Let me just say—these Cheese-Filled Garlic Knots are everything you’ve ever dreamed of and more! Soft, pillowy dough twisted into little knots, loaded with gooey, melted cheese, and drenched in a buttery garlic sauce. They’re like a warm hug for your taste buds, and trust me, once you try them, you’ll wonder why you didn’t make them sooner. Perfect for sharing at a party, as a side for dinner, or just as a snack when you’re craving something warm and cheesy!
Why You’ll Love Cheese-Filled Garlic Knots
- Cheesy Goodness: These knots are packed with gooey, melty cheese in every bite. If you love cheese, this recipe is a game-changer!
- Garlic Lover’s Dream: The garlic butter sauce takes these knots to a whole new level. It’s a flavor explosion!
- Soft & Pillowy: The dough is light, fluffy, and buttery—everything you want in a garlic knot, plus that cheesy surprise in the center.
- Quick & Easy: You’ll be able to whip up these cheesy bites in no time, even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen. Plus, they’re fun to make!
Ingredients
These cheese-filled garlic knots come together with just a few simple ingredients that you probably already have on hand:
- Pizza Dough: Store-bought or homemade—your choice. The dough is the base of this cheesy creation.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded mozzarella is the perfect choice for its meltability and mild flavor.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds a little salty, nutty kick to balance the mozzarella.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic or garlic powder—both work beautifully to flavor the garlic butter sauce.
- Butter: Melted butter makes the knots rich and flavorful, and it’s brushed on top for that delicious garlic finishing touch.
- Italian Seasoning: A sprinkle of Italian seasoning brings that pizza vibe to the knots.
- Olive Oil: For drizzling the dough to help it brown nicely.
(Note: Full ingredient list and measurements are provided in the recipe card above.)
Instructions
Let’s get cooking! Follow these steps to create your cheesy, garlicky masterpiece:
1. Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your garlic knots will bake to golden perfection.
2. Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Stir in Italian seasoning and set the garlic butter aside to cool slightly.
3. Shape the Knots
Roll out your pizza dough on a lightly floured surface. Cut the dough into strips (about 1-inch wide). Place a generous amount of mozzarella cheese on each strip, fold the dough over to seal the cheese inside, and then tie each strip into a knot.
4. Bake the Knots
Place the cheese-filled knots on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure they’re not too crowded. Drizzle a little olive oil over them for a golden, crispy finish. Bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until the knots are golden brown.
5. Brush with Garlic Butter
Once your knots are out of the oven, brush them generously with the garlic butter sauce you made earlier. Make sure every knot gets a nice coating of that garlic goodness.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Serve these cheese-filled garlic knots warm, and watch them disappear in no time! Pair with a side of marinara sauce for dipping, and enjoy every cheesy, garlicky bite.
How to Serve Cheese-Filled Garlic Knots
- As a Snack: Perfect for munching on during a movie night or a casual get-together.
- As a Side Dish: These knots are an amazing side to pasta, pizza, or even a simple salad.
- Dipping Sauce: Serve with marinara, ranch, or garlic butter for extra flavor.
Additional Tips
- Use Fresh Dough: If you’re using store-bought dough, let it come to room temperature before working with it. It’s easier to roll out and shape.
- Customize the Cheese: Add extra cheese, like provolone, cheddar, or even a bit of cream cheese for a fun twist!
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the knots ahead of time and freeze them before baking. When you’re ready, bake straight from the freezer for a fresh batch of cheesy goodness.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A1: Absolutely! Cheddar, provolone, or even a mix of cheeses work beautifully in these knots. The key is to use a cheese that melts well.
Q2: Can I use store-bought garlic butter?
A2: Sure, but the homemade garlic butter really takes these knots to the next level. Plus, you can adjust the garlic level to your liking!
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to restore their crispiness.
Q4: Can I freeze the garlic knots?
A4: Yes! You can freeze the knots before baking. Just place them on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. When you’re ready, bake them straight from the freezer at 375°F for about 15-18 minutes.
Q5: Can I make these with gluten-free dough?
A5: Absolutely! Use your favorite gluten-free pizza dough, and follow the same steps for a gluten-free version.
These Cheese-Filled Garlic Knots are everything you want in a snack or side—cheesy, garlicky, soft, and oh-so-satisfying. Once you try them, you’ll be hooked for life! Enjoy!
PrintCheese-Filled Garlic Knots Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious cheese-filled garlic knots made with pizza dough and brushed with a rich garlic butter. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or side dish, these knots are fluffy on the outside and gooey on the inside!
Ingredients
- For the Dough:
- 1 lb pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- For the Garlic Butter:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Prepare the Dough:
- Divide the pizza dough into 12 equal pieces. Flatten each piece into a small rectangle or circle.
- Fill the Knots:
- Place a small amount (about 1 tablespoon) of shredded mozzarella cheese in the center of each dough piece. Fold the dough over the cheese and pinch the edges tightly to seal, forming a knot.
- Place on Baking Sheet:
- Arrange the filled knots on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one.
- Make Garlic Butter:
- In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and salt.
- Brush and Bake:
- Generously brush the garlic butter mixture over each knot before baking. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the knots are golden brown and the cheese is melted inside.
- Optional Finishing Touch:
- For extra flavor, brush the knots with more garlic butter right after they come out of the oven.
- Serve Warm:
- Serve the cheese-filled garlic knots warm with marinara sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
- Seal the knots well to avoid cheese leakage during baking.
- Bake until golden for the perfect balance of crispiness and soft, doughy texture.
- Best enjoyed when the cheese is still gooey.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 knot
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg