Fluffy Cheese-Filled Garlic Knots Recipe That Melts Hearts

Crafting these delectable cheese-filled garlic knots will transport you to a cozy Italian kitchen with minimal effort.

Aromatic herbs and melted cheese create an irresistible combination that sparks instant hunger.

Soft, pillowy dough wraps around gooey cheese centers, promising pure comfort in every bite.

Kitchen novices and seasoned cooks alike can master this simple yet impressive appetizer.

Warm, golden-brown exteriors give way to rich, molten cheese that oozes with each careful tear.

Fragrant garlic and herbs dance across your palate, making these knots impossible to resist.

Garlic Knots Stuffed with Cheese and Joy

• Quickly Create a Crowd-Pleaser: This cheesy garlic knot recipe wins hearts with minimal kitchen skills required.
• Speedster's Delight: Whip up these delicious bites in just 30 minutes from start to finish, perfect for busy weeknights or sudden hunger attacks.
• Versatile Party Superstar: Ideal for game day gatherings, potlucks, appetizer spreads, or casual family dinners where everyone craves something comforting and delicious.
• Kid-Friendly Cheese Adventure: Children will adore pulling apart these gooey, buttery knots filled with melted mozzarella, making mealtime exciting and interactive.

Cheese-Filled Garlic Knots – What’s Inside

• Pizza Dough: Soft base that holds the filling and creates the knot shape, preferably fresh and room temperature for easier handling.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melty, stretchy cheese that creates a gooey interior, best when shredded and cold.

• Garlic, Parsley: Fresh aromatics that provide a bold, herbal punch to the knots, choose fresh garlic for maximum flavor.
• Salt: Enhances overall taste and balances the richness of butter and cheese.

• Butter: Creates a rich, golden exterior and adds flavor, unsalted butter recommended for better control of saltiness.
• Marinara Sauce: Optional dipping sauce that complements the garlic and cheese flavors, store-bought or homemade works well.

Garlic Knot Recipe with a Melty Cheese Center

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 400°F.

Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper to make cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Divide and Conquer Dough

Slice your pizza dough into 12 equal pieces.

Gently flatten each piece into a small, friendly rectangle or round shape.

Step 3: Create Cheese Pockets

• Mozzarella cheese

Place a generous dollop of cheese right in the center of each dough piece.

Carefully fold the dough over the cheese, giving it a tight hug and pinching the edges to create a secure seal.

Press firmly to keep that cheesy goodness locked inside.

Step 4: Arrange on Baking Sheet

Spread out your cheese-filled knots on the prepared sheet, giving each one a little breathing room.

Step 5: Whip Up Magical Garlic Butter

• Melted butter
• Minced garlic
• Chopped parsley
• Salt

Combine all these flavor-packed ingredients in a small bowl, mixing until they become one delicious concoction.

Step 6: Brush and Bake

Lavishly coat each knot with the garlic butter mixture.

Pop the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes until the knots turn a gorgeous golden brown and the cheese inside melts into gooey perfection.

Step 7: Add Extra Flavor Punch

Once out of the oven, give the knots another generous brush of garlic butter for an extra flavor explosion.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Plate up these warm, cheesy delights and serve with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.

Watch them disappear in seconds!

Garlic Knot Baking Hacks with a Cheesy Center

• Seal dough edges completely by pinching and pressing firmly to keep melted cheese inside the knots during baking.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like cheddar, provolone, or pepper jack for unique flavor profiles and exciting taste combinations.
• Roast fresh garlic before mincing to develop a deeper, richer flavor that enhances the overall taste of the garlic butter coating.
• Prepare knots in advance and refrigerate unbaked, then bake directly from cold for fresh, hot appetizers with minimal preparation time.
• Substitute pizza dough with gluten-free alternatives like cauliflower or almond flour dough to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising texture.

Store Cheese-Filled Garlic Knots Recipe

• Refrigerate knots in an airtight container for up to 3 days, keeping their delicious flavor intact. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness and melty cheese texture. Microwave works in a pinch, but might make the dough slightly softer – use 15-20 seconds for best results. Freeze baked knots by wrapping individually in plastic wrap, then storing in a freezer bag for up to 1 month; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Tasty Sips for Cheese-Filled Garlic Knots

• Pair Zesty Marinara Dip: Complement the rich, cheesy garlic knots with a tangy marinara sauce that cuts through the buttery richness, creating a perfect flavor balance.
• Sip Crisp White Wine: Match these savory knots with a chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, whose light, acidic notes enhance the garlic and cheese flavors.
• Serve Fresh Herb Salad: Create a light side salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette to provide a refreshing contrast to the warm, indulgent knots.
• Choose Craft Beer Companion: Select a hoppy IPA or a light lager that can cleanse the palate between bites and complement the garlic's bold taste.

Garlic Knots Filling or Shape Ideas

• Gluten-Free Garlic Knots: Replace traditional pizza dough with gluten-free pizza dough or almond flour-based dough for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Cheese Knots: Swap mozzarella with dairy-free cheese alternatives like nutritional yeast or plant-based vegan cheese, using olive oil instead of butter.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Knots: Substitute pizza dough with cauliflower-based dough, using riced cauliflower, eggs, and cheese as a base for a keto-friendly option.
• Herb-Infused Variation: Incorporate different herbs like rosemary, thyme, or basil into the garlic butter for an aromatic and flavorful twist on the classic recipe.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes, you can experiment with various cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or parmesan. Just ensure they melt well and complement the garlic flavor.

• Is it possible to make these knots ahead of time?

You can prepare the knots and refrigerate them before baking. When ready to serve, brush with garlic butter and bake directly from the refrigerator, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

• What if my dough is too sticky to work with?

Lightly dust your work surface and hands with flour to prevent sticking. If the dough remains challenging, let it rest for a few minutes to become more manageable.

• Can I freeze these garlic knots?

Yes, you can freeze unbaked knots. Place them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Cheese-Filled Garlic Knots Recipe

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4.6 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Irresistible cheese-filled garlic knots deliver golden, twisted perfection straight from Italian kitchens. Warm, herby bread hugs melted cheese in a simple yet spectacular street-style snack you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb (454 g) pizza dough
• 1 cup (113 g) shredded mozzarella cheese

Cheese Filling:

• 1 cup (113 g) shredded mozzarella cheese

Garlic Butter Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (113 g) unsalted butter, melted
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Prepare the kitchen workspace by heating the oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Transform the pizza dough into 12 uniform portions, gently flattening each piece into a thin rectangle or circular shape.
3. Carefully position a generous sprinkle of mozzarella cheese at the center of each dough piece, creating a delightful core of melty goodness.
4. Skillfully fold the dough over the cheese, meticulously sealing the edges by pinching and pressing to create secure, compact knots that prevent cheese from escaping during baking.
5. Strategically arrange the formed knots on the prepared baking sheet, allowing slight separation to ensure even cooking and crisp edges.
6. Craft a fragrant garlic butter mixture by combining melted butter with finely minced garlic, freshly chopped parsley, and a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor profile.
7. Lavishly coat each knot with the aromatic garlic butter, ensuring complete coverage for maximum flavor infusion.
8. Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven, allowing the knots to transform into golden-brown delicacies with molten cheese centers, typically requiring 12-15 minutes of baking time.
9. Upon removal from the oven, apply an additional layer of garlic butter for an extra burst of flavor and glossy appearance.
10. Present the warm, irresistible cheese-filled garlic knots alongside a vibrant marinara sauce, inviting guests to indulge in a delectable dipping experience.

Notes

• Seal the edges meticulously to prevent cheese from leaking during baking, ensuring a clean and beautiful presentation of your garlic knots.
• Use cold mozzarella cheese to help maintain its shape and reduce the chances of oozing out during the baking process.
• For a gluten-free version, swap regular pizza dough with a prepared gluten-free alternative or a cauliflower-based dough to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Create variations by experimenting with different cheese types like cheddar, provolone, or a blend of cheeses to add unique flavor profiles to your knots.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg