Buttery Garlic Knots: The Perfect Snack and Side Dish Recipe

Garlic knots are one of those dishes that never fail to impress, no matter the occasion. Soft, buttery, and filled with the irresistible aroma of garlic, buttery garlic knots are perfect for a cozy family dinner, a casual party, or simply as an afternoon snack. Made with refrigerated pizza dough, these garlic knots are incredibly easy to prepare, making them an ideal choice for home cooks of all skill levels.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about buttery garlic knots, from how to prepare them to how to serve them for maximum enjoyment. This recipe is versatile, customizable, and sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. By the end of this post, you’ll know all the tips and tricks to make the most mouthwatering garlic knots imaginable.

Why You’ll Love These Buttery Garlic Knots

There’s something universally loved about garlic butter—its rich, aromatic flavor complements so many dishes, and it’s the star of these buttery garlic knots. Whether you’re serving them alongside a fresh salad, a warm bowl of soup, or as a simple appetizer, these garlic knots will steal the show. The combination of fresh garlic, melted butter, and Italian herbs makes for a fantastic flavor profile that pairs well with nearly every meal.

Buttery garlic knots are also incredibly simple to make. With minimal ingredients and a short prep time, you’ll have a delicious snack or side dish ready in just 25 minutes. The best part? The dough is pre-made, which saves time and effort while still giving you that homemade feel. The knots bake to golden-brown perfection, and the butter seeps into every crevice, creating a soft, flavorful bite that everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Buttery Garlic Knots

To make these garlic knots, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 package (13.8 oz) refrigerated pizza dough: This is the base of the knots. You can use store-bought pizza dough for convenience, but if you’re feeling adventurous, you can opt to make homemade dough.
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted): The butter is the key to that rich, garlicky flavor that everyone loves in garlic knots.
• 3 garlic cloves (minced): Fresh garlic brings an aromatic intensity to the knots, enhancing their flavor and fragrance.
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: Oregano is a classic herb in Italian cooking, and it adds a savory depth to these garlic knots.
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil: Basil gives these knots a slightly sweet and aromatic touch, balancing the boldness of garlic.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: A pinch of salt brings out the natural flavors of the ingredients, making the garlic butter shine.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds a subtle kick to the knots, complementing the garlic.
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional): For those who love a cheesy touch, Parmesan adds an extra layer of flavor and a slight crunch to the garlic knots.
• Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish): A sprinkle of parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to your garlic knots, making them even more appetizing.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Buttery Garlic Knots

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, it’s time to get cooking! Follow these simple steps to make your own buttery garlic knots at home.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

The first step in making buttery garlic knots is to preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent the knots from sticking and to make cleanup easier.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

Roll out the pizza dough onto a floured surface. You should aim to make the dough approximately ¼-inch thick. Once it’s rolled out, cut the dough into 12 strips that are about 1 inch wide. These strips will form the knots, so don’t worry about them being perfectly uniform.

Step 3: Shape the Knots

Take each strip of dough and tie it into a knot shape. Place the knots onto the prepared baking sheet, making sure to leave some space between each one so they have room to expand as they bake.

Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter

In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Stir the ingredients together until the garlic and herbs are evenly distributed throughout the butter. This fragrant garlic butter mixture is the secret to the buttery garlic knots!

Step 5: Brush the Knots with Garlic Butter

Using a pastry brush or a spoon, generously coat each dough knot with the garlic butter mixture. Make sure that each knot is well-covered with the buttery goodness. If you want to save a little bit of the butter for later, feel free to do so—this will be used to brush the knots again after they’re baked.

Step 6: Bake the Knots

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the knots for 12-15 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and crispy on the outside. The aroma of baking garlic knots will fill your kitchen, making it hard to resist tasting them early!

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Once the knots are baked to perfection, remove them from the oven. If you reserved any of the garlic butter, brush the remaining butter over the freshly baked knots. If you like, you can sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top for an extra cheesy kick. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and extra freshness.

Serving Suggestions for Buttery Garlic Knots

Buttery garlic knots are incredibly versatile and can be served in many different ways. Here are a few ideas for how to enjoy them:

• As a Side Dish: These garlic knots pair wonderfully with pasta dishes, such as spaghetti, lasagna, or fettuccine Alfredo. Their rich, buttery flavor complements the sauce perfectly.
• With Soup: Garlic knots are the perfect accompaniment to hearty soups like tomato soup, minestrone, or cream of mushroom soup. The knots are perfect for dunking into your favorite broth.
• As an Appetizer: Serve these garlic knots as an appetizer at your next gathering. You can serve them with marinara sauce or a creamy ranch dip for an added twist.
• As a Snack: Enjoy these garlic knots as a quick snack when you’re craving something savory and comforting.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use homemade pizza dough for garlic knots?

Yes, absolutely! You can substitute the refrigerated pizza dough with homemade dough. Just be sure to allow it to rise before you begin shaping the knots.

2. Can I make garlic knots ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the garlic knots ahead of time. You can shape the knots, place them on the baking sheet, and cover them tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready to bake, simply brush with the garlic butter and bake as directed.

3. How do I store leftover garlic knots?

If you have leftover garlic knots, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, wrap the knots in foil and place them in the oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes.

4. Can I make these garlic knots without butter?

Yes, you can make these garlic knots without butter by using olive oil or a dairy-free butter substitute. The flavor may be slightly different, but they will still be delicious!

5. Can I freeze garlic knots?

Yes, you can freeze garlic knots. After shaping the knots, place them on a baking sheet and freeze them for 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. To bake, simply thaw the knots and bake as directed.

Conclusion

Buttery garlic knots are an easy, delicious treat that everyone will love. With their rich garlic butter flavor and soft, pillowy texture, they make the perfect side dish, appetizer, or snack. Whether you’re serving them with pasta, soup, or enjoying them on their own, these knots will surely become a staple in your recipe rotation.

By following the simple steps outlined in this guide, you can whip up a batch of garlic knots in no time. So next time you’re in the mood for something savory and comforting, give these buttery garlic knots a try—you won’t be disappointed!

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