If you have ever craved something soft, buttery, and bursting with garlicky goodness, then this Garlic Knots with Homemade Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe is about to become your new favorite treat. These irresistible little knots are made from simple pizza dough, twisted into charming shapes, and baked until golden brown, then drenched in a luxuriously fragrant garlic butter sauce. With every bite, you get a perfect balance of chewiness, buttery richness, and herb-infused flavor that will make you want to reach for another instantly. Whether for a cozy dinner, a party appetizer, or a snack to share with loved ones, this recipe is a guaranteed winner on your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is a breeze, and each one plays a vital role in delivering that authentic, mouthwatering taste and texture. These simple staples come together to create something truly special without needing to raid an exotic pantry.
- 1 pound pizza dough: The foundation of our garlic knots, providing a soft and chewy base that’s easy to work with.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Perfect for dusting your work surface and preventing the dough from sticking during shaping.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: Creates the rich and silky homemade garlic butter sauce that coats each knot beautifully.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Delivers that unmistakable fresh garlic punch in the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped: Adds vibrant color and a hint of brightness to balance the flavors.
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano: Brings a subtle earthy and herbaceous layer to the garlic butter sauce.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors while seasoning the sauce perfectly.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Introduces a gentle touch of heat and depth.
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional): For those who love a slightly nutty, cheesy finish on their knots.
How to Make Garlic Knots with Homemade Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to avoid any sticking and ensure easy cleanup. Lightly flour your work surface and roll the pizza dough out into a rectangle about half an inch thick. This thickness is key for getting that soft, fluffy texture inside while still baking up golden and delicious on the outside.
Step 2: Shape Your Knots
Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the dough into strips approximately 1 inch wide and 5 inches long. These measurements help create just the right size for a bite-sized knot that holds its shape well. Tie each strip into a knot, tucking the ends underneath neatly so they bake evenly. Arrange your knots spaced out on the baking sheet, ready to transform into golden delights.
Step 3: Bake the Knots
Pop your knots into the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until they turn a beautiful golden brown. This baking time allows a slight crisp on the outside with a wonderfully tender and chewy center. Keep an eye on them towards the end to prevent any overbaking.
Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
While the knots bake, melt the butter gently over low heat in a small saucepan. Stir in the minced garlic, fresh parsley, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook this mixture for 1 to 2 minutes, letting the garlic become fragrant but not browned, so the flavors marry perfectly without any bitterness. Once done, remove the pan from the heat to keep the sauce warm but mild.
Step 5: Brush and Serve
As soon as the garlic knots come out of the oven, brush each one generously with the homemade garlic butter sauce, making sure every nook and cranny gets coated. If you like, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top to add a savory, slightly salty touch that melts beautifully into the warm butter. Serve these warm to enjoy their full garlicky glory.
How to Serve Garlic Knots with Homemade Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped parsley sprinkled on top right before serving adds a pop of color and fresh herbal notes that brighten up the richness of the butter. A tiny pinch of red pepper flakes can also kick up the heat slightly, giving the garlic knots an exciting twist without overpowering their classic flavor.
Side Dishes
Garlic knots are incredibly versatile and pair beautifully with a simple green salad for a balanced meal or alongside a steaming bowl of marinara or creamy Alfredo sauce for dipping. They’re also amazing as part of an antipasto platter featuring olives, cured meats, and cheeses, making any meal feel like a special occasion.
Creative Ways to Present
Try placing the garlic knots piled high in a rustic basket lined with parchment paper for a cozy, family-style presentation. For a party, serve them skewered on a stick with bits of fresh mozzarella and cherry tomatoes for an interactive and fun twist. You can also brush the knots with a little extra garlic butter just before serving to keep them extra glossy and flavorful.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover garlic knots, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To keep them fresh, avoid refrigerating unless your kitchen is very warm, as refrigeration can dry out the knots.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked garlic knots by shaping them and placing them on a parchment-lined tray, freezing until solid, then transferring to a freezer bag. This way, you have fresh dough knots ready to bake at a moment’s notice. Alternatively, freeze baked knots in a sealed container for up to one month.
Reheating
To reheat, pop your garlic knots into a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 to 8 minutes until warmed through and slightly crisp on the outside. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the texture just right—oven reheating preserves their delightful chewiness and buttery finish.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pizza dough for this recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought dough works wonderfully for this Garlic Knots with Homemade Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe and saves time while still delivering that soft, chewy texture.
What can I do if I don’t have fresh parsley?
Dried parsley can be used in a pinch, though fresh parsley really brightens the dish. Adding it right before serving will give the best flavor and appearance.
How spicy are these garlic knots?
The recipe as is is mild with a warm, herbal flavor. If you want more spice, adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce is a great way to gently heat things up.
Can I make the garlic butter sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the garlic butter sauce a few hours ahead and warm it gently before brushing on the knots. Freshly made sauce is best, but early prep works well too.
Are these garlic knots vegan-friendly?
This recipe uses butter, so it is not vegan as written. However, you can substitute vegan butter to make a dairy-free version that still tastes amazing.
Final Thoughts
There is truly something magical about freshly baked Garlic Knots with Homemade Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe that invites smiles and requests for seconds. They’re simple to make, packed with flavor, and so versatile that they fit any occasion. I encourage you to gather these basic ingredients and dive into making your own batch soon—you won’t regret filling your home with that warm smell of garlic and buttery goodness.
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Garlic Knots with Homemade Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 16 garlic knots
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious homemade garlic knots made from soft pizza dough, baked to golden perfection and generously brushed with a flavorful garlic butter sauce infused with fresh herbs and spices. Perfect as a savory appetizer or party snack.
Ingredients
Dough
- 1 pound pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for dusting)
Garlic Butter Sauce
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dough: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lightly flour your work surface to prevent sticking, then roll out the pizza dough into a rectangle about ½-inch thick.
- Shape the Knots: Cut the dough into strips around 1 inch wide and 5 inches long. Tie each strip into a knot, carefully tucking the ends underneath to secure the shape. Place each knot onto the prepared baking sheet spaced apart evenly.
- Bake the Knots: Bake the knots in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes until they turn golden brown and cooked through.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: While the knots bake, melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Add the minced garlic, chopped parsley, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook gently for 1–2 minutes until the mixture is fragrant, then remove from heat.
- Brush and Serve: Once the garlic knots are out of the oven, generously brush them with the warm garlic butter sauce. If desired, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top. Serve immediately while warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For an extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce.
- These garlic knots can be made ahead of time and reheated in the oven before serving.
