Cheese-Filled Garlic Knots

I first discovered the magic of cheese-filled garlic knots at a small Italian pizzeria in Brooklyn years ago. I'd ordered them as an afterthought, not expecting much, but when the basket arrived at our table, steaming and fragrant, I was hooked instantly. The way the cheese pulled apart, the buttery garlic flavor coating every bite – it was love at first taste. I knew I had to recreate them at home. After several attempts, I perfected this recipe that captures that same magic. What I love most is how forgiving this recipe is – even if your knots aren't perfectly shaped, they still taste incredible. The key is using good quality mozzarella that melts beautifully and not skimping on the garlic butter. I've taught this recipe to countless friends, and it's become a staple in many of their homes too. There's something special about making bread from scratch, even when you're starting with store-bought dough. The process of rolling, filling, and tying each knot is almost meditative. And when they come out of the oven, golden and perfect, you feel like a professional baker. These knots represent everything I love about cooking – simple ingredients transformed into something extraordinary through technique and a little bit of love.

Why I love this recipe

I love this recipe because it delivers maximum wow factor with minimum effort. There's something incredibly satisfying about pulling apart a warm garlic knot and watching that cheese stretch – it never gets old, no matter how many times I make them. They're perfect for any occasion, from casual weeknight dinners to impressive party appetizers. What makes them special is that they taste like you spent hours in the kitchen, but they actually come together in about 35 minutes. I also love how customizable they are – you can adjust the garlic level, try different cheese combinations, or add herbs according to your preference. They're a crowd-pleaser that works for all ages; kids love the cheesy goodness while adults appreciate the aromatic garlic butter. The recipe is also forgiving enough for beginner bakers but impressive enough that experienced cooks will be proud to serve them. Perhaps most importantly, these knots bring people together – there's something about breaking bread, especially cheese-stuffed, garlicky bread, that creates connection and conversation. Every time I make them, they disappear within minutes, and I'm left with requests for the recipe. That's the mark of a truly great dish.

What You Need From Your Kitchen

• Pizza dough: Divide into 12 equal pieces and roll each into a 6-7 inch rope on a floured surface
• Mozzarella cheese: Use shredded or tear into small pieces, place about 2 tablespoons in the center of each dough rope
• Butter: Melt and combine with minced garlic, herbs, and seasonings to create the garlic butter coating
• Fresh garlic: Mince finely and mix into melted butter for maximum flavor infusion
• Fresh parsley: Chop finely and add to the garlic butter mixture for color and fresh herbal notes
• Parmesan cheese: Grate finely and sprinkle over the hot baked knots immediately after brushing with garlic butter

Let's Make These Together

Prepare your workspace and ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. Gather all your ingredients and divide the pizza dough into 12 equal portions. This ensures each knot will be the same size and bake evenly. Having everything ready before you start makes the process smooth and enjoyable.

Roll and fill the dough

Take each portion of dough and roll it into a rope about 6-7 inches long. Flatten the rope slightly with your fingers to create a small trough in the center. Place about 2 tablespoons of shredded mozzarella cheese down the center, then carefully fold the dough around the cheese, pinching the seams together firmly to seal. This step is crucial to prevent cheese leakage during baking.

Shape into beautiful knots

Once your cheese is sealed inside, gently roll the filled rope to smooth out any rough edges. Then tie it into a simple overhand knot, just like you're tying a shoelace. Tuck both ends underneath to create a neat, round ball shape. Place each knot on your prepared baking sheet with about 2 inches of space between them for expansion.

Create the garlic butter magic

In a small bowl, combine your melted butter with minced garlic, chopped fresh parsley, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt. Mix well so all the flavors meld together. Use a pastry brush to generously coat the top of each knot with about half of this aromatic mixture. Save the rest for after baking – this double application is what gives these knots their incredible flavor.

Bake to golden perfection

Slide your baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. Watch for them to turn a beautiful golden brown on top. When they're done, remove them from the oven and immediately brush with the remaining garlic butter while they're still hot. Finish with a generous sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese. The residual heat will help the butter and cheese create an irresistible coating. Serve warm and watch them disappear!

pin it

Switch Things Up

I remember the first time I made these for a casual Friday night dinner with friends. I was nervous because I'd never stuffed garlic knots with cheese before, but the moment I pulled them from the oven and saw that golden color, I knew they'd be amazing. When my friend Sarah took her first bite and the cheese stretched about a foot long, everyone stopped talking and just stared. We ended up making a second batch that same night because the first dozen disappeared in minutes. Now these have become my signature dish for gatherings. I've experimented with different cheeses – pepper jack adds a nice kick, while a mix of mozzarella and cheddar gives extra flavor. Sometimes I add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the butter for those who like heat. My favorite part is always that first pull when you tear one apart and watch the cheese stretch. These knots have turned into a tradition, and I make them at least twice a month.

Perfect Pairings

These cheese-filled garlic knots pair beautifully with marinara sauce for dipping – the tangy tomato cuts through the richness perfectly. They're also fantastic alongside a fresh Caesar salad or served with a bowl of minestrone soup. For a complete Italian-inspired meal, serve them with spaghetti carbonara or chicken parmesan. They're excellent with creamy soups like tomato basil or roasted red pepper. If you're doing a party spread, pair them with buffalo wings, mozzarella sticks, and a variety of dipping sauces. A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light beer complements them wonderfully. For a vegetarian feast, serve alongside grilled vegetables and a caprese salad.

pin it

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use store-bought pizza dough for this recipe?

Absolutely! Store-bought pizza dough works perfectly for this recipe and saves time. You can find it in the refrigerated section of most grocery stores. Just make sure it's at room temperature before you start working with it for easier handling. Homemade dough works great too if you prefer to make your own.

→ What type of cheese works best for stuffing?

Mozzarella is ideal because it melts beautifully and creates that amazing cheese pull. You can use low-moisture mozzarella for less mess, or whole milk mozzarella for extra creaminess. For variety, try mixing mozzarella with cheddar, provolone, or even pepper jack for a spicy kick. Just avoid pre-shredded cheese with anti-caking agents as it doesn't melt as smoothly.

→ How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out?

The key is to seal the seams really well after adding the cheese. Pinch the dough firmly together and make sure there are no gaps. Don't overstuff the knots – about 2 tablespoons of cheese per knot is perfect. Also, make sure your dough is at room temperature so it's pliable and easier to seal. If you notice any gaps before baking, pinch them closed again.

→ Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the knots up to the point of baking, then cover and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours. Let them sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before baking. You can also freeze unbaked knots on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag once frozen. Bake from frozen, adding 3-5 extra minutes to the baking time.

→ How should I store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftover garlic knots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes until warmed through. This method helps restore their texture better than microwaving, which can make them soggy. You can also wrap them in foil before reheating to keep them moist.

→ What can I serve with these garlic knots?

These garlic knots are incredibly versatile! Serve them with marinara sauce for dipping, alongside pasta dishes like spaghetti or lasagna, or with soups and salads. They're perfect as an appetizer for parties, game day snacks, or as a side dish for Italian meals. They also pair wonderfully with pizza for an extra-indulgent Italian feast.

Conclusion

These cheese-filled garlic knots are the ultimate comfort food that brings everyone together. They're incredibly versatile – serve them as an appetizer, side dish, or even a satisfying snack. The combination of soft dough, gooey cheese, and aromatic garlic butter creates a flavor explosion that keeps people coming back for more. Best enjoyed warm when the cheese is at its stretchiest!