Homemade Garlic Knots Stuffed with Mozzarella – Buttery, Cheesy, and Totally Addictive 🧄🧀
Garlic knots are already the perfect companion to pizza night, pasta dinners, or savory snack spreads—but when you stuff them with melty mozzarella, they become next-level amazing. These Homemade Garlic Knots Stuffed with Mozzarella have it all: a golden, chewy exterior, a gooey cheese center, and a generous coating of garlicky, buttery goodness.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd, prepping game-day snacks, or just treating yourself, these knots are destined to be devoured.
Why I Love This Recipe
What’s not to love? Fluffy homemade dough, cheesy pockets inside every knot, and that signature garlic butter glaze—it’s a combination that wins every time. These knots bake up beautifully golden, with mozzarella melting right into every soft twist. Plus, they make your kitchen smell like a pizzeria (in the best way).
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 1 1/2 cups warm water
- 2 tsp sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
For the Stuffing:
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella, cut into small cubes
For the Garlic Butter:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh Italian parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Salt, to taste
Swaps and Notes
- Cheese: Use mozzarella pearls or string cheese chopped into chunks if you’re short on fresh mozzarella.
- Flour: Bread flour gives a slightly chewier texture—feel free to sub.
- Butter-Free: Use olive oil instead of butter for a dairy-light option.
- Add Heat: Sprinkle in red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for spicy garlic knots.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Dough
- In a large bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Add flour, olive oil, and salt. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead on a floured surface for 5–7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
- Cover and let rise in a warm spot for 1–1.5 hours, until doubled in size.
2. Make the Garlic Butter
- In a small bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, Parmesan (if using), and a pinch of salt. Set aside.
3. Shape and Stuff the Knots
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Punch down the dough and divide into 12–15 equal portions.
- Roll each into an 8–10 inch rope. Tie into a loose knot.
- Tuck a mozzarella cube into the knot and pinch the dough closed to seal.
4. Bake the Knots
- Arrange knots on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Brush with olive oil and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until golden brown.
5. Brush with Garlic Butter
- As soon as they come out of the oven, brush generously with the garlic butter mixture.
- Garnish with more parsley and Parmesan if desired.
Tips for Success
- Seal the cheese inside: Pinch seams well so the mozzarella doesn’t leak during baking.
- Use fresh garlic: The aroma and flavor really shine.
- Serve warm: These knots are at their cheesy best fresh from the oven.
- Double up: This recipe scales easily for parties or meal prep.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
These garlic knots shine on their own, but also make the perfect sidekick to:
- 🍕 Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders – double the cheese, double the fun.
- 🧀 Beer Cheese Dip – for dipping these knots like a pro.
- 🥪 Cheesy Hot Dip Sandwich Hack – more gooey goodness with every bite.
- 🌮 Sheet Pan Quesadillas – perfect for big game gatherings.
- 🧂 Dorito Casserole – for a bold, cheesy meal with crunch.
Storage and Leftover Tips
- Fridge: Store cooled knots in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Pop into a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes to restore warmth and crispiness.
- Freezer: Freeze unbaked stuffed knots and bake straight from frozen—just add a few extra minutes to the bake time.
More Recipes You’ll Love
If you’re all about cheesy, crowd-pleasing comfort foods, don’t miss:
- Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders – melty, garlicky, and ready in minutes.
- Beer Cheese Dip – the MVP of party starters.
- Dorito Casserole – because cheesy comfort never goes out of style.
Final Thoughts
These Homemade Garlic Knots Stuffed with Mozzarella are everything you want in a savory snack: warm, fluffy, garlicky, and filled with melty cheese. Whether you serve them as an appetizer, game-day bite, or a cozy side dish, they’ll disappear fast—so you might want to make a double batch!
Made them? Tag us in your photos or leave a review below—I’d love to hear your twist! And don’t forget to follow for more savory, crowd-pleasing recipes just like this. 🧄🧀💛
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