This recipe provides instructions for making irresistible Cheesy Garlic Knots, soft and pillowy knots of dough brushed with a flavorful garlic butter sauce and generously topped with melted cheese. These delightful bites are perfect as an appetizer, a side dish with pasta or pizza, or simply as a savory snack. The base of these garlic knots is typically a simple pizza dough or bread dough, which can be homemade or store-bought to save time. The dough is rolled out into long ropes, tied into knots (or sometimes simply twisted), and then baked until golden brown and slightly puffed. The magic happens after baking when the warm knots are generously brushed with a luscious garlic butter sauce. This sauce is usually made with melted butter, minced garlic (freshly minced is highly recommended for the best flavor), and often includes dried herbs like parsley, oregano, or Italian seasoning for an extra layer of aroma and taste. The warm knots readily absorb this flavorful sauce, making them incredibly fragrant and delicious. The final touch is a generous sprinkle of shredded cheese, such as mozzarella, Parmesan, or a blend, which melts beautifully over the warm knots, creating gooey, cheesy goodness in every bite. The cheesy garlic knots are then often returned to the oven for a brief period to allow the cheese to melt and become bubbly. Some variations might include a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat and color. Served warm, these cheesy garlic knots are soft, garlicky, buttery, and wonderfully cheesy, making them a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Their simple preparation and addictive flavor make them a go-to recipe for gatherings, game nights, or any occasion where a savory and satisfying snack is desired. The image shows a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil, upon which are arranged numerous golden-brown knots of dough. Each knot is topped with melted white cheese and sprinkled with green herbs and possibly some black pepper. The cheese is bubbly and slightly browned in places, indicating they have been baked until the cheese is melted and the knots are cooked through.
The texture of Cheesy Garlic Knots is a delightful combination of a soft and slightly chewy interior, a golden-brown and slightly crisp exterior, and gooey, melted cheese on top. The knots are also coated in a smooth, buttery sauce.
The flavor profile is dominated by the savory and pungent taste of garlic, the rich and buttery notes of the sauce, the salty and milky flavor of the melted cheese (with potential nutty hints from Parmesan), and the subtle herbaceousness from the added herbs.
Cheesy Garlic Knots are soft baked knots of dough coated in a garlic butter sauce and topped with melted cheese, creating a savory, aromatic, and incredibly satisfying appetizer or snack.
The preparation involves rolling dough into ropes, tying them into knots, baking until golden, brushing with garlic butter sauce, topping with cheese, and baking again until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound pizza dough or bread dough (homemade or store-bought)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (freshly minced is best)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (or 1 teaspoon dried parsley)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or a blend of mozzarella, Parmesan, etc.)
- Optional: Pinch of red pepper flakes for heat
- Optional: Extra grated Parmesan cheese for topping
Equipment:
- Large baking sheet
- Parchment paper or aluminum foil (for lining the baking sheet)
- Large mixing bowl (if using homemade dough)
- Rolling pin (if needed)
- Small bowl (for garlic butter sauce)
- Pastry brush
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easier cleanup.
- Prepare the Dough: If using store-bought dough, let it sit at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes to make it easier to work with. If using homemade dough, make it according to your recipe and let it rise as directed.
- Shape the Garlic Knots: On a lightly floured surface, divide the dough into 12-16 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope about 8-10 inches long. To form a knot, make a loop with the rope, then bring one end over and through the loop, and tuck the other end under. Gently tighten the knot. Alternatively, you can simply twist two ropes together or form a simple loop and tuck the ends.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the shaped knots on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between them.
- Bake the Knots: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the knots are golden brown and slightly puffed.
- Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce: While the knots are baking, prepare the garlic butter sauce. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, chopped fresh parsley (or dried parsley), dried oregano or Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine. If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Brush with Garlic Butter: As soon as the garlic knots come out of the oven, brush them generously with the prepared garlic butter sauce, ensuring each knot is well coated.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese (or cheese blend) evenly over the warm, buttered knots. You can also sprinkle some extra grated Parmesan cheese on top if desired.
- Melt the Cheese: Return the baking sheet to the oven for another 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, gooey, and slightly bubbly. Keep a close eye on them to prevent the garlic from burning.
- Serve Warm: Carefully transfer the cheesy garlic knots to a serving plate and serve them warm. They are best enjoyed immediately when they are soft, cheesy, and full of garlicky flavor.
Enjoy these delicious Cheesy Garlic Knots as a tempting appetizer or a flavorful accompaniment to your favorite meals! Their soft texture and savory taste make them incredibly addictive.