Are you on the hunt for the perfect holiday appetizer that’s both easy to make and crowd-pleasing? Look no further than these Easy Cheesy Pull-Apart Garlic Knots! Whether you’re hosting a Christmas dinner, a Thanksgiving feast, or just a casual get-together, these cheesy, garlicky knots will steal the show. 🍞🧀
Not only do they taste absolutely amazing, but they’re also fun to make! You can even shape them into a festive Christmas tree for a fun twist—making them as beautiful as they are delicious. These cheesy pull-apart garlic knots are simple to prep, require minimal ingredients, and come together in no time.
Ready to make a recipe that will have your guests asking for more? Let’s get baking!
Why You’ll Love This Easy Perfect Holiday Appetizer: Cheesy Pull-Apart Garlic Knots
- Quick and Easy: No complicated steps—just a few ingredients and a little time.
- Cheese, Garlic, and Bread: What’s not to love about that combination?
- Customizable Shapes: Arrange the dough balls in any shape you like, but a tree shape for Christmas is extra special!
- Great for Any Holiday: Perfect for New Year’s or any celebration.
- Dippable: Serve with marinara sauce or your favorite dipping sauce for an added burst of flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1 package of pizza dough (store-bought or from your local pizzeria)
- Flour, for dusting your surface
- 8 sticks of string cheese
- 1 egg, plus a splash of water for egg wash
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tbsp fresh herbs (such as basil, oregano, or parsley)
- 1-2 cloves of garlic, minced (optional but highly recommended for extra flavor)
- Salt, to taste
- Marinara sauce (for dipping, optional but delicious)
Step By Step:
1. Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
2. Prepare Your Pizza Dough
If you’re using store-bought pizza dough, simply remove it from the packaging and let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes to make it easier to work with. Dust your surface with flour to prevent sticking, and roll the dough out into a rectangle or square, about 1/4-inch thick.
3. Cut the String Cheese
While the dough rests, slice the 8 sticks of string cheese into halves or thirds depending on how large you want each cheese center to be. Set aside.
4. Shape the Knots
Cut your dough into 8-12 even pieces (depending on how large or small you want your knots). For each piece, take a portion of the string cheese and place it in the center of the dough. Fold the dough around the cheese to form a ball, pinching the edges to seal it tightly. Then, twist the dough to form a knot shape (like tying a basic knot). Place each finished knot on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Prepare the Egg Wash
In a small bowl, whisk together 1 egg and a splash of water to create the egg wash. This will give your knots a golden, shiny finish once baked.
6. Herb Butter Glaze
Melt the 1/4 cup butter in a microwave-safe bowl, then mix in the 2 tbsp of fresh herbs and minced garlic. If you like a little extra flavor, feel free to add some salt or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a mild kick.
7. Brush the Knots
Brush the tops of the cheesy garlic knots with the egg wash, then drizzle or brush the butter-herb mixture over the knots, ensuring they are generously coated.
8. Bake
Place your baking sheet in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes or until the garlic knots are golden brown and crispy on the outside. The cheese inside should be gooey and melted.
9. Serve and Enjoy!
Once the cheesy garlic knots are baked to perfection, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve immediately with marinara sauce for dipping, or just enjoy them as they are!
Tips for the Best Cheesy Garlic Knots:
- Fresh Dough: If you have time, use fresh pizza dough from your local pizzeria—it will give your knots an authentic, chewy texture.
- Herb Variations: Try mixing in different herbs like thyme, rosemary, or sage depending on the flavor profile you’re after. Fresh herbs bring out the best flavor, but dried herbs will also work well.
- Cheese Options: While string cheese is ideal for a pull-apart effect, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like cheddar or provolone for a different taste.
- Shape Creativity: If you’re feeling creative, you can shape the knots into a fun holiday design, such as a tree or wreath. Just arrange the knots in the desired shape on your baking sheet.
- Make-Ahead: You can prepare these knots ahead of time and refrigerate them for up to a day before baking. Just cover them with plastic wrap and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake.
These Easy Cheesy Pull-Apart Garlic Knots are a simple yet incredibly satisfying appetizer that your guests will love. With the gooey goodness of string cheese and the savory richness of garlic butter, they’re bound to become a favorite at your next holiday celebration.
Try this recipe today, and be sure to save it for future gatherings. Whether you shape them into a festive tree or a simple knot, you can’t go wrong with these delicious, cheesy bites!
