What are Italian-American Garlic Knots?
Italian-American Garlic Knots are a tasty side dish or a snack. You can usually find them at pizzerias and Italian restaurants in the U.S. They’re made from pizza dough that its tied into little knots and than it’s baked until golden and brushed with a delicious garlic butter with herbs.
It’s soft, chewy and packed with garlick and herb butter flavor. They’re perfect on their own as a snack or served with marinara sauce for dipping. You can also pair them with a bowl of pasta or serve them as a snack. Garlic knots are a simple annd very delicious addition to any Italian meal!
Why I Love This Recipe?
I love this recipe because it’s so easy to make. Especially if you have pizza dough ready to go. These garlic knots are soft and buttery and packed with flavor.
They are the perfect snack an appetizer or a side dish. And they always disappear fast! They remind me of fresh and warm knots from a cozy pizzeria, which makes them feel so comforting.
You can even switch things up and add your favorite herbs or a sprinkle some cheese for extra taste. Simple, delicious, and nostalgic—what’s not to love?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions for Garlic Knots
Pizza Dough: Both homemade and store-bought dough work great, but making it from scratch adds a fresh, personal touch.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is key for bold flavor. Adjust the amount to suit your garlic-loving (or mild) preference!
Butter: Melted butter gives the knots a rich, buttery flavor. Prefer a lighter option? Olive oil works just as well.
Olive Oil: Adds a smooth richness and blends beautifully with the garlic and herbs.
Herbs: Dried oregano and parsley bring classic flavors, but fresh herbs can take it up a notch if you’ve got them.
Parmesan Cheese (Optional): Sprinkle on some Parmesan for that salty, cheesy kick—it’s the perfect finishing touch.
Tools You’ll Need
- Baking Sheet: To bake the garlic knots.
- Pastry Brush: For brushing the garlic butter mixture onto the knots.
- Small Bowl: To mix the garlic, butter, and herbs.
- Knife or Pizza Cutter: To cut the dough into strips for tying the knots.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Italian-American Garlic Knots
Prepare the Dough
1. Divide the dough: If using store-bought dough, divide it in half. Roll each half into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick. Using a pizza cutter or knife, slice the dough into strips about 6-7 inches long and 1 inch wide.
Tie the Knots
2. Shape the knots: Take each strip of dough and tie it into a loose knot. Tuck the ends underneath to create a smooth top. Place each knot on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between them.
Preheat and Rest
3. Let the knots rise: Cover the knots loosely with a kitchen towel and let them rest for about 15-20 minutes while you preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Bake the Garlic Knots
4. Bake: Bake the knots for 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown on the outside and puffed up.
Make the Garlic Butter
5. Prepare the garlic butter: While the knots are baking, melt ¼ cup of butter and 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a small saucepan or microwave. Stir in the minced garlic, dried oregano, dried parsley, and a pinch of salt. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
Coat the Knots
6. Brush with garlic butter: Once the garlic knots are done baking, remove them from the oven. Immediately brush them generously with the garlic butter mixture while they’re still warm.
Optional: Add Parmesan
7. Add parmesan: If using, sprinkle freshly grated parmesan cheese over the knots right after brushing with garlic butter.
Serve
8. Serve warm: Serve the garlic knots warm with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
Expert Tips for Perfect Garlic Knots
Use Fresh Dough: Fresh pizza dough works best for garlic knots. If you don’t have time to make it from scratch, buy fresh dough from a local pizzeria or grocery store.
Don’t Overbake: Be careful not to overbake the garlic knots. You want them golden brown on the outside but still soft on the inside.
Customize the Flavor: Feel free to experiment with different herbs and seasonings. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat or use fresh basil for a fragrant finish.
Serving Suggestions
These Italian-American Garlic Knots are the perfect side dish or appetizer for any Italian meal. Serve them with marinara sauce for dipping, or pair them with a hearty pasta dish like spaghetti and meatballs.
They’re also great as a standalone snack or served alongside a salad for a light meal.
Make-Ahead and Storage
Make-Ahead: You can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the fridge until ready to bake. Just let the dough come to room temperature before rolling and tying the knots.
Storage: Store leftover garlic knots in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Reheating: To reheat, place the garlic knots in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through.
Freezing: You can freeze unbaked garlic knots. After tying the dough into knots, place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time.
Print
Italian-American Garlic Knots Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 garlic knots 1x
Description
Italian-American Garlic Knots are soft, fluffy knots of pizza dough brushed with a delicious garlic and herb butter. Perfect as an appetizer or side dish, these knots are sure to become a family favorite!
Ingredients
For the Garlic Knots:
- 1 lb pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Garlic Butter:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- Pinch of salt
- Grated parmesan (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Roll out the pizza dough into a rectangle and cut into strips about 6-7 inches long and 1 inch wide.
- Shape the Knots: Tie each strip into a knot and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover and let them rise for 15-20 minutes while preheating the oven.
- Bake: Bake the knots in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, until golden brown.
- Prepare the Garlic Butter: Melt the butter and olive oil together, then stir in the minced garlic, oregano, parsley, and a pinch of salt.
- Brush the Knots: Once baked, brush the warm garlic knots with the garlic butter mixture. Optionally, sprinkle with parmesan cheese.
- Serve: Serve warm, ideally with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
If using store-bought pizza dough, let it come to room temperature before rolling it out. This will make it easier to handle.
Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for a spicy kick.
Garlic knots taste best when eaten fresh, but leftovers can be reheated in the oven to revive their crispy texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1g
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Nutrition information
This website gives estimated nutritional information, which might change depending on the ingredients used.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use store-bought pizza dough?
Absolutely! Store-bought dough works perfectly for this recipe. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature before rolling it out, as it’s easier to handle when not cold.
How can I make these garlic knots vegan?
To make this recipe vegan, simply replace the butter with olive oil or a plant-based butter alternative. The garlic and herb flavors will still shine through.
Can I freeze garlic knots?
Yes! You can freeze unbaked garlic knots and bake them straight from the freezer. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time to account for the frozen dough.
