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Restaurant Style Garlic Knots

Made with just 4 ingredients and ready in 15 minutes, these Homemade Garlic Knots are extra tender and fluffy and topped with garlic herb mixture. They are the perfect appetizer or side to almost any dish!

bowl of garlic knots

Pizza Dough Garlic Knots

Ever wonder how to make those perfect knots of dough that are covered in garlic and spices? For the restaurant style garlic knots you are craving right in your home…Read on my friend!

When I was younger, my parents owned and ran an Italian restaurant called Mama Leone’s. This is where my love of all things pasta came from.

I ate my weight in pasta daily while working. I bussed tables, prepped food, and even waited on tables when I was a little older.

Once they sold the business, my mom Kathy, continued to make the restaurant’s signature dishes for family dinners.

And when I came home from college, there was always Spaghetti Carbonara waiting for me! Along with these garlic knots.

If you are someone who isn’t comfortable with baking with yeast, no worries! These homemade garlic knots are made with store bought pizza dough which makes them oh-so-easy to make and come together in a matter of minutes.

But really, if the smell of fresh rolls cooking in the oven isn’t mouthwatering enough, the aroma of the fresh garlic oil warming on the stovetop while the knots are baking makes it nearly impossible to wait for them to be finished.

And if you’re like me, you may be tempted to snatch a knot or two as soon as they come out of the oven, but trust me, spend the extra few minutes coating them in that garlic oil.

Then give them a few seconds to absorb all that Italian garlicky goodness. I know it’s hard to wait but trust me, you’ll be so happy you did!

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bowl of knots with marinara sauce

Reasons to Make Them

  • No waiting for the dough to rise!
  • No messing with yeast!
  • Just 4 ingredients!
  • Tender and fluffy!
  • They freeze beautifully!
labeled picture of garlic knot ingredients

Ingredients Needed

Pizza dough – I like the pre-made pizza dough in the refrigerated section because it rolls out into a rectangle and is easy to portion. But you can also use breadstick dough if you find it.

Olive oil – Use extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor. If you prefer you can substitute melted butter!

Garlic – Fresh minced garlic is the best but you can also use the jarred minced garlic. I don’t recommend using garlic powder as the flavor isn’t as robust as with fresh garlic.

Italian seasoning – I like to use a homemade Italian seasoning but you can also use pizza spices or your own mixture of oregano, rosemary, basil, and other spices you enjoy.

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How to Make Garlic Knots

First: Preheat the oven to 375F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

Second: Mix the garlic and oil mixture in a small bowl and set aside to allow the flavors to mix.

Third: Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface and cut into 16 pieces.

Tie them into knots, much like a pretzel, and place on the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle with salt.

Fourth: Bake the knots for 13-15 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and place in a large bowl.

Pour the garlic oil mixture over the warm knots and toss to coat. Serve warm and enjoy.

For the full recipe and detailed instructions, please refer to the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

bowl of pizza dough garlic knots

How to Tie Garlic Knots

Tying garlic knots is easier than you think. If you can tie your shoe, you can shape garlic knots.

  1. Shape pizza dough: Roll or press the dough into a small rectangle (approximately 8″ x 12″)
  2. Cut into strips: Cut the dough into 8 1″ thick strips. Then cut each strip in half so you have 16 total pieces.
  3. Roll each strip into a 6-8″ rope.
  4. Tie the rope into a knot. You can tuck the ends underneath the knot or leave them out, it’s totally up to you.

Can I freeze them?

Yes, they can be frozen. However; I recommend par-baking and then placing in freezer. If you plan on freezing, bake garlic knots at 275 degrees.

With cooking at this low temperature, the knots are technically cooked all the way through, but will look pale and underdone.

Once cooled, place in a freezer safe storage container or freezer ziplock bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, take them out of the freezer, bake until golden brown, coat in garlic oil mixture, serve, and enjoy!

Par-baking will ensure the flavor and texture of the knots is fresh, tender, and fluffy because you aren’t browning twice.

close up of pizza dough knots

What to Serve with Garlic Knots

Garlic knots are the perfect side to any salad or main dish! I love serving with Baked Rigatoni Pasta or Lasagna Casserole. And of course, you can always serve as an appetizer before pizza!

When the bowl is empty, and everyone is crying because they are all gone, the fun is not over. That little bit of oil, garlic, and spices left in the bottom of the bowl, is great for another use.

