There’s something undeniably magical about a basket of warm, glistening New York Garlic Knots. These iconic pizzeria staples are more than just a side dish; they’re a buttery, garlicky, chewy delight that can steal the show. Made from leftover pizza dough, twisted into charming knots, baked until golden, and then drenched in an aromatic garlic-parsley oil, they are the epitome of simple perfection. If you’ve ever craved that authentic taste from your favorite New York slice shop, now you can recreate these irresistible bites right in your own kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This New York Garlic Knots
You’ll adore this New York Garlic Knots recipe because it transforms basic pizza dough into an extraordinary treat. It’s a fantastic way to use up leftover dough or simply make a batch from scratch for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or side. The combination of soft, airy bread with a rich, pungent garlic-butter coating is utterly addictive. Plus, the process of shaping them into knots is surprisingly fun and rewarding, making it a great project for home bakers.
What Makes This Recipe Special
What makes New York Garlic Knots truly special is the perfect marriage of texture and flavor. The dough, often made with a hint of olive oil, bakes up light and chewy. But the real star is the generous coating of garlic-infused olive oil and butter, brightened with fresh parsley. This sauce isn’t just drizzled; the knots are typically tossed in it, ensuring every nook and cranny is saturated with savory goodness. It’s a simple concept executed brilliantly, resulting in a side dish that often outshines the main course.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these irresistible New York Garlic Knots, you’ll need a few key components:
- Pizza Dough: 1 lb (store-bought or homemade New York style). The foundation for our knots.
- Olive Oil: 1/4 cup extra virgin. For the garlic sauce and brushing.
- Unsalted Butter: 1/4 cup (1/2 stick), melted. Adds richness to the sauce.
- Garlic: 4-6 cloves, minced. The star of the flavorful coating.
- Fresh Parsley: 1/4 cup, finely chopped. Adds freshness and color.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: 2 tbsp (optional). For extra savory flavor.
- Salt: 1/2 tsp, or to taste. Balances the flavors.
- Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 tsp (optional). For a subtle kick.
Pro-Tips for Success
- Use Good Quality Dough: Whether homemade or store-bought, a good quality pizza dough (preferably New York style) will yield the best texture for your knots.
- Don’t Over-Knead (if making from scratch): If making your own dough, avoid over-kneading, which can make the knots tough. Aim for a smooth, elastic dough.
- Generous Garlic: Don’t be shy with the garlic! It’s the defining flavor of these knots. Mince it finely for even distribution.
- Toss While Warm: Toss the freshly baked, hot knots immediately with the garlic-butter sauce. This allows them to absorb maximum flavor.
- Serve Immediately: Garlic knots are best enjoyed warm, straight out of the oven and tossed in their delicious sauce.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Under-Proofing the Dough: If the dough hasn’t risen enough, the knots will be dense and heavy instead of light and airy.
- Over-Baking: Bake until golden brown, but don’t let them get too dark or they’ll lose their soft, chewy interior.
- Cold Garlic Sauce: Ensure your garlic-butter sauce is warm when tossing the knots. A cold sauce won’t coat as well or absorb into the bread.
- Not Enough Sauce: The knots should be generously coated. Don’t skimp on the buttery garlic goodness!
- Using Dried Parsley: While dried herbs can work, fresh parsley provides a much brighter, more vibrant flavor and color to the finished knots.
Flavor Variations
- Cheesy Garlic Knots: Add 1/4 cup of shredded mozzarella or provolone to the dough before shaping, or sprinkle over the knots during the last few minutes of baking.
- Spicy Garlic Knots: Increase the red pepper flakes in the garlic sauce, or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- Herbaceous Knots: Incorporate other fresh herbs like oregano or basil into the garlic sauce for a different aromatic profile.
- Everything Bagel Seasoning: Sprinkle a little everything bagel seasoning over the knots before baking for an extra savory crunch.
- Sun-Dried Tomato: Finely chop a few sun-dried tomatoes and add them to the garlic sauce for a sweet and tangy twist.
What to Serve With New York Garlic Knots
New York Garlic Knots are the perfect accompaniment to almost any Italian meal. Serve them alongside pasta dishes like spaghetti and meatballs, lasagna, or chicken parmigiana. They’re also fantastic with a simple green salad, or as an appetizer with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. Of course, they’re excellent on their own as a savory snack!
Storage and Reheating
Garlic knots are best eaten fresh. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1-2 days. To reheat, warm them in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes until heated through and slightly crispy again. Microwaving is not recommended as it can make them chewy.
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New York Garlic Knots
Description
Recreate authentic New York Garlic Knots at home with this easy recipe. These soft, chewy bites are baked golden and tossed in a rich garlic-parsley butter sauce.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Step 1 (0-10 min): Prepare Dough
If using cold dough, let it come to room temperature for about 30-60 minutes. On a lightly floured surface, gently stretch or roll the pizza dough into a rectangle, about 12x8 inches. Cut the dough into 1-inch wide strips.
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Step 2 (10-20 min): Shape Knots
Take each strip of dough and gently stretch it slightly, then tie it into a loose knot. Place the shaped knots on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between them.
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Step 3 (20-80 min): Proof Knots
Cover the baking sheet loosely with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let the knots proof in a warm place for 45-60 minutes, or until they have visibly puffed up and are soft to the touch.
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Step 4 (80-95 min): Bake Knots
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the garlic knots for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown. While they are baking, prepare the garlic-butter sauce.
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Step 5 (85-95 min): Prepare Garlic Sauce
In a small bowl, combine melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, chopped fresh parsley, salt, red pepper flakes (if using), and Parmesan cheese (if using). Mix well.
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Step 6 (95-100 min): Toss and Serve
As soon as the knots come out of the oven, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the warm garlic-butter sauce over the hot knots and toss gently until every knot is thoroughly coated. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 12
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 180kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 10g16%
- Saturated Fat 4g20%
- Cholesterol 15mg5%
- Sodium 250mg11%
- Total Carbohydrate 18g6%
- Dietary Fiber 1g4%
- Sugars 1g
- Protein 4g8%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- Warm Dough: Ensure your pizza dough is at room temperature for easier handling and a better rise.
- Generous Sauce: Don't be shy with the garlic-butter sauce; it's what makes these knots so irresistible.
- Serve Hot: Garlic knots are best enjoyed warm, right after being tossed in their flavorful coating.
