If you’re craving a snack that’s irresistibly soft, packed with gooey cheese, and bursting with garlicky goodness, the Cheese-Filled Garlic Knots Recipe has got you covered. These little knots of joy blend the comforting warmth of freshly baked dough with a melty mozzarella surprise tucked inside, all finished with a fragrant garlic butter glaze. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together, feeding a family, or just want a savory treat, this recipe turns simple ingredients into a show-stopping appetizer or snack that everyone will adore.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with the Cheese-Filled Garlic Knots Recipe is easy because the ingredients are straightforward yet essential to making the flavors shine. Each element plays a crucial role, from the dough’s chewy texture to the buttery, aromatic topping that ties everything together.
- 1 lb pizza dough: Provides the soft, chewy base that’s perfect for forming knots and holding the cheese inside.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully, giving the knots their signature gooey, cheesy center.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted: Creates the rich, savory garlic butter that coats each knot with flavor and moistness.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a punch of fresh, aromatic garlic that enhances every bite.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped: Adds a pop of color and a mild herbal note that balances the richness.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Elevates all the flavors and perfects the seasoning of the garlic butter.
How to Make Cheese-Filled Garlic Knots Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by setting your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple step ensures that your knots bake evenly and won’t stick, making cleanup a breeze and preserving their perfect golden finish.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
Divide your pizza dough into 12 equal pieces, which will help keep all your cheese-filled knots uniform in size for even baking. Then, flatten each piece gently into a small rectangle or circle—this makes wrapping the cheese inside easier.
Step 3: Fill the Knots
Place about a tablespoon of shredded mozzarella in the center of each flattened dough piece. Folding the dough over the cheese and pinching the edges tight is key here – it locks the delicious, melty cheese inside so it doesn’t leak out during baking.
Step 4: Place on Baking Sheet
Arrange your cheese-filled dough knots on the baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart. This gives them room to puff up and brown nicely without merging into one big cheesy blob.
Step 5: Make Garlic Butter
While the knots rest, whisk together melted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and salt in a small bowl. This mixture is the star glaze that infuses the knots with that unmistakable garlicky flavor and glossy finish.
Step 6: Brush and Bake
Brush each knot generously with the garlic butter mixture—don’t be shy, this is where all the magic happens. Bake for 12-15 minutes, watching as the knots turn a beautiful golden brown and the mozzarella inside becomes wonderfully melty.
Step 7: Optional Finishing Touch
If you want to amplify that rich garlic butter flavor, brush your knots again right out of the oven. It adds a lovely sheen and extra depth that keeps the knots moist and aromatic.
Step 8: Serve Warm
Serve your Cheese-Filled Garlic Knots Recipe warm, ideally with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. The freshness of the tomato sauce paired with the cheesy, buttery knots is simply unbeatable.
How to Serve Cheese-Filled Garlic Knots Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan or an extra handful of chopped parsley perfectly complements these knots, adding a touch of sharpness or vibrant color that makes them pop on the plate.
Side Dishes
These knots shine as a side to soups, salads, or pasta dishes. Imagine a bowl of rustic tomato soup or a crisp Caesar salad paired with these cheesy bites—it’s a combo that never disappoints.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, arrange the knots in a circle around a bowl of marinara or garlic dipping sauce. You can even twine some fresh rosemary sprigs among them to add a fragrant, herbaceous note and impressive visual appeal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover cheese-filled garlic knots store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, perfect for grabbing a quick savory snack or reheating as a side.
Freezing
If you want to save them longer, freeze the cooked knots in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll last up to 2 months and maintain their cheesy goodness.
Reheating
Reheat the knots in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes or until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving if you want to retain that irresistibly fresh-baked texture.
FAQs
Can I use different cheeses in this recipe?
Absolutely! While mozzarella is classic for melting, you can experiment with provolone, fontina, or even a bit of sharp cheddar for a flavor twist. Just make sure the cheese melts well to keep that gooey center.
Is it necessary to use fresh parsley?
Fresh parsley adds a lovely brightness and color, but if you don’t have any on hand, dried parsley can work in a pinch. Just use a smaller amount since dried herbs are more concentrated.
Can I make the dough from scratch?
Yes! Homemade pizza dough works wonderfully and adds a personal touch, but store-bought dough saves time and still yields delicious results. Either way, the knots will turn out fantastic.
How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out?
Pinching the dough edges tightly around the cheese is essential to prevent leaks. If you find the dough sticky, dust your hands with flour or try folding the dough over twice for a better seal.
Can I add herbs or spices to the dough?
Definitely! Adding dried oregano, basil, or garlic powder directly into the dough can elevate the flavor. Just be mindful not to overpower the fresh garlic butter glaze, which is the star seasoning.
Final Thoughts
This Cheese-Filled Garlic Knots Recipe is one of those little kitchen treasures that feels both fancy and comforting at the same time. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser with a perfect balance of chewy dough, melty cheese, and that punch of garlic butter. Once you try making these at home, you’ll likely find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again to share with friends and family. So roll up your sleeves, grab that dough, and get ready for some seriously delicious knots of happiness.
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Cheese-Filled Garlic Knots Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
These Cheese-Filled Garlic Knots are soft, flavorful bread knots stuffed with melted mozzarella cheese and coated in a fragrant garlic butter mixture. Perfect as an appetizer or side dish, they bake up golden brown and pair wonderfully with marinara sauce for dipping.
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 to ensure easy cleanup and prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Dough: Divide the pizza dough into 12 equal pieces. Flatten each piece into a small rectangle or circle, preparing them for filling.
- Fill the Knots: Place 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 shape that keeps the cheese enclosed.
- Place on Baking Sheet: Arrange the filled knots on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart to allow for expansion during baking.
- Make Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and salt, stirring thoroughly to create a flavorful garlic butter sauce.
- Brush and Bake: Generously brush the garlic butter mixture over each knot before placing the baking sheet in the oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the knots turn golden brown and the cheese inside is melted and gooey.
- Optional Finishing Touch: For added flavor and moisture, brush the knots again with garlic butter immediately after removing them from the oven.
- Serve Warm: Serve these cheese-filled garlic knots warm, accompanied by marinara sauce for dipping, enhancing their delicious garlicky and cheesy taste.
Notes
- Use fresh homemade pizza dough or store-bought for convenience.
- For a spicier twist, add red pepper flakes to the garlic butter.
- Ensure the cheese is fully sealed inside the dough to avoid leakage during baking.
- These knots are best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated in the oven for a few minutes to regain crispness.
- Try substituting mozzarella with provolone or a blend of Italian cheeses for different flavors.
