Golden, fluffy, and brushed with buttery garlic goodness—these Easy Homemade Garlic Knots are everything you love about a pizzeria side, right from your own kitchen. Whether you’re serving them with a saucy pasta dish or enjoying them as a snack on their own, these knots deliver the ultimate comfort in just a few simple steps.
Made with soft dough that’s twisted into irresistible knots, these garlic delights are brushed with a rich garlic butter sauce and baked until perfectly golden. Best of all? You can make them with store-bought dough if you’re short on time, or go fully homemade for that bakery-fresh touch.
What Kind of Dough Should I Use for Garlic Knots?
For ease and convenience, you can absolutely use store-bought pizza dough—it works beautifully and cuts down prep time. But if you’re up for a little hands-on fun, homemade dough gives you more flavor control and an extra fluffy texture. Look for dough with a good gluten structure so the knots hold their shape.
Ingredients for the Easy Homemade Garlic Knots
- 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Optional: ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

How To Make the Easy Homemade Garlic Knots
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lightly flour your work surface.
Step 2: Roll and Cut
Roll the dough into a rectangle about 10×14 inches. Slice into 12 even strips using a sharp knife or pizza cutter.
Step 3: Tie the Knots
Gently stretch each strip and tie into a loose knot. Tuck the ends underneath and place on the baking sheet.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake the knots for 12–15 minutes, or until golden brown.
Step 5: Make the Garlic Butter
While the knots are baking, melt the butter in a small saucepan. Add the minced garlic and salt, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the parsley.
Step 6: Brush and Serve
Remove the knots from the oven and immediately brush with the warm garlic butter. Sprinkle with Parmesan if using. Serve warm.
How to Serve and Store Garlic Knots
Serve these garlic knots fresh out of the oven, ideally while they’re still warm and soft. They make a great side for pasta, soup, or as an appetizer with marinara sauce for dipping. For storage, place cooled leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, wrap in foil and warm in a 300°F oven for 5–8 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I keep garlic knots soft?
Wrap them in foil after baking to trap moisture, and avoid overbaking.
Can I freeze garlic knots?
Yes! Bake and cool completely, then freeze in a zip-top bag. Reheat in the oven when ready.
What dipping sauces go well with garlic knots?
Marinara, ranch, garlic aioli, or even a creamy Alfredo sauce pair wonderfully.
Can I add cheese inside the knots?
Absolutely. Before tying the knots, tuck a small cube of mozzarella into the dough for a melty surprise.
Is it okay to use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
Yes, though fresh garlic gives a more vibrant flavor. Use ½ teaspoon garlic powder as a substitute.
Want More Bread Side Dish Ideas?
If you love these Easy Homemade Garlic Knots, check out these other comforting favorites:
- Cheesy Pizza Bombs for gooey, bite-sized fun.
- 2-Ingredient Cottage Cheese Flatbread if you’re after high-protein simplicity.
- Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna for a full garlic-packed meal.
- Giant Zucchini Parmesan to pair with your bread basket.
- Buffalo Chicken Calzone if you’re craving bold and cheesy flavors.
Save This Pin + Share Your Results
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest board for quick weeknight dinners or party snacks.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go cheesy? Add some heat with chili flakes? I love seeing your tasty twists.
Find more daily recipes and ideas on my Pinterest page — Nina Dishes!

Easy Homemade Garlic Knots
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 garlic knots
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Golden, buttery, and laced with fresh garlic and parsley, these Easy Homemade Garlic Knots are the ultimate side dish or party snack. Ready in under 30 minutes, they’re perfect for dipping, sharing, or enjoying solo straight from the oven.
Ingredients
1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
0.25 teaspoon salt
0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lightly flour your work surface.
2. Roll the dough into a rectangle about 10×14 inches. Slice into 12 even strips using a knife or pizza cutter.
3. Gently stretch each strip and tie into a loose knot. Tuck the ends underneath and place on the baking sheet.
4. Bake the knots for 12–15 minutes, or until golden brown.
5. While the knots bake, melt butter in a saucepan. Add garlic and salt, cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in parsley.
6. Remove knots from oven and brush immediately with garlic butter. Sprinkle with Parmesan if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
Wrap the knots in foil after baking to keep them extra soft.
Add a cube of mozzarella to the center before tying for a cheesy surprise.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American-Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 knot
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 0.3 g
- Sodium: 170 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
Keywords: garlic knots, garlic bread, homemade sides
