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!
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 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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Reasons to Make Garlic Knots
- No waiting for the dough to rise!
- No messing with yeast!
- Just 4 ingredients!
- Tender and fluffy!
- They freeze beautifully!
Easy Appetizers
I love the idea of pizza and using refrigerated pizza dough to make snacks. Roll out the dough and bake it to make chips for my Pizza Nachos, my Pepperoni Pizza Skillet Dip, and this Crockpot Pizza Dip.
Or serve them alongside this Lasagna Casserole.
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.
How to Tie Garlic Knots
Tying garlic knots is easier than you think. If you can tie your shoe, you can shape garlic knots.
- Shape pizza dough: Roll or press the dough into a small rectangle (approximately 8″ x 12″)
- Cut into strips: Cut the dough into 8 1″ thick strips. Then cut each strip in half so you have 16 total pieces.
- Roll each strip into a 6-8″ rope.
- Tie the rope into a knot. You can tuck the ends underneath the knot or leave them out, it’s totally up to you.
How long do they last?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or the oven until warmed through.
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 cooking them twice.
Serving Suggestions
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 don’t wash the bowl too early. 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! You can even dip these little caesars crazy puffs in it too!
Tapas Tips & Tricks
- My local market sells pizza dough in the bakery department and it will last for a few days in the fridge. You can use pizza dough breadsticks 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!
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.
Pizza Dough Garlic Knots
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
(Originally posted 6/6/2015 – Photos and recipe notes updated 8/28/2021)
©TakeTwoTapas.com. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited.
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.
Where have these been all my life? These garlic knots look AMAZING! I can’t wait to make them.
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!
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!
I love making these for dinner! So simple!
Using the pizza dough is a great time saver! We love garlic knots — so yummy!
These are beautiful and love that you make them with pizza dough! On my “must try” list! Great tip on the best way to par-bake!
These look just like the ones I made when I worked in an Italian restaurant! YUM!
How cool that your parents started making their restaurant favorites at home! These look amazing.
Ohmygosh, these are the BEST garlic knots! I’m going to make them again for company next weekend!
These look so yummy!! We are having Italian for dinner tomorrow night, and I am adding these to the menu — I LOVE your homemade Italian seasoning!
These are amazing. I like to make them rather then serving a loaf of bread when i know i’m having guests over for a large pasta meal… amazing!
They always seem to disappear much faster than the bread loaf don’t they? Funny how that happens!
I don’t know who Kathy is but I think I love her!!! These look insanely good!!
She is my mom and thank goodness she still makes these for me when I go visit! I also like to keep the leftover oil and garlic at the bottom of the empty bowl and use it for a start to another recipe. The oil is already infused with salt and that yummy garlic flavor. You can use it for bread, or as a quick sauce for pasta noodles or even the start of a great salad dressing!
I have been craving garlic knots like nobody’s business and these look SO GOOD!
Thank you Elena! I hope you like them. Cure those cravings!
Your photo makes me want to reach through the screen and grab one! Garlic Knots are so good.
Thank you Kathy! They are addicting! I might need a drool screen for my computer:)
There are very few things better thanGarlic
knots. This recipe looks like a great addition to this soup season. Can’t wait to try them!
That is a great idea! I usually stick to corn muffins but I am going to have to rethink my life now!
These garlic knots look to die for! Thanks for sharing !
Thanks for reading!
What a treat that your mom gave you! Thank you Kathy for this recipe! YUMMMM!
Thanks for linking up at Try a Bite Tuesday!! Hope to see you back next week again!
These garlic knots are enough to make me go nuts! Yum yum!
Cool I am making homemade bread right now and the garlic bread knots look awesome.
That looks tasty. I can’t wait to make this for my husband. He loves garlic.
Mine too! We fight over the bowl when I make them! Plus we love to mush the rolls in the extra oil and garlic in the bottom of the bowl.
Oh man, one of my faves! I really love garlic knots and garlic bread 🙂 Thanks for sharing, I will definitely make them!
Thanks for reading Michelle! I know they will be a favorite at your house!
These look so good! I love making these!
Thanks for reading! My mom makes them for me when I go home. Her’s always taste better than mine:)
Those look so delicious, and easy too. I am sure my husband would enjoy them.
Haven’t found anyone yet who can resist! Thanks for reading!
Oh my goodness. This looks so good and yummy! I love rolls and have to watch how I eat them. Gain fifty pounds in one sitting lol.
That looks delicious. It looks easy to do and I think I can do this. Thanks for the recipe.
Oh my goodness. This looks so good and yummy! I love rolls and have to watch how I eat them. Gain fifty pounds in one sitting lol.
Oh my goodness. This looks so good and yummy! I love rolls and have to watch how I eat them. Gain fifty pounds in one sitting lol.
Mmm … I love garlic knots … the more garlic the better! 😉 Can’t wait to try these!
I adore garlic bread, these little knots sound amazing!
Oh my goodness, I would love these. I love your story about working at the restaurant. I would be in serious trouble with rolls like this lying around–they just look insane!
I usually make them when others are around because I can’t control myself. Thank goodness my mom didn’t make them at the restaurant or I would be 400Lbs…
Wow – these look so good! I love garlic…I so want to try this!
Thanks Michelle! They would go great with your chicken tenderloin spaghetti supper!
Wow – these look so good! I love garlic…I so want to try this!
Wow – these look so good! I love garlic…I so want to try this!
I LOVE these!! I have always wanted to make them too! Can’t wait to try it. I’m pretty sure between the two of us we will finish this in one sitting!
btw… the new blog header is so awesome!! 😀
isn’t it so nostalgic to bring back the memories of childhood through a dish.. loves ur garlic knots.. it’s gonna be world famous indeed
Thanks Farha! I hope so! My mom makes these all the time and when I make them they are never as good as hers!
isn’t it so nostalgic to bring back the memories of childhood through a dish.. loves ur garlic knots.. it’s gonna be world famous indeed
isn’t it so nostalgic to bring back the memories of childhood through a dish.. loves ur garlic knots.. it’s gonna be world famous indeed