Garlic Knot Rolls Recipe
Get ready to fall in love with Garlic Knot Rolls, the irresistible side dish that will steal the show at any meal! These pillowy-soft knots are brushed with a buttery, garlicky glaze, sprinkled with fresh parsley, and finished (if you wish) with a shower of Parmesan. Whether you’re serving them alongside a classic pasta dinner or just want to indulge in some comfort food, Garlic Knot Rolls bring a savory aroma and homemade warmth to your table that’s simply unbeatable.

Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Garlic Knot Rolls lies in their simplicity—every ingredient packs a punch, adding its own magic to the final bite. Each component is chosen to maximize flavor, texture, and that signature golden color. Here’s what you’ll need and why you’ll want every single one:
- Pizza Dough: The chewy, pillowy foundation—use store-bought for quick prep or homemade for a personal touch.
- Unsalted Butter: Melted butter creates a rich, golden finish and carries all that garlicky goodness over every knot.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic infuses the rolls with a bold, aromatic flavor that’s simply classic.
- Fresh Parsley: Adds a pop of color and a bright, herby note that balances the richness of the butter.
- Salt: Just the right amount sharpens all the flavors and makes the buttery glaze sing.
- Black Pepper: A pinch provides a subtle warmth and depth you’ll notice in every bite.
- Parmesan Cheese (optional): For those who love a savory, cheesy finish, a sprinkle of Parmesan adds an irresistible bite.
How to Make Garlic Knot Rolls
Step 1: Prep Your Workspace and Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple step ensures your Garlic Knot Rolls bake evenly and won’t stick—plus, it makes cleanup a breeze. Gather all your ingredients and have your melted butter, minced garlic, and chopped parsley ready to go so you can work quickly and efficiently.
Step 2: Shape the Dough into Knots
On a lightly floured surface, divide your pizza dough into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope about 6 inches long, then gently tie each rope into a loose knot, tucking the ends underneath. Don’t worry if they aren’t perfect—the rustic look is part of their charm! Arrange the knots on your prepared baking sheet, leaving about an inch between each for room to rise and expand.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter and Brush the Knots
In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper. This is where the magic happens! Brush half of the garlicky butter mixture over the knots before baking, making sure to coat every nook and cranny for maximum flavor.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Fragrant
Pop the tray into your preheated oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes. The Garlic Knot Rolls will puff up beautifully and turn a gorgeous golden brown. Your kitchen will smell out-of-this-world as the garlic and butter work their magic!
Step 5: Finish with More Garlic Butter and Cheese
As soon as the knots come out of the oven, brush them right away with the remaining garlic butter. If you’re a cheese lover, now’s the time to sprinkle on some grated Parmesan for an extra layer of flavor. Serve warm, and watch them disappear!
How to Serve Garlic Knot Rolls

Garnishes
For a classic finish, a light sprinkling of chopped fresh parsley over your Garlic Knot Rolls adds color and a fresh aroma. If you’re feeling fancy, a little extra Parmesan or even a dusting of red pepper flakes can take things to a new level. The key is to keep it simple and let those garlicky flavors shine!
Side Dishes
Garlic Knot Rolls are the ultimate companion for so many dishes. They’re perfect with a bowl of marinara for dipping, or alongside your favorite Italian mains like spaghetti, lasagna, or creamy soups. They also elevate a simple salad dinner, turning it into something truly special.
Creative Ways to Present
Try piling your Garlic Knot Rolls in a rustic bread basket lined with a tea towel for a homey touch. For parties, arrange them in a circle around a bowl of warm marinara or cheesy dip. If you’re serving a crowd, stack them high on a wooden board for a show-stopping centerpiece everyone will reach for.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with a few leftover Garlic Knot Rolls (a rare occurrence!), let them cool completely before storing in an airtight container. They’ll stay soft and delicious at room temperature for up to two days, or in the refrigerator for up to four days.
Freezing
Garlic Knot Rolls freeze surprisingly well! Once completely cooled, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to two months. To prevent sticking, you can freeze them in a single layer first before transferring to a bag.
Reheating
To recapture that fresh-baked magic, simply reheat Garlic Knot Rolls in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5–7 minutes until warm and slightly crisp on the outside. If reheating from frozen, add a couple of extra minutes—no need to thaw first!
FAQs
Can I use homemade pizza dough for Garlic Knot Rolls?
Absolutely! Homemade pizza dough gives you full control over the flavor and texture, and it’s a great way to add a personal touch. Just make sure it’s risen and ready to be shaped before starting the recipe.
Do I have to use Parmesan cheese?
Not at all. The Parmesan is optional and mainly adds a salty, cheesy finish. If you prefer dairy-free Garlic Knot Rolls or just want to keep things simple, you can easily skip it.
Can I prep the knots ahead of time?
You sure can! Shape the knots and place them on the baking sheet, then cover and refrigerate for a few hours before baking. When you’re ready, just brush with garlic butter and bake as directed.
What if I don’t have fresh parsley?
No worries—dried parsley works in a pinch. Use about half the amount, since dried herbs are more concentrated. You can also experiment with other fresh herbs like basil or oregano for a different twist.
Are Garlic Knot Rolls vegetarian?
Yes! The standard recipe is vegetarian as long as your pizza dough and Parmesan (if using) contain no animal-derived rennet. Always double-check your ingredient labels if this is important for your diet.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried making Garlic Knot Rolls at home, you’re in for a treat. They’re simple, satisfying, and bring so much joy to the table—whether it’s a casual weeknight or a special gathering. Give them a try and get ready for lots of happy, garlicky smiles!
Print
Garlic Knot Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious homemade garlic knot rolls made with soft pizza dough, infused with garlic butter and fresh parsley, and optionally topped with Parmesan cheese. Perfect as a side dish or snack, these warm, flavorful rolls are easy to make and ideal for serving alongside pasta, soup, or your favorite marinara sauce.
Ingredients
Dough
- 1 lb pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
Garlic Butter
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Topping
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the oven and dough: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. On a lightly floured surface, divide the pizza dough into 12 equal pieces to ensure uniform roll size and even baking.
- Shape the knots: Roll each piece of dough into a rope about 6 inches long. Tie each rope into a loose knot, carefully tucking the ends underneath to create the classic garlic knot shape. Place each knot on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about an inch apart to allow for expansion while baking.
- Make garlic butter sauce: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, chopped fresh parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to evenly distribute the flavors.
- Brush with garlic butter: Using a pastry brush, generously apply half of the garlic butter mixture onto each dough knot, ensuring good coverage for flavor.
- Bake the rolls: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the garlic knots for 15 to 18 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and cooked through.
- Final butter brush and topping: Remove the garlic knots from the oven and immediately brush them with the remaining garlic butter mixture for extra flavor and shine. If desired, sprinkle the rolls evenly with grated Parmesan cheese while still warm.
- Serve warm: Serve the garlic knot rolls warm for the best taste and texture. They pair wonderfully with marinara sauce, pasta dishes, or soups.
Notes
- These garlic knot rolls are best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated in the oven for a few minutes to restore their crispness and warmth.
- For an extra touch, pair the rolls with marinara sauce or your favorite dipping sauce.
- You can substitute fresh parsley with dried parsley if needed, though fresh is preferred for better flavor.
- To make a dairy-free version, omit the Parmesan cheese and use vegan butter as a substitute.
- These rolls freeze well before baking; simply shape the knots, freeze, then bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to baking time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg