Goodfellas Classic Garlic Knots: Irresistibly Buttery, Garlicky Perfection 🧄🥖🔥
1. Introduction
If you’re searching for the best garlic knots recipe, look no further than these Goodfellas Classic Garlic Knots. Inspired by the famous New York-style pizzerias, these golden, buttery knots are packed with garlic flavor and have the perfect chewy texture. Whether served as an appetizer, side dish, or snack, they’re guaranteed to disappear fast!
Garlic knots have been a staple in Italian-American cuisine for decades, with their origins tracing back to New York City pizzerias in the 1970s. What makes this version special is its perfect balance of flavors and textures – crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy inside, with just the right amount of garlic punch. If you’ve ever visited Goodfellas Pizza, you’ll know exactly the authentic taste we’re recreating here.
2. Ingredients
To make these irresistible garlic knots, you’ll need simple ingredients that pack maximum flavor. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:
- 1 lb pizza dough (store-bought or homemade – for homemade, check out our perfect pizza dough recipe)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted (using unsalted allows you to control the saltiness)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced (fresh is essential for that authentic garlic flavor)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped (the green color makes them visually appealing)
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper (freshly ground works best)
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, but adds a nice kick)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (the nutty flavor complements the garlic perfectly)
3. Instructions
Follow these detailed steps to create garlic knots that rival your favorite pizzeria’s version:
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by rolling out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface into a ½-inch thick rectangle. The thickness is important – too thin and your knots will be tough, too thick and they won’t cook through properly. Use a pizza cutter or sharp knife to cut the dough into 1-inch wide strips, about 6 inches long. If the dough springs back, let it rest for 5 minutes before continuing.
Step 2: Shape the Knots
Take each strip of dough and gently stretch it to about 8 inches. The stretching helps develop gluten for that perfect chew. Tie each strip into a loose knot, tucking the ends underneath to secure them. Don’t make the knots too tight as they need room to expand during baking. Place the knots on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart to allow for even baking and browning.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter
In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This resting time is crucial as it allows the garlic flavor to infuse into the butter. For an extra flavor boost, you can gently sauté the garlic in the butter for 30 seconds before mixing, but be careful not to burn it.
Step 4: Bake and Finish
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) – this high temperature helps create that perfect golden crust. Brush the knots generously with the garlic butter mixture, making sure to get into all the nooks and crannies. Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown and puffed up. The exact time may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on them after the 10-minute mark. Remove from the oven, immediately sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, and serve warm with your favorite marinara sauce for dipping.
4. Tips for the Best Garlic Knots
- Use fresh garlic – While garlic powder is convenient, fresh minced garlic provides a brighter, more authentic flavor that can’t be matched.
- Dough temperature matters – Let the dough rest at room temperature for 30 minutes before shaping. Cold dough is harder to work with and won’t stretch as easily.
- Double butter for extra flavor – For extra crispiness and flavor, brush the knots with butter again halfway through baking.
- Don’t skip the resting time – Allowing the garlic butter to sit before applying helps develop deeper flavors.
- Fresh herbs make a difference – While dried parsley works in a pinch, fresh parsley adds vibrant color and flavor.
5. Serving Suggestions
These Goodfellas Classic Garlic Knots are incredibly versatile. Here are some delicious ways to serve them:
- As an appetizer with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or a spicy arrabbiata dip
- Alongside a fresh garden salad for a light lunch
- As part of an Italian feast with pasta dishes
- With soup instead of bread or crackers
- As a late-night snack (they reheat beautifully!)
6. Storage and Reheating
While these garlic knots are best enjoyed fresh from the oven, here’s how to handle leftovers:
- Room temperature storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Refrigeration: For longer storage (up to 5 days), refrigerate in an airtight container.
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked knots on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
- Reheating: To restore crispiness, reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it makes them rubbery.
7. Variations
Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, try these delicious variations:
- Cheesy Garlic Knots: Add shredded mozzarella before baking for a gooey, cheesy center.
- Spicy Garlic Knots: Increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the butter mixture.
- Herb-Infused: Mix dried oregano, basil, or Italian seasoning into the garlic butter.
- Everything Bagel Knots: Sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning before baking.
- Sweet Garlic Knots: Add a teaspoon of honey to the garlic butter for a sweet-savory twist.
8. Why This Is the Best Garlic Knots Recipe
This recipe stands out because it captures the authentic taste of New York-style garlic knots with a perfect balance of butter, garlic, and herbs. The dough stays soft and fluffy inside while developing a slightly crisp exterior—just like the ones from your favorite pizzeria! The key is in the details:
- Using fresh garlic instead of powder
- Proper dough handling techniques
- The perfect butter-to-garlic ratio
- Adding the Parmesan and parsley at the end for freshness
9. Conclusion
Now that you’ve discovered the best garlic knots recipe, it’s time to bring the taste of Goodfellas into your kitchen. These buttery, garlicky knots are simple to make yet incredibly satisfying. Whether for a party, family dinner, or a late-night snack, they’re always a hit. The aroma alone will have everyone gathering in the kitchen! Once you try this recipe, you’ll understand why garlic knots have remained a beloved classic in Italian-American cuisine. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to make the most irresistible garlic knots you’ve ever tasted. Trust us – they’ll disappear faster than you can say “more please!” 🍕🧄✨