though.
Yum! I put a bit of extra cheese on top, turned out great. Dinner’s sorted!
Easy enough for a weeknight, and the timing was pretty accurate (mine took closer to 15 min). Next time I’ll chop the parsley a bit finer so it distributes better.
These garlic knots are amazing! They’re a total hit at family dinners.
Mine were a bit more “bready” than I expected, but still tasty. Next time I’ll cut slightly thinner strips and watch them closer at 12 minutes so they get extra golden.
Garlic knots? Aren’t those just mini breadsticks?
Not really! Garlic knots are twisted and brushed with garlic butter, so they’re way better! 😋
Super easy to make! I used ready-made dough and it worked just fine.
I love how simple this is! Ready-made dough is a total time-saver. Can’t wait to try it!
I followed the recipe but they came out too doughy. Maybe I didn’t bake long enough? Not sure. 😕
Wow, so garlicky and cheesy! I could eat these for every meal!
Used store-bought dough and they still turned out delightful! Easy recipe!
This recipe is whack! Doesn’t even mention how long to knead the dough! Ugh.
I made these for a party and everyone gobbled them up! So happy they were a hit!
Followed the recipe exactly and my knots didn’t brown much. I think my oven runs cool. Also I forgot to mince the garlic super fine so it was a little punchy in spots.
Ugh, that’s frustrating. If your oven runs cool, they’ll definitely stay pale even if you follow the timing. Next time try 425°F or just bake a few extra minutes until they’re actually golden. Also, “punchy” garlic in spots makes sense if the mince is uneven—mince super fine (or grate) so it distributes better in the butter.
These were so good! Easy to make and my family loved them. Will definitely make again!
I don’t like pizza dough and I feel like these tasted weird. Should’ve used bread dough instead.
5 stars! Love love loved it!! 🧄🧄
Garlic knots? More like garlic bombs! Too garlicky for my taste. Yuck!
Nah, garlic is the best! You just gotta embrace it! 😂
I get it! Garlic can be super strong! Maybe try a lil’ less next time?
I followed the recipe but my knots came out hard. Maybe I baked them too long? Not sure.
I tried making these but they didn’t turn out like yours. The dough was too sticky.
I followed it mostly… but I forgot to salt right at the end and they tasted a little bland. Next time I’ll add more parmesan/salt.
These garlic knots turned out way better than I expected. The garlic butter soaked in nicely and the parmesan flavor is legit. I added a pinch of chili flakes and it was perfect.
Yum! Easy to make and gone in no time. Will definitely make again!
Not sure what all the fuss is about. They tasted kinda bland to me.
The best recipe ever!!! Everyone in my whole family loved it, even the picky eaters!
My kids love these! We make them as snacks every weekend. So fun to twist!
That’s awesome! My kids enjoy them too. Do you ever add anything extra to the knots?
These were amazing! So garlicky and delicious, my family loved them!
Knot sure if these were good or not. They just taste like bread with butter.🤷♂️
400°F seems low? I feel like knots need more crunch. Mine were soft like bread, not crispy. Also, minced garlic can burn if you cook too long, so I was nervous.
I followed the steps but mine were kinda bland until I salted them. Also, 1/2 inch strips seemed thick—next time I’ll make them thinner so they bake more evenly.
Glad it worked for you! I totally agree—garlic knots can be kinda flat until you hit them with salt at the end. And yeah, thinner strips definitely help them get browner in the middle too.
Hmm… I’m not sure 1/2 inch is the problem. Mine were fine, but I think I used too much garlic? Like it burned on the edges. Next time I might lower the temp or bake longer. Also do you salt before baking or only after?
Is parmesan even a must? I used cheddar and it taste great too. Different but yummy!
Cheddar is nice too! But for garlic knots, I really think parmesan adds that special flavor. Still, glad you enjoyed it!
1/2 inch strips?? I eyeballed it and they turned out kinda weird lol. Still, they tasted good. I guess it’s hard to make food perfect when you’re hungry. 😅
Not gonna lie, my knots came out a little bland even with the salt. Maybe I underbaked them or forgot to brush enough of the garlic butter. Still tasty though.
Tried these tonight and they came out perfectly golden and garlicky. The butter-parmesan mix really clings to the knots—so good!
Yesss! Mine always turn out best right around that 12–14 minute window too. That butter-parmesan cling is addictive 😄
I tried a similar version but mine was kinda dry—maybe I overbaked? Do you think brushing right when they come out makes a big difference?
Garlic knots? Yum! But does anyone else think they should be more like pizza rolls? Just saying!
These turned out golden and super garlicky—in a good way. The parmesan/butter mix smells amazing. I brushed them a second time after they came out and they were gone fast 😄
These garlic knots were super easy to make and turned out delicious! My family loved them. Will make again!
lol garlic knots are good but this recipe feels too simple. Like where’s the cheese pull? I might try adding mozzarella next time.
I had a lot of trouble with the dough was sticky. Maybe I did something wrong.
Pretty tasty! I used a little more parsley because I love it, and it still worked. Dough can be a bit annoying to twist but 12–15 minutes was perfect for me.
Wow, I just mixed up salt and sugar and ruined it! 😂
Oh no! That’s a classic mistake! At least it’s a funny story now! 😂
Not sure about twisting the strips into knots—mine just looked like lumpy pretzel wannabes 😂 Taste was great regardless.
Garlic knots are my weakness. These were soft inside and buttery on top—my roommates ate them before they even cooled. Zero complaints!
Yes! “Soft inside, buttery on top” is exactly how garlic knots should be. I love that you brushed them while warm—sounds like that’s what made them disappear so fast 😂
I gotta try this. I made garlic knots once and they came out kinda tough, so I’m wondering—12-15 minutes at 400°F is enough? Also, do you use fresh garlic or jar garlic? My roommates never wait either…
Easy recipe, but I think 12 minutes wasn’t enough for my oven—more like 15-16. Still delicious though. Will make again.
Not bad, but my knots turned out hard like rocks. I think I overbaked them, maybe? Not sure if I’ll try again.
Overbaking can definitely make them hard! Try reducing the baking time next time. They’ll be so much softer!
Not bad but I think they could use more garlic! Why is it called garlic knots then? 🤷♂️
Got my kids to help twist the knots. It was messy but fun! They tasted great! 🙂
Garlic knots are overrated. The dough to garlic ratio is always off. Here it’s better than most, but still kinda greasy.
Not sure about the timing… mine browned way too fast at 12 minutes, like almost burnt on the edges. Maybe my oven runs hot, but I’d watch closely.
I don’t have fresh parsley so I used dried—still okay, but not the same. The butter/garlic sauce helped a lot. Would rate higher with fresh herbs.