Cheesy Garlic Knots Recipe

Homemade Cheesy Garlic Knots Recipe: Irresistibly Fluffy Bites

Cheesy garlic knots elevate ordinary bread into an irresistible appetizer that sparks immediate hunger.

Soft, twisted dough becomes a canvas for bold flavor combinations and aromatic seasonings.

Restaurants and home kitchens alike celebrate these delectable bites as crowd-pleasing favorites.

Warm, golden-brown edges promise a crispy exterior with a tender, pillowy center.

Robust garlic notes intertwine seamlessly with melted cheese, creating a sensory experience that tantalizes taste buds.

Each knot represents a miniature culinary adventure, waiting to surprise and delight you.

The magic happens when simple ingredients merge into something extraordinary.

Why Cheesy Garlic Knots Steal the Show

  • Unlock Instant Cheesy Delight: Dive into these mouthwatering garlic knots that transform simple crescent roll dough into a gourmet appetizer in just minutes.
  • Cheese-Packed Surprise: Each knot conceals a melty mozzarella center, creating a delightful molten surprise that oozes with every bite.
  • Flavor Explosion Technique: The buttery garlic and parmesan coating elevates these knots from basic to restaurant-worthy, delivering a punch of savory goodness that'll make taste buds dance.
  • Effortless Entertaining Magic: Perfect for last-minute gatherings, these knots require minimal prep and bake quickly, making them a stress-free crowd-pleaser that looks like you spent hours in the kitchen.

What Goes into Cheesy Garlic Knots at Home

Main Ingredients:

Crescent Roll Dough:- Pilsbury Crescent Rolls: Soft, flaky base for creating delicious garlic knots with a quick and easy preparation.

  • Mozzarella String Cheese: Creamy, melty cheese that provides a gooey center and rich flavor to the knots.

Flavor Enhancers:

Herb and Cheese Blend:- Fresh Flat-Leaf Parsley, Parmesan Cheese: Bright, fresh herbs and nutty cheese that add depth and aromatic notes to the garlic knots.

  • Fresh Garlic: Pungent and essential ingredient that brings bold, authentic garlic flavor to the recipe.

Finishing Touches:

Seasoning and Binding:- Unsalted Butter: Rich, golden fat that helps create a glossy, flavorful coating for the knots.

  • Kosher Salt: Enhances and balances the overall taste, bringing out the savory elements of the dish.

How to Twist and Bake Cheesy Garlic Knots

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Station

Warm up the oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, creating a perfect non-stick surface for your cheesy delights.

Step 2: Transform the Dough

Gently unroll the crescent roll tube. Separate the dough along the natural seams, creating four rectangular sections. Slice each rectangle into two equal strips, pinching any loose edges to keep them intact.

Step 3: Create Cheesy Centers

Place a chunk of mozzarella in the middle of each dough strip. Carefully twist and tie each strip into a playful knot, tucking the ends underneath to create a cozy cheese pocket.

Ingredients for cheese pocket:
  • Mozzarella cheese
  • Dough strips

Step 4: Arrange for Baking

Position the knots on the parchment-lined sheet, leaving about an inch of space between each. This allows them to puff up and get perfectly golden.

Step 5: Mix Flavor-Packed Coating

Prepare the delicious coating while the knots bake:
  • Melted butter
  • Chopped fresh parsley
  • Grated parmesan cheese
  • Minced garlic
  • Pinch of salt

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the knots turn a deep, appetizing golden brown.

Step 7: Coat with Flavor

The moment the knots emerge from the oven, immediately toss them in the prepared butter mixture. This ensures each knot is generously coated with garlicky, cheesy goodness.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the warm, aromatic knots to a serving plate. Best enjoyed immediately while the cheese is melty and the coating is fresh.

How to Store and Reheat Garlic Knots Right

  • Refrigeration: Store leftover cheesy garlic knots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
  • Reheating in Oven: Warm knots at 350 degrees F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness. Spread on a baking sheet and cover loosely with foil to prevent burning.
  • Microwave Option: Reheat knots for 15-20 seconds on medium power. Be careful not to overheat, as they can become tough and chewy. Best consumed within 24 hours for optimal taste and texture.

Dips That Match Cheesy Garlic Knots

  • Savor Sparkling Wine Pairing: Crisp prosecco or champagne cuts through the richness of these cheesy garlic knots, refreshing your palate with its bubbly brightness and complementing the buttery, garlicky flavors.
  • Boost with Bold Red Wine: A medium-bodied red like chianti or sangiovese provides a robust counterpoint to the knots' cheesy, garlic-packed profile, enhancing the overall taste experience.
  • Match with Zesty Marinara: Serve these knots alongside a tangy marinara dipping sauce to add extra depth and create a classic Italian-inspired appetizer that balances the cheese and garlic perfectly.
  • Refresh with Light Beer: A crisp pilsner or blonde ale offers a clean, light accompaniment that won't overpower the knots' delicate flavors, providing a smooth and satisfying drinking experience.

Flavor Additions for Garlic Knot Fans

  • Pepperoni Pizza Knots: Replace mozzarella with pepperoni slices and add a sprinkle of Italian seasoning for a zesty, pizza-inspired version.
  • Herb and Goat Cheese Knots: Swap mozzarella for creamy goat cheese and mix fresh thyme and rosemary into the butter coating for an elegant, herbaceous flavor.
  • Jalapeño Cheddar Knots: Incorporate diced jalapeños and shredded cheddar cheese inside the knots for a spicy, cheesy kick that brings extra excitement to the appetizer.
  • Mediterranean Olive Knots: Fill knots with crumbled feta cheese and chopped kalamata olives, then brush with olive oil infused with oregano for a Mediterranean-inspired treat.

Tips to Keep Garlic Knots Soft and Flavorful

  • Seal the Cheese Carefully: Pinch dough edges tightly to prevent cheese from leaking during baking, ensuring a perfect cheesy center in every knot.
  • Handle Dough Gently: Work with crescent roll dough when it's slightly cold to maintain its shape and prevent stretching or tearing while forming knots.
  • Space Knots Strategically: Leave enough room between knots on the baking sheet to allow even browning and prevent them from sticking together.
  • Check Golden Color: Watch knots closely during the last few minutes of baking to achieve a deep golden color without burning the delicate dough.
  • Coat Immediately: Toss warm knots in the garlic butter mixture right after baking to help the coating stick and maximize flavor absorption.
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Cheesy Garlic Knots Recipe

Cheesy Garlic Knots Recipe


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4.7 from 20 reviews

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Homemade cheesy garlic knots deliver irresistible Italian-American comfort straight from your kitchen. Warm breadsticks twisted with parmesan, herbs, and melted butter create a mouthwatering appetizer you can’t resist sharing with friends and family.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 (8 ounces / 226 grams) Pillsbury crescent rolls
  • 56 mozzarella string cheese, cut into thirds

Seasoning and Flavoring:

  • 1 clove fresh garlic, finely minced
  • 5 tablespoons finely grated parmesan cheese
  • 5 tablespoons finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt

Finishing Ingredients:

  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and prepare a parchment-lined baking sheet for optimal non-stick performance.
  2. Carefully unfurl the crescent roll dough, separating it into four distinct rectangular sections along the natural seams.
  3. Slice each rectangle into two uniform horizontal strips, gently pressing together any separated dough to maintain structural integrity.
  4. Position a single mozzarella cheese segment precisely in the center of each dough strip.
  5. Transform each strip into a delicate knot by carefully folding and twisting, ensuring the cheese remains completely enclosed within the dough.
  6. Meticulously arrange the knotted pieces on the baking sheet, spacing them approximately one inch apart in staggered formation.
  7. Bake in the preheated oven until the knots achieve a rich, deep golden-brown coloration, typically requiring 10-12 minutes.
  8. During baking, craft a luxurious coating by whisking together melted butter, finely chopped parsley, grated parmesan, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt in a generous mixing bowl.
  9. Immediately after removing from the oven, generously coat each hot knot in the aromatic butter mixture, ensuring complete flavor coverage.
  10. Serve the garlic knots while piping hot, allowing guests to enjoy the melted cheese and fragrant herb-infused exterior.

Notes

  • Twist crescent dough into irresistible knots with hidden cheese surprises waiting inside each soft, golden pocket.
  • Mozzarella melts perfectly within buttery dough, creating gooey centers that stretch when pulled apart.
  • Quick weekend snack transforms basic refrigerator ingredients into crowd-pleasing appetizers without complicated cooking techniques.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 370mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg
Alex Reed

Alex Reed

Founder & Lead Content Writer

Expertise

Recipe Development and Testing​, Culinary Education​, Food Writing and Blogging​, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Global Cuisine Exploration

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and contemporary cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development. Emphasized hands-on experience in diverse culinary traditions.​

Le Cordon Bleu Paris

  • Program: Diplôme de Cuisine
  • Focus: Advanced instruction in French culinary techniques, including sauce preparation, pâtisserie, and haute cuisine.​

Alex Reed is an inventive chef and food creator with a passion for dishes that balance taste, health, and sustainability. 

Trained at Portland Community College and holding an Advanced Pastry Arts certificate from Oregon Culinary Institute, Alex brings more than 10 years of practical culinary experience to every recipe he develops. 

His background uniquely blends traditional cooking skills with modern, mindful eating principles. As the founder of Beard and Bonnet, Alex creates recipes that encourage readers to cook confidently.

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