There’s something magical about walking into a neighborhood pizzeria in New York. I still remember my first bite of Irresistibly Gooey & Buttery Garlic Knots – Your New Favorite Party Side! The smell of dough baking in a stone oven, the sound of garlic sizzling in butter, and the warmth of friends sharing a basket of knots on a Friday night—it’s pure comfort food.
Over time, garlic knots moved from a humble pizzeria side dish to a must-have at birthday parties, potlucks, and holiday spreads. They’re small, fun, and always gone within minutes. Thanks for being here. I hope these recipes bring warmth to your kitchen and a little joy to your day.
Table of Contents

What Makes Irresistibly Gooey & Buttery Garlic Knots So Special
The Role of Butter and Garlic
The magic lies in the glaze. Melted butter carries minced garlic across every golden layer of the knot. Each bite offers richness, aroma, and a soft crunch.
Soft Dough Meets Golden Crust
The balance of textures makes garlic knots addictive: soft, pillowy centers wrapped in golden, slightly crisp crusts. When brushed with garlic butter fresh from the oven, the aroma alone can draw people into the kitchen.
Ingredients for Irresistibly Gooey & Buttery Garlic Knots
Pantry Staples You Already Have
Here’s a quick table for easy reference:
Ingredient | Amount | Note |
---|---|---|
All-purpose flour | 3 cups | Provides structure |
Active dry yeast | 2 ¼ tsp | For rise and texture |
Warm water | 1 cup | Activates yeast |
Sugar | 1 tbsp | Helps yeast feed |
Salt | 1 tsp | Balances flavor |
Olive oil | 2 tbsp | Moistens dough |
Butter | ½ cup melted | For garlic glaze |
Garlic | 6 cloves minced | Star of the recipe |
Fresh parsley | 2 tbsp chopped | Adds color and freshness |
Choosing the Best Garlic and Butter
Fresh garlic cloves deliver the boldest flavor. Use unsalted butter so you can control the seasoning. For extra depth, consider browning your butter slightly before mixing in garlic.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Homemade Garlic Knots

Mixing and Proofing the Dough
- Combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let sit until foamy.
- Add flour, salt, and olive oil. Mix until dough forms.
- Knead for 8 minutes until smooth. Cover and let rise for 1 hour.
Shaping Classic Knots
- Divide dough into 12 pieces.
- Roll each into a rope and tie into a knot.
- Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment.
Baking and Butter Brushing
- Bake at 400°F for 12–15 minutes until golden brown.
- Mix melted butter, garlic, and parsley.
- Brush warm knots generously before serving.
Pro Tips to Elevate Your Gooey Garlic Knots
Adding Cheese, Herbs, or Chili Flakes
Want to level up? Sprinkle Parmesan, mozzarella, or chili flakes over hot knots for an irresistible twist.
Making Ahead and Freezing
Garlic knots freeze beautifully. Shape and freeze raw dough knots, then bake straight from the freezer when guests arrive.
Nutrition & Health Insights: Are Garlic Knots Unhealthy?
Calories, Protein, Carbs, and Fats
Nutrition (per knot) | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | 180 |
Protein | 5g |
Carbs | 24g |
Fat | 7g |
Fiber | 1g |
Lighter Substitutions for a Healthier Bite

Swap half the flour with whole wheat, reduce butter, or bake smaller knots for portion control. Healthline explains how whole grains add fiber and satiety.
Serving Ideas – The Best Dips & Pairings
Classic Marinara
Nothing beats dipping warm garlic knots into tangy marinara sauce.
Creamy Ranch & Garlic Butter Dips
For richer options, pair knots with ranch dressing or extra garlic butter. As Serious Eats notes, balance of fat and acid makes dipping sauces pop.
FAQs About Garlic Knots
What is the meaning of garlic knots?
Garlic knots are small bread rolls tied into knots, brushed with garlic butter, and baked until golden.
Do you cook marketside garlic knots in the bag?
No. Remove store-bought garlic knots from packaging before baking.
How unhealthy are garlic knots?
In moderation, garlic knots are fine. Like most bread-based snacks, they’re carb-heavy but can fit into a balanced diet.
What culture is garlic knots?
Garlic knots were invented in Italian-American pizzerias in New York in the 1970s, making them a staple of U.S. food culture.
Conclusion: Bring Gooey & Buttery Garlic Knots to Your Table
Garlic knots embody everything we love about comfort food: soft bread, buttery garlic glaze, and the joy of sharing with others. Whether at a family dinner or game night, they’ll always disappear first. For more cozy sides, check out our Dinner Recipes.
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A New York Story Behind Garlic Knots
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 knots 1x
Description
These Irresistibly Gooey & Buttery Garlic Knots are the perfect party side dish! Made from soft homemade dough, brushed with garlic butter, and baked until golden brown, they’re the ultimate appetizer. Serve them warm with marinara or alfredo dipping sauce, and watch them disappear at your table.
Ingredients
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
1 cup warm water (110°F)
1 tbsp sugar
1 tsp salt
2 tbsp olive oil
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
6 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Optional: marinara or Alfredo sauce for dipping
Instructions
- Activate yeast – In a bowl, mix warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit 5–8 minutes until foamy.
-
Make dough – Add flour, salt, and olive oil. Mix until dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for 8 minutes until smooth.
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First rise – Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise 1 hour until doubled.
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Shape knots – Punch down dough. Divide into 12 pieces. Roll each into a rope and tie into a knot.
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Bake – Place knots on a parchment-lined sheet. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes until golden.
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Garlic butter glaze – Mix melted butter, garlic, and parsley. Brush over warm knots.
Serve – Enjoy warm with marinara or Alfredo dipping sauce.
Notes
Swap parsley for fresh basil for a twist.
Use pre-made pizza dough to save time.
Best served fresh, but leftovers can be reheated in the oven at 350°F for 5 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g