Recipe

Heirloom Garlic Knots

Soft, golden knots brushed with heirloom garlic butter and a tangy sweet glaze that clings to every twist. Cozy, punchy, and dangerously snackable.

By Matt Campbell

•

4.8

A close-up photograph of golden heirloom garlic knots piled in a warm bowl, glossy with garlic butter and a light tangy glaze, with flaky salt and chopped parsley on top

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Garlic knots are already the kind of food that makes people hover in the kitchen like it is a sporting event. Now add heirloom garlic and a little twist of personality: a tangy, sweet brush-on glaze that hits bright first, then buttery, then just a tiny whisper of honey at the end. It tastes like your favorite pizzeria bread basket grew up and learned how to season properly.

This recipe stays weeknight-friendly by using store-bought pizza dough, but the flavor is not playing around. We build a quick garlic butter, warm it just enough to get that toasted aroma, then finish with a glaze that clings to the knots instead of pooling at the bottom of the bowl.

A real photograph of hands tying strips of pizza dough into knots on a parchment-lined baking sheet

Why It Works

Heirloom garlic brings depth: it is aromatic and complex without tasting harsh, especially when gently warmed in butter.
Tangy plus sweet equals balance: a splash of vinegar and a touch of honey keep the knots from feeling heavy, so you go back for one more. Then another.
Two-stage brushing: butter before and after baking means flavor gets baked in and also stays loud and fresh on the surface.
Crisp edges, soft centers: high heat helps you get that pizzeria bite without drying the middle. For extra crisp bottoms, use the optional preheated pan method.

Pairs Well With

Storage Tips

Room temp (short window): If they are for the table in the next 1 to 2 hours, keep them loosely tented with foil so they stay soft. If they have been heavily buttered and glazed, do not leave them out longer than that.

Fridge: Store cooled knots in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Let them cool before sealing so they do not steam themselves soggy. If you can, pack a small cup of extra glaze or garlic butter separately and refresh after reheating.

Freezer: Freeze baked, fully cooled knots on a sheet pan, then move to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight or reheat from frozen a little longer.

Best way to reheat

Oven or air fryer: 350°F for 6 to 10 minutes until warm and revived. Brush with a little butter or glaze right after.
Microwave (fast, softer): Wrap in a damp paper towel and heat 15 to 25 seconds. Great for softness, not for crisp edges.

Common Questions

What is heirloom garlic and do I have to use it?

Heirloom garlic usually means a named variety (like Purple Stripe, Rocambole, Porcelain) grown and shared for flavor, diversity, and regional performance. Many are extra aromatic and nuanced, and some store well too. You do not have to use it. Regular garlic works perfectly. If your garlic is super sharp, use a little less or add it off heat so it stays mellow.

How do I keep garlic from tasting bitter?

Do not brown it hard. Warm the garlic gently in butter for 30 to 60 seconds until it smells like garlic toast, then take it off the heat. Burnt garlic holds a grudge.

Can I make these ahead for a party?

Yes. Shape the knots and refrigerate them covered on the sheet pan for up to 12 hours. Dough varies by brand, so before baking, let them sit at room temperature until they look slightly puffy (usually 20 to 40 minutes while the oven heats). You may need to add 1 to 3 minutes to the bake time.

Can I use homemade dough?

Absolutely. Any pizza dough you like works. Aim for about 1 pound of dough total.

What makes the glaze tangy and sweet?

Apple cider vinegar brings the tang, honey brings the sweet, and Dijon plus a tiny pinch of chili flakes makes it taste intentional, not candy-like.

Do I use all the glaze?

Not always. Brush on just enough to get a glossy finish and a little pop. Most people use about half to all of it depending on how sweet-tangy they want things. Start light, taste, then decide if you want to go louder.

Matt Campbell

I have always had a huge passion for the culinary arts, people, working as a team, and so on. I wanted to pursue my love for cooking initially at Virginia Commonwealth University with a culinary arts degree; however, I instead decided to apply myself and acquire more practical skills. My end goal is to eventually open my own restaurant or similar establishment.

Kitchen Essentials

Large baking sheet
Parchment paper (recommended)
Small saucepan or skillet
Pastry brush (or a spoon in a pinch)
Small bowl for glaze
Bench scraper or knife for cutting dough
Oven mitts (extra important if you preheat the pan)

I started making garlic knots when I realized something embarrassing: I was ordering pizza mostly for the knots. The pizza was just the delivery system.

One night I had a few heads of heirloom garlic that smelled almost floral when I cracked them open, and I thought, okay, if I am going to be dramatic about bread, let us commit. I added a little vinegar and honey to cut through the butter, brushed it on while the knots were still hot, and suddenly the whole tray tasted like it came from a place with red-checkered tablecloths and a line out the door. Now these are my go-to when I need an easy win that makes people think I tried harder than I did.

Heirloom Garlic Knots

(4.8 Reviews)

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 14 minutes

Total Time 34 minutes

Servings 12 knots

Ingredients

1 lb pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
1 tbsp olive oil (for the dough and pan)
4 tbsp unsalted butter
5 to 6 cloves heirloom garlic, finely minced (or 4 large cloves regular garlic)
Milder option: use 3 to 4 cloves if your garlic is very strong or you want a softer garlic hit
1 tsp kosher salt, plus more to finish
2 tbsp chopped parsley (optional but very nice)
1 tbsp grated Parmesan (optional for a salty finish)

Tangy Sweet Glaze

1 1/2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp honey
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
2 tbsp warm water (to thin as needed)

Tip: If your honey is very thick, warm it for a few seconds so it blends smoothly.

Instructions

Warm up the dough (if needed). If your store-bought dough is cold, let it sit at room temperature for 30 to 60 minutes so it is easier to stretch and tie. If it feels sticky, lightly oil your hands or dust with a little flour.
Heat the oven. Place a rack in the middle and preheat to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment and lightly oil it. Optional for crispier bottoms: Set the sheet pan in the oven while it preheats, then carefully pull it out and add parchment and knots. Use oven mitts and work quickly.
Portion and shape. On a lightly oiled surface, divide the dough into 12 equal pieces (about 1.3 oz / 38 g each). Roll each piece into a 7 to 8 inch rope and tie into a knot. Tuck the ends underneath so they do not unravel. Place on the baking sheet with a little space between each.
Quick rest. Let the knots sit for 10 minutes while you make the butter and glaze. This helps them puff nicely.
Make the heirloom garlic butter. In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and kosher salt. Stir for 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant. Turn off the heat. Stir in parsley if using.
Mix the tangy sweet glaze. In a small bowl, whisk vinegar, honey, Dijon, and red pepper flakes. Whisk in warm water 1 tablespoon at a time until it is thin enough to brush but still glossy.
First brush. Brush the shaped knots with about half of the garlic butter. Save the rest for after baking.
Bake. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until golden with crisp edges. If your oven runs cool, give them 1 to 2 extra minutes.
Finish with confidence. While the knots are hot, brush with the remaining garlic butter, then lightly brush with the tangy sweet glaze. You will likely use half to all of the glaze depending on your taste. Finish with Parmesan and a pinch of flaky salt if you like.
Serve warm. Garlic knots are best within the first 20 minutes, when the outside is crisp and the inside is soft and steamy.

A real photograph of freshly baked garlic knots on a parchment-lined baking sheet being brushed with garlic butter

Nutrition information is estimated.

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