I remember the first time I made garlic knots—it was a chilly Thursday evening, and I was scrambling for something warm, quick, and satisfying to go with a pot of tomato soup. My pantry was almost bare, but a tube of biscuit dough stared back at me with hope. What happened next was pure magic: within 20 minutes, I had a tray of golden, buttery garlic knots that filled the kitchen with an irresistible aroma.
These garlic parmesan knots have since become my go-to side dish. They’re ideal for beginner cooks because they require no fancy equipment, no complicated techniques, and they’re ready in under half an hour. Whether you’re cooking solo, feeding picky eaters, or looking for a quick party snack, this easy sheet pan dinner side is sure to impress.

Why This Recipe is Special
What makes this lemon herb chicken recipe (just kidding—it’s the garlic knots we’re hyping today) stand out isn’t just its flavor. It’s the way it bridges simplicity with satisfaction. The use of refrigerated biscuit dough cuts down on prep time without sacrificing the joy of fresh, homemade bread. Plus, the buttery garlic-parmesan topping adds a savory punch that transforms a humble roll into a mini flavor bomb.
Another reason to love these? They’re incredibly forgiving. Don’t have fresh parsley? No problem. Want to stuff them with a little cheese or pepperoni? Go for it. These knots are as flexible as they are foolproof.
Ingredients and Preparation
- Refrigerated Biscuit Dough: The backbone of the recipe. It creates soft, flaky knots without the need for yeast or rising time. Crescent dough or pizza dough also work great.
- Butter (Melted): Adds richness and helps crisp up the outside while keeping the inside tender. You can also use olive oil for a lighter version.
- Garlic Powder: Infuses the butter with bold flavor. Fresh minced garlic is a fantastic upgrade if you have the time.
- Parmesan Cheese (Grated): Brings a salty, nutty layer that browns beautifully in the oven. Try pecorino or even nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
- Dried Oregano and Parsley Flakes: These herbs add depth and a pop of color. Fresh herbs are welcome if available.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the richness of the butter.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray. This helps ensure the knots don’t stick and brown evenly.
Step 2: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter with garlic powder, parmesan, dried oregano, parsley flakes, and a pinch of salt. Stir until the mixture becomes fragrant and set aside—this will be your garlic butter.
Step 3: Open your tube of biscuit dough and separate the biscuits. Cut each one in half so you have 16 small rounds. Roll each piece into a rope about 5 inches long, then tie it into a loose knot, tucking the ends underneath.
Step 4: Arrange the knots on the prepared baking sheet with space between them to allow for puffing. Brush each knot generously with half of the garlic butter mixture.
Step 5: Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the edges are crisp. If your oven runs hot, start checking at the 7-minute mark to avoid overbaking.
Step 6: Once out of the oven, immediately brush the hot knots with the remaining garlic butter for maximum flavor absorption. Serve warm and watch them disappear.
Beginner Tips and Notes
- Dough Stickiness: If the dough sticks to your hands, lightly flour your fingers or the surface. This makes knotting much easier.
- Overbrowning: If the tops are browning too quickly, tent the tray with foil halfway through baking.
- No Biscuit Dough?: Pizza dough, crescent rolls, or even scratch-made dough all work. Just keep the ropes thin for a soft center and crisp edge.
- Prep Ahead: You can roll and tie the knots ahead of time and refrigerate them covered until ready to bake. Just add an extra minute or two to the baking time.
Serving Suggestions
These garlic parmesan knots are perfect alongside:
- Soup: Tomato basil, chicken noodle, or minestrone.
- Pasta: Any saucy dish like spaghetti marinara, fettuccine alfredo, or lasagna.
- Salad: Caesar salad or a crisp garden salad with vinaigrette.
For a more elevated touch, serve them with:
- Marinara or Alfredo Sauce: As a dipping side.
- Stuffed Variations: Add mozzarella or a slice of pepperoni in the middle before knotting.
Storage Tips: Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To reheat, wrap them in foil and warm in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes.
Conclusion
There’s something truly comforting about pulling apart a soft, buttery garlic knot. For beginner cooks, this recipe offers a gentle entry into the world of homemade bread without the intimidation of kneading, proofing, or timing. Plus, with its quick prep and irresistible flavor, it’s the kind of side dish you’ll find yourself making on repeat.
Try these garlic parmesan knots next time you’re looking for quick and healthy meals that feel indulgent without the effort. Let me know in the comments how yours turned out—did you add any creative twists? I’d love to hear your take. Happy cooking!
FAQ About Garlic Parmesan Knots
Yes! You can substitute store-bought pizza dough, crescent roll dough, or even homemade bread dough. Just make sure to roll it thin enough to tie easily.
Store them in an airtight container as soon as they cool to room temperature. To refresh them, warm in a 300°F oven wrapped in foil for a few minutes.
Absolutely. Fresh minced garlic (1–2 cloves) sautéed briefly in the butter adds deeper flavor, but garlic powder is quicker and still tasty.
Yes, you can shape the knots and store them in the refrigerator a few hours before baking. Brush with butter just before baking and add a minute or two to the cook time.
More Relevant Recipes
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Garlic Parmesan Knots
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 16 knots 1x
Description
These buttery Garlic Parmesan Knots are a quick and easy side perfect for beginner cooks. Made with refrigerated biscuit dough, they’re fluffy, flavorful, and ready in under 20 minutes.
Ingredients
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ¾ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley flakes
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 (16-ounce) tube refrigerated buttermilk biscuits
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or coat it with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
- Make the garlic butter: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, oregano, parsley flakes, and salt. Mix well and set aside for brushing.
- Shape the knots: Open the biscuit dough and separate the biscuits. Cut each biscuit in half, giving you 16 pieces. Roll each into a 5-inch rope and tie it loosely into a knot, tucking the ends underneath.
- Brush and bake: Place the knots evenly on the baking sheet, leaving a little space between them. Brush each one generously with half of the garlic butter mixture, then bake for 8–10 minutes until golden brown and puffed.
- Finish and serve: As soon as they come out of the oven, brush the hot knots with the remaining garlic butter. Serve warm for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For extra cheesy flavor, sprinkle additional parmesan on top before baking. You can stuff the knots with small cheese cubes or sliced pepperoni before tying for a fun variation. If using pizza dough instead of biscuit dough, allow a bit more baking time as it may cook slower. Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or basil make a flavorful finishing touch if sprinkled on just before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 knot
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg