Garlic Knots: Easy Pizza Dough Recipe for Irresistible Bites

Garlic knots are soft, buttery bites made from pizza dough and brushed with a simple garlic butter glaze. They’re easy to make, fun to share, and perfect for pizza night or game day snacks. The best part? You only need a few ingredients to turn basic dough into something irresistible. If you enjoy warm bread appetizers like crispy air fryer garlic bread, these homemade garlic knots will quickly become your new favorite kitchen trick.

Why I Always Make Garlic Knots on Pizza Night

I still remember the first time I made garlic knots at home.

I had leftover pizza dough and didn’t want to waste it. So I rolled it into little ropes, tied knots, and brushed them with garlic butter.

Then the smell hit the kitchen.

Suddenly everyone showed up asking what I was baking.

Next thing you know, the garlic knots disappeared before the pizza even came out of the oven.

That’s when I realized something simple:

Garlic knots might be the best part of pizza night.

Today I make them anytime I prepare homemade dough. They’re quick, they’re affordable, and they always bring people back to the kitchen.

Also, they pair perfectly with dipping sauces.

Try them with:

• marinara
• ranch
• garlic butter
• spicy pizza sauce

Then when I want a full snack table, I serve them alongside air fryer mozzarella sticks and crispy air fryer chicken tenders.

Trust me, that combo disappears fast.

Garlic Knot Pizza Crust

Ingredients for Homemade Garlic Knots

First, let’s keep things simple.

You only need a few pantry basics to make soft garlic knots.

For the dough

• 1 pound pizza dough
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the garlic butter

• 4 tablespoons butter, melted
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons grated parmesan

Optional additions:

• mozzarella cubes for stuffed knots
• red pepper flakes
• Italian seasoning

Then grab your favorite marinara sauce for dipping.

Also, if you love cheesy bread appetizers, try serving these knots with air fryer cheesy breadsticks or homemade pizza rolls.

Step-by-Step Garlic Knots Method

Next, let’s turn pizza dough into perfect garlic knots.

Step 1: Prepare the dough

First, preheat the oven to 400°F.

Then lightly flour your work surface.

Next stretch the pizza dough into a rectangle.

Step 2: Shape the knots

Then cut the dough into 1-inch strips.

Next roll each strip into a rope.

After that, tie the rope into a loose knot.

Finally place the knots on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 3: Bake

Then brush the knots lightly with olive oil.

Next bake for 12–15 minutes until golden.

Meanwhile mix:

• melted butter
• garlic
• parsley
• salt

Finally brush the hot garlic knots with the garlic butter and sprinkle parmesan on top.

The aroma alone will bring everyone into the kitchen.

Pull Apart Pizza & Stuffed Garlic Knots

Cheese Stuffed Garlic Knots

Sometimes I take these garlic knots to the next level.

I simply add cheese.

First cut mozzarella into small cubes.

Then flatten each dough strip slightly.

Next place the cheese cube inside.

After that wrap the dough around it and tie the knot.

Then bake normally.

The result?

Warm garlic knots with a gooey cheese center.

Kids especially love this version.

Also they work great as party snacks.

Serve them with:

• marinara
• garlic butter
• spicy ranch

Then round out the appetizer table with golden onion rings or air fryer potato wedges.

Pull Apart Pizza Garlic Knots

Next try turning garlic knots into a pull-apart pizza.

This version works perfectly for game day.

First roll the dough into small balls instead of ropes.

Then toss them in garlic butter.

Next layer them in a baking dish.

After that sprinkle mozzarella between layers.

Then bake until golden.

Once baked, brush with more garlic butter and parmesan.

The result is soft pull-apart garlic knots everyone can grab and dip.

Also they pair perfectly with crispy sides like crispy zucchini fries.

Tips

Tips for Perfect Garlic Knots

Great garlic knots come down to a few small tricks.

First, let pizza dough sit at room temperature before shaping.

Next avoid tying knots too tight. The dough needs room to rise.

Then brush the knots with garlic butter twice for stronger flavor.

Also sprinkle parmesan immediately after brushing.

Finally serve them warm for the best texture.

These little steps make a big difference.

Conclusion

Garlic knots are one of the easiest ways to turn simple pizza dough into a crowd-pleasing appetizer.

They’re buttery, soft, and full of garlic flavor.

Best of all, they take very little effort.

Make them for pizza night, game day, or family gatherings.

Once you serve homemade garlic knots, people will start requesting them every time you make pizza.

And honestly, that’s the best kind of kitchen compliment.

Looking for more Southern air fryer goodness? be sure to check out my Pinterest page.

Print