Ever dream of garlic knots so loaded with cheese that the pull seems to last forever? I did! I thought that kind of cheesy, gooey perfection was only achievable in restaurants. But guess what? I’ve cracked the code to creating that same unbelievable cheese pull right in your own kitchen! The secret lies in the cheese preparation, and trust me, it makes all the difference in these cheesy garlic knots.
Why You’ll Love These Cheesy Garlic Knots
These aren’t just any garlic knots; they’re an experience! Here’s why you’ll be making them again and again:
- Ultimate Cheese Pull: Seriously, prepare to be amazed. This is the star of the show.
- Easy to Make: Using refrigerated pizza dough cuts down on prep time, making these perfect for a weeknight treat.
- Flavor Explosion: The garlic butter is infused with Italian herbs and Parmesan for a truly irresistible taste.
- Crowd-Pleaser: These cheesy garlic knots are perfect for parties, game day, or any gathering where delicious food is a must. They’re always a hit!
Gathering Your Ingredients for Cheesy Garlic Knots
Before we dive into baking these incredible cheesy garlic knots, let’s talk about the ingredients. The combination creates a symphony of flavors and textures, from the soft, pillowy dough to the rich, garlicky butter and, of course, that magnificent cheese pull! We’re aiming for a savory, comforting, and utterly irresistible treat.
Here’s what you’ll need to bring these delicious knots to life:
- Refrigerated Pizza Dough: The foundation of our knots! A 16-ounce package of refrigerated pizza dough is your shortcut to deliciousness. You can find this in most grocery stores, typically near the bakery or dairy section. Using pre-made dough saves time and ensures a consistent texture.
- Butter: Four tablespoons of melted butter create the rich, flavorful base for our garlic sauce. I prefer using unsalted butter so I can control the amount of salt in the recipe.
- Garlic: Two cloves of minced garlic are essential for that classic garlic knot flavor. Freshly minced garlic is highly recommended for the best and most potent aroma.
- Parmesan Cheese: A quarter cup of grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty depth to the garlic butter. Use a good quality Parmesan for the best flavor.
- Dried Italian Herbs: Half a teaspoon of dried Italian herbs provides that classic Italian seasoning blend. You can also use a combination of dried oregano, basil, rosemary, and thyme.
- Salt and Pepper: A quarter teaspoon each of salt and black pepper enhance all the other flavors. Adjust to your taste preferences.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Eight ounces of mozzarella cheese, cut into ½-inch cubes, are the key to the ultimate cheese pull. Use a good quality, low-moisture mozzarella for the best results. The cubes help keep the cheese contained within the dough while baking, maximizing that gooey center.
- Fresh Parsley: Two tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley add a pop of color and freshness as a garnish.
Crafting Your Cheesy Garlic Knots: Step-by-Step
Now for the fun part: making these cheesy, garlicky delights! Don’t be intimidated – it’s easier than you think. The most important technique is ensuring you completely seal the mozzarella inside the dough for maximum cheese pull potential!
- Preheat the Oven: Get started by preheating your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). This ensures even baking and helps the knots achieve that perfect golden-brown color.
- Prepare the Baking Sheet: Lightly grease a baking sheet to prevent the knots from sticking. You can use cooking spray or brush it with a little melted butter.
- Make the Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. This is your flavor bomb! Mix well to ensure all the ingredients are evenly distributed. The aroma alone is enough to make your mouth water.
- Divide the Dough: Open the pizza dough and cut it into approximately 24 equal pieces. This ensures that each knot bakes evenly and has the right amount of cheese. A pizza cutter or a sharp knife works well for this.
- Assemble the Knots: Now comes the crucial part. Flatten each piece of dough slightly. Place a mozzarella cube in the center. Wrap the dough completely around the cheese to form a ball, ensuring it is completely sealed. Place the seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. This is absolutely key for that incredible cheese pull. If the cheese leaks out, it won’t melt properly and create the gooey stretch we’re after.
- Brush with Garlic Butter: Generously brush the tops of the dough balls with the garlic butter mixture. This adds flavor and helps them turn golden brown in the oven.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the knots are golden brown. Keep a close eye on them, as baking times can vary depending on your oven. The bottoms should be nicely browned, too.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately while the cheese is still molten and stretchy!
Tips for Perfect Cheesy Garlic Knots Every Time
Want to guarantee cheesy garlic knot success? Here are a few extra tips and tricks to keep in mind:
- Don’t Overbake: Overbaking will dry out the knots and make the cheese less gooey. Keep a close eye on them and remove them from the oven as soon as they’re golden brown.
- Use Good Quality Cheese: The better the mozzarella, the better the cheese pull! Look for a low-moisture, part-skim mozzarella for optimal melting.
- Make Ahead: You can assemble the knots ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. Just add a few minutes to the baking time.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for a little kick.
- Herb Variations: Experiment with different fresh herbs in the garlic butter, such as rosemary, thyme, or basil.
What to Serve With Cheesy Garlic Knots
These cheesy garlic knots are amazing on their own, but they’re also a fantastic addition to any meal. Serve them alongside spaghetti with beef ragu, creamy chicken and dumpling soup or a simple salad for a complete and satisfying dinner. They’re also perfect as an appetizer for parties or game day gatherings. For dipping, try marinara sauce or a creamy garlic dip.
Your Cheesy Garlic Knots Questions Answered (FAQ)
Can I use a different type of cheese?
While mozzarella is the best for achieving that ultimate cheese pull, you can experiment with other cheeses. Provolone, fontina, or even a little bit of cheddar can add different flavor dimensions. Just keep in mind that they might not melt quite the same way as mozzarella.
Can I make these knots gluten-free?
Yes! Look for gluten-free pizza dough in the refrigerated section of your grocery store or make your own. Be sure to check the label to ensure it’s certified gluten-free.
How do I store leftover cheesy garlic knots?
Store leftover knots in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat them in the oven or microwave until warmed through. They’re best enjoyed fresh, but they’ll still be tasty the next day!
Can I freeze these cheesy garlic knots?
Yes, you can freeze them! Bake them as directed, let them cool completely, and then wrap them individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer bag. Reheat them in the oven directly from frozen.
Enjoy Your Homemade Cheesy Garlic Knots!
There you have it! The secret to restaurant-worthy cheesy garlic knots, right at your fingertips. Get ready for that incredible cheese pull and the smiles that follow. Now, go bake up a batch and prepare to be amazed! Don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know how they turned out. And if you loved this recipe, share it with your friends and family!
Cheesy Garlic Knots (Ultimate Cheese Pull)
Ingredients
- 1 package (16 ounces) refrigerated pizza dough
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Directions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
- Lightly grease a baking sheet.
- In a small bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper.
- Open the pizza dough and cut it into approximately 24 equal pieces.
- Flatten each piece slightly, place a mozzarella cube in the center, and wrap the dough around the cheese to form a ball, ensuring it is completely sealed. Place seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Chef’s tip: Completely sealing the mozzarella cube inside the dough is KEY to achieving the ultimate cheese pull. If the cheese leaks out during baking, it will not create the desired gooey stretch.
- Brush the tops of the dough balls with the garlic butter mixture.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Remove from oven and garnish with fresh parsley.
- Serve immediately and enjoy that incredible cheese pull!
