If you are craving a savory, irresistible treat that combines gooey cheese and the warm aroma of garlic, you will absolutely fall in love with this Cheese-Filled Garlic Knots Recipe. These delightful bites are soft on the inside, perfectly golden on the outside, and bursting with cheesy goodness at every twist and turn. Whether you’re serving them as a party appetizer, a cozy snack, or a side for your favorite Italian meal, this recipe is straightforward enough for any home cook yet impressive enough to steal the show. Let me take you step-by-step through creating these cheesy little knots that everyone will be begging for more of.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To craft these mouthwatering cheese-filled garlic knots, you’ll want to keep your ingredient list simple but purposeful. Each component plays an essential role in delivering the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and that signature golden color guaranteed to make your kitchen smell incredible.
- 1 lb pizza dough: Using either store-bought or homemade dough creates the soft, airy base perfect for shaping knots that hold the cheese beautifully.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: This gooey, melty cheese is what makes these knots truly unforgettable inside each twist.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted: Butter adds richness and helps carry the garlicky flavor evenly across every knot.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic gives the buttery coat its bold and comforting punch.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped: Parsley brightens the flavor and adds a lovely fresh-green visual appeal.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Salt enhances all the flavors and balances the richness perfectly.
How to Make Cheese-Filled Garlic Knots Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature will ensure that your knots bake to a golden brown perfection with a lightly crisp exterior while keeping the inside soft and cheesy. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to make cleanup a breeze and prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
Take your pizza dough and portion it into 12 equal pieces. Flatten each piece gently into a small rectangle or circle — just enough to hold the cheese but not too thin that it tears easily. This stage is where your knots begin to take shape and get ready for their cheesy surprise.
Step 3: Fill and Shape the Knots
Spoon about one tablespoon of shredded mozzarella cheese right in the center of each dough piece. Carefully fold the dough over the cheese and pinch the edges securely to seal in that delicious filling. Then, twist and tie into a loose knot shape. This step is crucial for keeping the cheese inside as it melts and creates those lovely pockets of goo.
Step 4: Arrange on the Baking Sheet
Place your cheese-filled garlic knots on the lined baking sheet, spacing them out slightly so they can puff up and bake evenly without sticking together. They’ll rise beautifully and smell incredible as they bake.
Step 5: Mix the Garlic Butter
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, freshly chopped parsley, and salt. This mixture will become the flavorful glaze that transforms these simple dough knots into aromatic, cheesy bites everyone will adore.
Step 6: Brush and Bake
Generously brush each knot with the garlic butter mixture, making sure to coat every surface to maximize that buttery garlic goodness. Bake in your preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until they turn a gorgeous golden brown and the cheese inside has melted completely.
Step 7: Add an Optional Finishing Touch
For an extra burst of flavor, brush the knots again with any remaining garlic butter right after you remove them from the oven. This final step locks in moisture and intensifies those wonderful garlic notes.
Step 8: Serve Warm
Serve these warm, cheese-filled garlic knots alongside a bowl of marinara sauce for dipping. The contrast of cheesy warmth and tangy tomato only makes this beloved recipe even more addictive.
How to Serve Cheese-Filled Garlic Knots Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan or a dash of crushed red pepper flakes can elevate your cheese-filled garlic knots with some extra flair. A light dusting of finely chopped parsley also adds that perfect pop of green and freshness to the plate.
Side Dishes
These knots pair wonderfully with classic Italian dishes like spaghetti Bolognese, Caesar salad, or a hearty minestrone soup. They also make a fantastic snack on their own, ideal for game day or casual gatherings.
Creative Ways to Present
Try threading the knots on a skewer for a fun, pull-apart appetizer tray or arrange them in a circular loaf shape on a serving board. You can even stuff the knots with different cheeses or herbs to personalize this Cheese-Filled Garlic Knots Recipe for your crowd.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, place the knots in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps them soft and flavorful, ready for a quick snack or meal the next day.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the unbaked knots arranged on a parchment-lined baking sheet until firm. Then transfer them to a freezer bag or container. When ready to enjoy, bake them directly from frozen, just adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the knots in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until heated through and crisp on the outside. Avoid microwaving to maintain that fresh-baked texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use different cheeses in the Cheese-Filled Garlic Knots Recipe?
Absolutely! While mozzarella is classic for meltiness, you can experiment with provolone, cheddar, or even a blend to create exciting new flavor profiles.
Is it necessary to make the garlic butter, or can I use plain butter?
The garlic butter is key to the signature flavor of this recipe. Plain butter won’t give you quite the same aromatic and savory punch that makes these knots stand out.
Can I prepare the knots without cheese for a simpler version?
You can omit the cheese, but keep in mind that the melty cheese inside is what makes this recipe so special. Without it, you’re essentially making garlic knots rather than cheese-filled ones.
How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out during baking?
Make sure to pinch the dough edges tightly when sealing in the cheese. Any gaps can cause the cheese to melt out, so a good seal is essential to keep everything inside during baking.
Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?
Yes, by using vegan pizza dough, dairy-free cheese alternatives, and plant-based butter, you can adapt this recipe to fit vegan or dairy-free diets while still enjoying delicious results.
Final Thoughts
This Cheese-Filled Garlic Knots Recipe is one of those magical dishes that bring comfort and joy to any occasion with ease. Soft, cheesy, and bursting with garlicky goodness, they are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a fun baking project you’ll want to make again and again. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen. So get that dough ready and prepare to wow your taste buds — you deserve it!
Print
Cheese-Filled Garlic Knots Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 knots
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Deliciously soft and cheesy garlic knots filled with melted mozzarella and brushed with a flavorful garlic butter mixture, perfect as a savory appetizer or side dish.
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 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 until combined.
- 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 immediately 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
- Use room temperature dough for easier shaping.
- If desired, sprinkle extra parsley or grated Parmesan on top after baking for added flavor.
- These knots are best served fresh but can be reheated in the oven for a few minutes to regain crispness.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute mozzarella with vegan cheese and use vegan butter for the garlic butter.
