Easy Homemade Garlic Knot Rolls

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Why I love these rolls so much

The use of frozen bread dough makes it possible for you to have restaurant qualitygarlic bread knots in no time!I am so very sorry for what I am about to do.  Please forgive me.  I realize it’s a new year, and if you are like me you are watching the carbs.  And if you are not like me well then this is going to be right up your alley! Just think how wonderful life could be with a garlic knot on your plate, in your hand, in your mouth, IN YOUR BELLY!!  Your family will think you, quite literally, are thebomb.com.  I’m pretty sure they will be snapping some chat, and face booking, and bragging you up on twitter and what ever other social media there is out there that allows braggatory pics and posts.

Gather these ingredients

How to Make Garlic Knots

Thaw the dough

Place the frozen dinner rolls on a plate or clean work surface and allow them to thaw and rise according to the package directions. You want the dough to become soft and roughly double in size. This dough rise is important because it gives the finished garlic knots their soft, fluffy texture.

If you prefer, you can use your favorite homemade dough instead of store-bought dough. Just allow the homemade dough to complete its first rise before shaping.

Make the garlic butter

While the dough is rising, prepare the garlic butter. In a small bowl, combine softened or slightly melted butter with fresh garlic, chopped fresh parsley, Italian seasoning, fine sea salt, and black pepper.

For extra garlic flavor, add a little garlic powder along with the fresh garlic. This simple butter mixture is what gives these knots their irresistible flavor.

Shape the dough

Once the dough has doubled in size, lightly flour your work surface. Take two rolls and stretch each one into a long rope, about 8 inches long.

Place one rope across the other to form an X.

Bring the ends together and tie the dough into a knot.

Tie the other two loose ends into a knot as well.

Tuck in the loose ends of the knot to secure the shape. Repeat with the remaining dough.

If you are using homemade dough be sure to divide homemade dough into equal pieces before rolling each piece into a rope and shaping the knots.

Coat with garlic butter

Dip each of the shaped knots into the garlic butter mixture, making sure they’re well coated. Place them on a parchment paper-lined sheet pan or baking sheet, leaving a little room between each knot. (Do as a say not as I do. As you can see I forgot to put parchment down on my baking sheet. The rolls were fine, parchment paper just helps keep the butter from burning.)

Bake until golden brown

Bake the garlic knots at 400°F for about 15 minutes, or until they’re puffed and golden brown.

Remove them from the oven and immediately brush them with the remaining garlic butter. Finish with a sprinkle of fine sea salt and, if you like, parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.

For the best results, save some of the butter mixture to brush over the knots after baking.

These also make a great appetizer. You can serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping!

Don’t skip the dough rise. Whether you’re using frozen dough or homemade dough, allowing the dough to rise properly is key to soft, fluffy garlic knots.

Use fresh garlic. Fresh garlic gives these knots a much more vibrant flavor than garlic powder alone. You can use both for an extra-garlicky result.

Don’t skimp on the garlic butter. Coat the dough well before baking and brush the baked knots with more butter while they’re still warm.

Use parchment paper. Lining your sheet pan with parchment paper makes cleanup easy and keeps the butter from sticking and burning on the pan.

Watch the knots near the end of baking. You want them puffed and golden brown, not overly dark.

Add parmesan. A generous sprinkle of parmesan cheese right after baking makes these even more delicious.

Serve them warm. Garlic knots are at their best straight from the oven when they’re soft inside and buttery on the outside.

Make extra. These disappear quickly! They’re also delicious reheated the next day.

Tips and Variations

Make them extra garlicky

If you’re a serious garlic lover, increase the amount of fresh garlic in the butter mixture. You can also add ¼–½ teaspoon garlic powder for another layer of flavor.

Add cheese

Sprinkle the warm garlic knots with parmesan cheese, or add a little mozzarella cheese before baking for cheesy garlic knots.

Use homemade dough

This recipe is designed to be an easy way to make garlic knots using store-bought dough, but homemade dough works beautifully, too. Prepare your favorite pizza or dinner roll dough, allow it to rise, then shape and bake as directed.

Add fresh herbs

Fresh parsley is my go-to, but you can also add chopped basil, oregano, rosemary, or a combination of fresh herbs to the garlic butter.

Serve with marinara

Warm garlic knots and marinara sauce are a match made in heaven. Put a bowl of marinara in the middle of the table and let everyone dip their own.

Make them part of pasta night

These make a perfect side dish for spaghetti, lasagna, baked ziti, chicken parmesan, or any Italian meal. They’re basically a fun twist on traditional garlic bread.

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Can I use store-bought dough to make garlic knots?

Absolutely! That’s what makes this such an easy recipe. Frozen dinner rolls or another type of store-bought bread dough can save you the time and effort of making homemade dough while still giving you soft, delicious garlic knots.

Can I make garlic knots with homemade dough?

Yes. Homemade dough works wonderfully. Let your dough complete its first rise, then divide it into equal pieces, roll each piece into a long rope, and shape the knots as directed.

Can I make garlic knots ahead of time?

Yes. You can shape the knots ahead of time and keep them refrigerated until you’re ready to bake them. Allow the dough to come closer to room temperature and finish its rise before baking. Or you can bake them the day before and warm them up just before you are ready to eat. I would do it this way, it frees up your oven the day of your dinner.

How do I store leftover garlic knots?

Allow the garlic knots to cool completely, then place them in an airtight container. Store them at room temperature for a day or two. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer-safe container or bag.

Can I freeze garlic knots?

Yes! Once completely cooled, place the garlic knots in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze. Thaw and reheat in the oven until warmed through. Brush with a little extra garlic butter before serving.

Can I add parmesan cheese to garlic knots?

Definitely. Sprinkle parmesan cheese over the warm knots immediately after brushing them with garlic butter. You can also add a little mozzarella cheese for cheesy garlic knots.

What can I serve with garlic knots?

Garlic knots make a perfect side dish for pasta, lasagna, soup, chili, steak, or an Italian meal. They’re especially delicious served as an appetizer with warm marinara sauce for dipping.

What’s the difference between garlic knots and garlic bread?

Both are made with garlic and butter, but garlic knots are shaped pieces of dough that are typically brushed with garlic butter before and after baking. They’re a fun, bite-sized twist on classic garlic bread.

If you love garlic bread, you are going to love these delicious garlic knots! They’re soft, buttery, loaded with fresh garlic and herbs, and so easy to make with just a handful of basic ingredients. I love serving them alongside pasta night, but honestly, they’re a perfect side dish for almost any meal. Put out a bowl of warm marinara sauce for dipping and watch how quickly they disappear. And don’t be surprised if your family starts asking you to make these easy garlic knots every time Italian food is on the menu!

If you make these Garlic Knots, I’d love to know what you think! Leave a rating and a comment below, and don’t forget to pin the recipe for your next pasta night.

From my table to yours with love, Sheila