I save mine in a small container, add it to my eggs in the am, toss over a few pasta noodles, zoodles, or spaghetti squash for a quick side dish, or freeze it for a shrimp scampi later on!

Are garlic knots a New York thing?

Garlic knots originated in Brooklyn pizzerias in the 1940s as a means to use up the left over pizza dough scraps.

While garlic knots are primarily found in pizzerias around New York City, these tasty garlic bread substitutes have made their way into the hearts of all around the country!

Tapas Tips & Tricks

  • My local market sells pizza dough in the bakery department and it will last for a few days in the fridge. Check your market too!
  • Homemade seasoning is best but use your favorite mix of Italian spices.
  • Sprinkle with salt before baking so the salt will stick to the dough better.
  • Toss the garlic knots in the oil mixture when they are hot so they absorb the flavors. If you baked them earlier, warm them in the oven for a few minutes before tossing for best results.
  • Use melted butter in place of the olive oil for a richer flavor. Bake as usual and pour the butter mixture over the warm knots.
  • Save leftover garlic oil/garlic butter in the fridge and toss it over some hot pasta for a quick meal!

If you love this recipe as much as I do, please write a five-star review in the comment section below (or on Pinterest with the “tried it” button – you can now add pictures into reviews, too!), and be sure to help me share on facebook!

bowl of garlic knots with text "super easy"

These tiny bites of fluffy dough transform when they are plunged into a pool of olive oil, Italian Seasoning, and enough garlic to keep the vampires at bay for a long time. Serve this garlic knots recipe with your favorite sauce, mine is Arrabbiata or spicy marinara, or you can eat them just as they are.

overhead picture of bowl of garlic knots with sauce

Pizza Dough Garlic Knots

These garlic knots are easy to make with 4 ingredients and whip up fast. I guarantee they will disappear even faster!
4.73 from 22 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Small Portion Comfort Foods
Cuisine: Italian
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 16 knots
Calories: 71kcal
Author: Jennifer Stewart

Ingredients

  • 1 package 13.8 oz refrigerated pizza dough (I use the Pillsbury brand but you can also buy fresh from the bakery)
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon Homemade Italian Seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon Kosher salt

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to temp listed on the package of dough.

Prepare the olive oil/seasoning mix

  • In a deep bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning.

Bake the garlic knots

  • Unroll the pizza dough and cut into 8 strips and then cut those in half so you have 16 pieces.
  • Roll each piece like a pretzel and place on a lined baking sheet.
  • Sprinkle with salt.
  • Bake until golden brown (or according to package directions.)
  • When knots are done, remove from oven and add to the bowl containing the oil mixture.
  • Toss to cover the warm knots.
  • You can serve with dipping sauce, I use a spicy marinara, or you can eat just like they are!

Notes

  • My local market sells pizza dough in the bakery department and it will last for a few days in the fridge. Check your market too!
  • Homemade seasoning is best but use your favorite mix of Italian spices.
  • Sprinkle with salt before baking so the salt will stick to the dough better.
  • Toss the garlic knots in the oil mixture when they are hot so they absorb the flavors. If you baked them earlier, warm them in the oven for a few minutes before tossing for best results.
  • Use melted butter in place of the olive oil for a richer flavor. Bake as usual and pour the butter mixture over the warm knots.
  • Save leftover garlic oil/garlic butter in the fridge and toss it over some hot pasta for a quick meal!

Nutrition

Serving: 1knots | Calories: 71kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Sodium: 485mg

Easy Appetizers

(Originally posted 6/6/2015 – Photos and recipe notes updated 8/28/2021)

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Recipe Rating




Deeb

Tuesday 14th of June 2022

When I was a girl we went to the circus in New York city, then we actually ate at your family restaurant. All I really remember that it was one of my best adventures. Thank you so much for sharing this with us.

Ellen

Saturday 18th of September 2021

Where have these been all my life? These garlic knots look AMAZING! I can't wait to make them.

Julie Menghini

Friday 3rd of September 2021

I made a double batch of these knots last weekend for tailgating and they were the first thing to disappear. I must admit not all of them made it to the party. They were delicious as my lunch too!

Colleen - Faith, Hope, Love, & Luck

Monday 30th of August 2021

There's a certain someone in my house who would most definitely eat all of these lil' guys if I made them! And they are so simple to make...even better!

Lynn @ Fresh April Flours

Monday 30th of August 2021

I love making these for dinner! So simple!