Cheese-Filled Garlic Knots

Cheese-Filled Garlic Knots are a savory, cheesy twist on the classic garlic knot, offering a soft, pillowy dough filled with gooey cheese and infused with garlicky goodness. The dough is rolled up with a generous portion of melted cheese—such as mozzarella or cheddar—and then tied into knots, brushed with garlic butter, and baked until golden brown and crispy on the outside while remaining tender on the inside. A final brush of garlic butter, a sprinkle of parmesan, and a dash of fresh parsley elevate the flavor even more, making these knots irresistibly delicious.

The first time I made these, I was craving something cheesy and comforting, and Cheese-Filled Garlic Knots hit the spot perfectly! The cheesy filling is warm and melty, while the garlic butter coating adds that signature savory flavor that pairs so well with the soft dough. What I love most about these knots is how they’re great as an appetizer, snack, or side dish. You can even serve them with marinara or a dipping sauce of your choice for extra indulgence. They’re easy to make, yet they feel like a special treat every time!

Perfect for:

Family dinners
Game day snacks
Potlucks and parties
Bread and cheese lovers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are 10 reasons why these Cheese-Filled Garlic Knots will become your go-to treat:

Cheesy Goodness: Each knot is filled with gooey, melted cheese that oozes out with every bite.
Soft and Fluffy Texture: The dough is light and airy, making these knots irresistible.
Garlic Butter Perfection: A brush of garlic butter enhances the flavor and aroma.
Versatile Side Dish: Pairs well with pasta, soups, or salads.
Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for parties and gatherings, these knots disappear in minutes.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, anyone can make them.
Customizable Fillings: Experiment with different cheeses or add herbs and spices.
Kid-Friendly: A fun and tasty snack that kids will love.
Freezer-Friendly: Prepare in advance and bake fresh when needed.
Irresistible Aroma: The smell of garlic and melted cheese will make your kitchen heavenly.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 2 hours
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Resting Time: 1 hour
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 12 knots
Calories per serving: Approximately 200-220 calories
Key Nutrients: Protein: 6g, Carbs: 24g, Fat: 8g

Ingredients

For the Dough:

2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
1 cup warm water (110°F or 45°C)
1 tablespoon sugar
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons olive oil

The Filling:

12 small cubes of mozzarella cheese (or your preferred cheese)

For the Garlic Butter:

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)

Ingredient Highlights

Mozzarella Cheese: Creates a stretchy, gooey filling for the knots.
Fresh Garlic: Provides a bold and aromatic flavor.
Olive Oil: Adds moisture and richness to the dough.
Parsley: Adds a pop of color and freshness to the garlic butter.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Dough:

Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
Mix Dough: In a large bowl, mix flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil, stirring until a dough forms.
Knead Dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Let Dough Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Shape and Fill the Knots:

Divide Dough: Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces.
Add Cheese: Flatten each piece into a small rectangle, place a cube of cheese in the center, and fold the edges over to seal.
Tie Knots: Roll each filled piece into a rope and gently tie it into a knot.

Bake the Knots:

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Bake: Arrange the knots on the baking sheet, leaving space between them. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown.

Prepare the Garlic Butter:

Melt Butter: In a small saucepan, melt butter over low heat.
Add Garlic and Herbs: Stir in minced garlic, parsley, and Italian seasoning (if using).

Finish the Knots:

Brush with Garlic Butter: Remove the knots from the oven and brush generously with garlic butter while still warm.

Serve:

Enjoy Hot: Serve the knots warm with marinara sauce or as a standalone snack.

How to Serve

Here are 10 serving suggestions for Cheese-Filled Garlic Knots:

With Marinara Sauce: Serve as a dip for a classic pairing.
As a Side Dish: Complement pasta, soup, or salad dishes.
For Game Nights: Perfect finger food for game-day snacking.
With Cheese Sauce: Serve with a creamy cheese dip for extra indulgence.
For Kids’ Lunches: A fun addition to lunchboxes.
At Potlucks: A guaranteed crowd-pleaser for gatherings.
With Garlic Aioli: Add an extra layer of garlic flavor.
As a Party Appetizer: Serve on a platter with other finger foods.
With Herb Butter: Pair with an herbed butter spread.
On a Bread Basket: Include in a mix of rolls and breads.

