Irresistible Garlic Knots Recipe

Irresistibly Cheesy Garlic Knots Recipe: Homemade Flavor Bombs

Steaming hot and golden brown, these irresistible cheesy garlic knots burst with flavor that makes mouths water instantly.

Soft dough twisted into perfect little pillows of deliciousness, these knots combine the rich, savory notes of garlic with melted cheese.

Every bite delivers a crispy exterior giving way to a tender, buttery center that dances with aromatic herbs and sharp parmesan.

Restaurant-quality appetizers emerge right from your own kitchen, promising a crowd-pleasing treat that disappears faster than you can plate them.

The secret lies in simple ingredients and a technique that turns basic pizza dough into something extraordinary.

Serve these alongside marinara sauce or enjoy them straight from the oven for a mouthwatering experience that transforms an ordinary meal into a celebration of comfort food.

Get ready to become the snack hero everyone raves about.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10-12 minutes

Total Time: 20-22 minutes

Calories: 180 kcal

Servings: 9

Ingredient List for Cheesy Garlic Knots

For Dough Base:
  • Pilsbury Crescent Rolls: Convenient pre-made dough that provides a quick and flaky foundation for these irresistible garlic knots.
  • Mozzarella String Cheese: Creamy, stretchy cheese that creates a gooey surprise inside each knot, delivering a delightful melty center.
For Flavor Enhancers:
  • Unsalted Butter: Rich, smooth base that adds luxurious moisture and helps create a golden, crispy exterior.
  • Fresh Flat-Leaf Parsley: Bright, herbaceous ingredient that brings a pop of color and fresh, garden-like aroma to the knots.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, nutty cheese that adds a complex, savory depth and irresistible crispy texture when baked.
  • Fresh Garlic: Pungent, aromatic ingredient that infuses the knots with classic, bold garlic flavor.
For Seasoning:
  • Kosher Salt: Essential seasoning that elevates and balances all the other flavors, ensuring each bite is perfectly seasoned.

Tools for Cheesy Garlic Knots

  • Baking Sheet: Crucial for evenly baking and holding knots during cooking.
  • Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
  • Large Bowl: Perfect for mixing coating ingredients.
  • Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately measure parsley, garlic, and salt.
  • Knife: Useful for slicing crescent roll dough into strips.
  • Pastry Brush (optional): Can help spread coating evenly on knots.

Recipe Instructions for Cheesy Garlic Knots

  • Dough Preparation

Gently unroll crescent roll tube and separate into four rectangular sections. Carefully slice each rectangle into two strips, pinching any loose edges to maintain shape.

  • Cheese Filling

Place a single piece of mozzarella in the center of each dough strip. Twist each strip into a playful knot, tucking cheese completely inside.

  • Baking Setup

Arrange knots on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about an inch apart. Slide into a preheated oven at 375 degrees.

  • Golden Transformation

Bake until knots turn a beautiful golden brown, typically 10-12 minutes. Watch closely to prevent burning.

  • Flavor Explosion

While knots are hot, quickly toss them in a zesty mixture of melted butter, fresh parsley, grated parmesan, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt. Serve immediately for maximum deliciousness.

Tips to Enhance Cheesy Garlic Knots

  • Cheese Melt Magic: Choose soft mozzarella sticks for easier wrapping and guaranteed gooey centers that stretch when pulled apart.
  • Dough Flex Trick: Use refrigerated pizza dough or homemade bread dough as delicious alternatives to crescent roll tubes for more authentic texture.
  • Herb Boost Options: Experiment with fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme in the butter coating to create unique flavor profiles matching different meals.
  • Make-Ahead Strategy: Prepare knots ahead of time, refrigerate unbaked, and bake just before serving to ensure maximum freshness and crispy golden edges.
  • Spice Lover's Twist: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne to the butter mixture for those craving extra heat and zesty undertones.

Presentation Ideas for Cheesy Garlic Knots

  • Appetizer Party Platter: Create a stunning spread by arranging these cheesy garlic knots alongside marinara sauce, sliced salami, and olives for a crowd-pleasing appetizer board that'll wow your guests.
  • Dipping Delight: Serve these warm knots with a variety of dipping sauces like classic marinara, ranch, or a zesty garlic aioli to add extra flavor and excitement to each bite.
  • Soup's Best Friend: Pair these knots with creamy tomato soup or hearty minestrone for a comforting meal that combines warm, cheesy goodness with a satisfying soup base.
  • Game Day Snack Attack: Transform these knots into a perfect finger food for sports gatherings, placing them on a large platter with toothpicks for easy grabbing during movie nights or game watches.

Storage for Cheesy Garlic Knots

  • Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover cheesy garlic knots in an airtight container inside the refrigerator. These delicious bites stay fresh for 2-3 days, maintaining their tasty texture when properly sealed.
  • Reheating Magic: Warm knots quickly in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F for 5-7 minutes. This method restores their crispy exterior and gooey cheese center, making them taste almost freshly baked.
  • Freezer-Friendly Option: Wrap individual knots in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen garlic knots can last up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.
  • Make-Ahead Hack: Prepare the dough knots and assemble them on the baking sheet up to 4 hours before cooking. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to bake. This strategy helps busy home cooks plan delicious meals in advance.
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Irresistible Garlic Knots Recipe

Irresistible Garlic Knots Recipe


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4.7 from 12 reviews

  • Total Time: 20-22 minutes
  • Yield: 9 1x

Description

Classic cheesy garlic knots deliver a mouthwatering Italian-American appetizer packed with bold flavors. Pillowy dough twists emerge golden and crisp, promising savory comfort for hungry guests.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 (8 oz / 226 g) Pillsbury crescent rolls
  • 56 mozzarella string cheese, cut into thirds
  • 5 tbsps finely grated parmesan cheese
  • 5 tbsps finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
  • 3 tbsps unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 clove fresh garlic, finely minced
  • 1 tsp kosher salt

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Ignite the oven to 375°F and drape a parchment sheet across the baking surface for seamless release.
  2. Dough Transformation: Unroll the crescent dough, segregating it into four rectangular panels, then slice each panel horizontally into two strips, carefully sealing any fragmented edges.
  3. Cheese Encapsulation: Nestle a mozzarella segment centrally within each dough strip, then artfully twist and fold the dough to create a secure cheese-laden knot.
  4. Positioning: Arrange the knotted morsels on the prepared baking sheet, maintaining strategic spacing to facilitate even thermal circulation.
  5. Baking Ritual: Slide the tray into the heated oven, allowing the knots to metamorphose into a rich, amber-hued delicacy over 10-12 minutes.
  6. Flavor Infusion: Simultaneously craft a decadent butter elixir by amalgamating melted butter, verdant parsley, pungent parmesan, aromatic garlic, and a whisper of salt.
  7. Final Flourish: Liberate the knots from the oven and immediately baptize them in the herb-laden butter mixture, ensuring comprehensive flavor saturation before presenting these molten delicacies to eager palates.

Notes

  • Precise Dough Handling: Separate crescent roll dough carefully to maintain seamless texture and prevent tearing during preparation.
  • Cheese Enclosure Technique: Completely seal mozzarella inside dough knots to prevent cheese leakage during baking, ensuring a perfect molten center.
  • Golden Brown Timing: Watch knots closely between 10-12 minutes to achieve optimal crispy exterior without burning; color indicates perfect doneness.
  • Butter Coating Strategy: Brush hot garlic knots immediately after baking to maximize flavor absorption and create a glossy, appetizing finish.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 9
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 330 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 15 mg
Emily Roberts

Emily Roberts

Content Creator & Kitchen Tips Specialist

Expertise

Dietary Planning​, Public Health Nutrition, Nutritional Education​, Content Development​

Education

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

  • Degree: Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences
  • Focus: Research on dietary patterns and their impact on chronic diseases.​

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)

  • Credential: Expertise in translating nutrition science into practical advice. ​

Emily Roberts is our content specialist and registered dietitian at HealthyChoices.org. With her Master’s degree in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Illinois and her Registered Dietitian Nutritionist certification, Emily uses her deep nutrition knowledge to write helpful, easy-to-understand guides about healthy eating. 

Her warm, practical advice empowers readers to confidently make healthier choices, turning everyday meals into simple moments of wellness and joy.

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