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Fluffy, cloud-like bread twists hugging gooey cheese and coated with flavorful garlic butter make an addictive treat that's great for any party. These homemade goodies combine the warmth of freshly baked bread with the joy of stretchy, melted cheese in every delicious mouthful.
I've watched these knots vanish in seconds at family get-togethers. My nephew once told me they're 'way better than pizza' - and coming from an opinionated ten-year-old, that's about the biggest compliment possible.
Complete Ingredients Breakdown
- Pizza dough (1 lb): room temperature dough makes shaping so much easier
- Mozzarella cheese (1 cup): grate it yourself for superior melting
- Unsalted butter (½ cup): pick premium butter for the tastiest garlic coating
- Fresh garlic (4 cloves): chop very small for better flavor distribution
- Fresh parsley (2 tbsp): brings brightness and color to the buttery topping
Crafting Delicious Cheese Knots
- Step 1: Setting Up
- Get your dough to room temp for smooth handling. Put parchment on your baking tray and measure out your cheese beforehand. Mix up your garlic butter first so the flavors can blend while you work with the dough.
- Step 2: Forming The Knots
- Cut your dough into 12 even chunks - a dough cutter works great here. Press each piece into a flat rectangle, being gentle to avoid holes. Add cheese to the middle, wrap the edges over, then twist into a knot, pressing edges firmly to close gaps.
- Step 3: Finishing Touches
- Cover each knot with plenty of garlic butter before they go in the oven. Keep an eye on them - you want a nice golden color with maybe a bit of cheese bubbling out. Add another coat of butter as soon as they're out of the oven.
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My nonna always insisted on crushing garlic cloves right before using them, never the jarred stuff. She'd say, 'Fresh garlic puts its flavor right into the butter, and that's what makes people ask for seconds.'
Getting Dough Temperature Right
Your dough absolutely needs to warm up completely before you start. Cold dough will snap back and might tear, letting all that wonderful cheese escape during baking.
Smart Cheese Choices
Mozzarella works great, but don't be afraid to mix things up. Adding a handful of sharp cheddar or smoky provolone with the mozzarella creates amazing flavor depth.
Keeping Them Fresh
These knots taste best right out of the oven, but you can keep them in a sealed container for up to 2 days. A quick warm-up in the oven brings back that just-baked softness.
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After making these cheese-filled garlic knots countless times, I've realized they're more than just food - they're conversation starters. Whether I bring them to casual hangouts or fancy holiday dinners, people always smile and ask how I made them.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use a different cheese?
- Sure! Try cheddar or provolone, but mozzarella gives the best melt.
- → How do I keep the cheese inside?
- Seal your dough edges well and don’t overstuff.
- → Can I prep them early?
- Yes, shape and chill the knots, then bake after brushing with butter.
- → What’s the best way to store leftovers?
- Keep them in a sealed container for up to two days. Reheat in the oven.
- → Can I freeze unbaked knots?
- Yes! Just thaw, butter, and bake when you’re ready.