Delicious Cheesy Garlic Knots

Featured in Fresh Bread Made Simple.

These Garlic Cheese Knots are a simple way to turn pizza dough into a super yummy snack or side. Each knot is packed with melted mozzarella and covered in a mix of butter, fresh garlic, and parsley. We split the dough, stuff it with cheese, and then tie it into little knots. After baking until they're golden brown, we add one more layer of that garlic butter. It's the best when the cheese is all gooey, so eat them warm! They go great with parties, game day, or alongside your favorite Italian meals. Grab some marinara sauce for dipping, and you've got a real winner.
Emily Watson
Updated on Mon, 10 Mar 2025 03:22:46 GMT
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Cheese-Filled Garlic Knots | thefamilycooks.com

These homestyle cheese-filled garlic knots combine tender, fresh-baked bread with gooey melted cheese, all wrapped in a savory garlic butter coating. Each twisted roll delivers the perfect combination of crispy exterior and pillowy interior, making them an ideal choice for any meal.

This recipe emerged from years of family tradition, perfected through countless Sunday dinners. The combination of fresh bread and melted cheese never fails to bring everyone to the table as soon as they come out of the oven.

Key Ingredients

  • Pizza dough (1 pound): Let come to room temperature for easiest handling
  • Mozzarella cheese (1 cup): Freshly grated melts more smoothly
  • Unsalted butter (1/2 cup): Creates rich garlic coating
  • Garlic (4 cloves): Fresh minced garlic provides best flavor
  • Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons): Adds brightness and color

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Initial Preparation
Set up your workspace with parchment-lined baking sheet. Prepare garlic butter mixture first. Have grated cheese measured and ready.
Step 2: Form the Knots
Cut dough into 12 portions. Press each into a rectangle, add cheese to center, fold edges over, and twist into knots. Seal edges well to contain cheese.
Step 3: Final Preparation and Baking
Brush knots thoroughly with garlic butter. Bake until golden brown. Apply remaining butter while hot.
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Easy Cheese-Filled Garlic Knots | thefamilycooks.com

Traditional Italian cooking emphasizes using the freshest ingredients possible. Fresh garlic and herbs make a noticeable difference in the final flavor profile of these knots.

Dough Handling Tips

Properly tempered dough makes all the difference. Cold dough resists shaping and may split during handling, compromising the cheese seal.

Cheese Options

While traditional mozzarella works beautifully, experiment with cheese blends. A mixture of mozzarella with provolone or aged cheddar creates more complex flavors.

Storage Guidelines

Store leftover knots in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Warm briefly in the oven before serving to restore texture.

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Delicious Cheese-Filled Garlic Knots | thefamilycooks.com

These cheese-filled garlic knots have become a staple at family gatherings and celebrations. Their aroma fills the kitchen with warmth, and their taste creates lasting memories around the table.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What's the best way to keep these after baking?
Keep them in a sealed container. They'll last for about 2 days. Warm them up in the oven so the cheese gets melty again.
→ Is it okay to prep these ahead?
Sure, you can tie the knots and keep them in the fridge. Then, just add the garlic butter and bake when you're ready.
→ Anyway to stop the cheese from oozing out?
Be sure to really pinch the dough closed, and don't put too much cheese inside.
→ Can I use a different cheese?
Mozzarella is the best for melting, but feel free to try others like provolone or cheddar.
→ Is freezing these okay?
Yep, freeze them before you bake. Thaw them out, add the garlic butter, and bake until they look golden.

Garlic Knots with Cheese

Buttery, soft garlic knots filled with gooey mozzarella, topped with a fresh herb and garlic butter.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
35 Minutes

Category: Breads

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Italian-American

Yield: 12 Servings (12 tasty garlic knots)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Garlic Butter

01 4 garlic cloves, chopped finely
02 1/2 cup melted butter (unsalted)
03 A sprinkle of salt (1 teaspoon)
04 2 tablespoons parsley, freshly chopped

→ Dough

05 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
06 1 pound of pizza dough (homemade or purchased from a store)

Instructions

Step 01

Set your baking oven at 400°F (or 200°C). Lay a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 02

Cut the dough ball into 12 equal parts. Flatten each part into a small rectangle or square shape.

Step 03

Place a little mozzarella in the middle of each dough piece. Close the dough over the cheese and seal the edges, forming a knot shape.

Step 04

Combine the melted butter with the minced garlic, chopped parsley, and salt in a small dish.

Step 05

Arrange the knots on your baking sheet. Coat them generously with the garlic butter mixture using a brush. Bake for 12-15 minutes, until they turn golden and the cheese oozes.

Step 06

Take them out, and if you’d like, brush on more garlic butter. Pair them with marinara sauce and serve while warm.

Notes

  1. Seal the dough edges well so the cheese doesn’t escape while baking.
  2. To give the knots a deeper golden look, use an egg wash on top before baking.
  3. Let the knots cool off slightly so the melted cheese sets nicely before eating.

Tools You'll Need

  • Pastry brush
  • A sheet pan for baking
  • Parchment paper lining
  • A small mixing bowl

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • This recipe includes dairy products (butter and mozzarella cheese)
  • It contains wheat from the pizza dough

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: ~
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: ~