Additional Tips

Use Fresh Garlic: For the best flavor, use freshly minced garlic instead of pre-chopped or garlic powder.
Let Dough Rest: Give your dough time to rest before shaping. This helps it rise and makes it easier to work with.
Shredded Cheese Works Best: Use shredded mozzarella for a nice melt and gooey texture inside the knots.
Add Parmesan for Extra Flavor: Mix some grated Parmesan into the dough or sprinkle it on top for an extra layer of flavor.
Brush with Garlic Butter: After baking, brush your garlic knots with garlic butter for a glossy finish and even more garlic flavor.
Try Different Cheeses: Experiment with other types of cheese like cheddar, provolone, or fontina for a unique twist.
Season the Dough: Add a pinch of garlic powder, Italian seasoning, or red pepper flakes to the dough for extra flavor.
Make Ahead: You can prep the knots ahead of time and refrigerate them. Just let them come to room temperature before baking.
Use a Pizza Stone: If you have one, a pizza stone will help give your garlic knots a crispy, golden crust.
Serve with Marinara: Pair your cheese-filled garlic knots with marinara sauce for dipping for a delicious, classic combination!

Recipe Variations

Herb-Infused Dough: Mix Italian herbs into the dough for an aromatic twist.
Spicy Garlic Knots: Add red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for a kick.
Cheddar-Filled Knots: Substitute mozzarella with cheddar for a sharper flavor.
Whole Wheat Dough: Make the knots healthier by using whole wheat flour.
Vegan Version: Use plant-based cheese and butter alternatives.
Stuffed Knots: Add pepperoni or sun-dried tomatoes along with the cheese.
Parmesan Topping: Sprinkle grated Parmesan over the knots before baking.
Everything Bagel Seasoning: Roll the knots in everything bagel seasoning for a unique flavor.
Truffle Oil Drizzle: Drizzle truffle oil over the baked knots for a gourmet touch.
Sweet Garlic Knots: Swap garlic butter for cinnamon sugar and use cream cheese as a filling.

Special Equipment

Baking Sheet: For even baking of the knots.
Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.
Pastry Brush: For brushing garlic butter evenly.
Mixing Bowls: For preparing dough and butter.
Rolling Pin: Optional for shaping dough into rectangles.
Cooling Rack: To cool knots slightly before serving.

FAQ Section

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, the dough can be refrigerated overnight and used the next day.
What other cheeses can I use?
Cheddar, Gouda, or Fontina are great options.
Can I freeze the knots?
Yes, freeze unbaked knots on a tray, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen when ready.
How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.
What’s the best way to tie the knots?
Roll the dough into a rope and loosely tie it, tucking the ends under.
Can I use pre-made dough?
Absolutely! Store-bought pizza or bread dough works well for a quick option.
How do I prevent the cheese from leaking?
Ensure the edges of the dough are tightly sealed around the cheese.
Can I add toppings?
Yes, sprinkle Parmesan, sesame seeds, or coarse salt before baking.
Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
Yes, though fresh garlic provides a bolder flavor.
What dipping sauces go best with these knots?
Marinara, ranch, garlic aioli, or even honey mustard are excellent choices.

Conclusion

Cheese-Filled Garlic Knots are the ultimate combination of cheesy goodness and garlicky flavor wrapped in a soft, fluffy dough. These little bites are made by rolling dough into knots and filling them with melted cheese—usually mozzarella—before baking them to golden perfection. Once they come out of the oven, they are brushed with a flavorful garlic butter sauce that’s infused with herbs like parsley and a hint of salt for that irresistible savory finish.

These cheese-filled garlic knots are perfect as a side dish, appetizer, or snack and pair wonderfully with pasta, salads, or even as a snack on their own. The gooey cheese center combined with the crisp outer layer creates the perfect balance of textures, making each bite an absolute treat.

I can’t wait to see how your Cheese-Filled Garlic Knots turn out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your beautiful creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made this dish your own!