You have to make these. Seriously. My family in Casablanca goes absolutely crazy for these Pizza Stuffed Garlic Knots. They look like your average garlic knot on the plate, all buttery and golden, but then you bite into one and—bam—it’s a total surprise of gooey, melted cheese and savory beef pepperoni. I learned the hard way that the only way to do it right is to brush them with garlic butter twice. Once before they go in the oven, and again the second they come out. And don’t cheap out on the cheese. Go for it.
Ingredients for the Pizza Stuffed Garlic Knots
Nothing fancy, you probably have most of this stuff already.
- 1 lb (about 450g) of pizza dough. The refrigerated kind is a lifesaver.
- 1 cup (about 4 oz or 113g) mozzarella cheese, shredded. (Get a block of the low-moisture stuff, not the fresh watery kind. It makes a huge difference.)
- 1/2 cup beef pepperoni, chopped up small.
- 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter.
- 4-5 cloves of garlic, and don’t be afraid to use big ones. Mince them up really fine.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped, plus more for sprinkling.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt.
- A pinch of black pepper.
- Marinara sauce, for dipping.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Stuffed Garlic Knots
Alright, let’s get into it. It’s easier than you think.
Step 1: Dough and Filling Prep
First, crank your oven to 200∘C (400∘F) and put some parchment paper on a baking sheet. Flour your counter and roll out the pizza dough into a big rectangle. Cut it into 12 squares. They don’t have to be perfect. Then, just dump the mozzarella and chopped pepperoni in a bowl and give it a quick mix with your hands. That’s your filling.
Step 2: Fill ‘Em Up
Now, the filling. Grab a square of dough and put a good spoonful of the cheese mix in the middle. Don’t go too overboard, though, or you’ll have a cheese explosion in your oven. It’s a mess. Bring the corners of the dough up and pinch them together tightly at the top to seal everything inside.
Step 3: Tie the Knots
Give the little sealed ball a quick roll to make a short rope, maybe 5 inches long. Then just tie it in a simple knot. Don’t overthink it or pull too hard. Tuck the little ends under and stick it on the baking sheet you prepared. Repeat until you’ve got a full tray.
Step 4: First Butter Coat
Melt your butter and stir in the minced garlic, parsley, and seasonings. This stuff smells incredible. Now, slather about half of this mixture all over the knots. Make sure they’re shiny with it. This is flavor layer number one.
Step 5: Bake ‘Em
Into the oven they go. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes. You’re just waiting for them to puff up and turn a nice golden-brown color. Your kitchen is about to smell like heaven.
Step 6: The Final Touch
This is the most important part, for real. The minute they come out of the oven, hit them with the rest of that garlic butter. You’ll hear them sizzle as they soak it all in. Let them cool for just a minute because that cheese inside is like lava. Throw some more fresh parsley on top and serve them with the marinara.
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They’re Famous for a Reason
I’m not kidding when I say I have to make a double batch when family comes over. These are always the first things gone from the table. It’s that pizza-meets-garlic-bread combo that nobody can ever say no to. I really hope you make these Pizza Stuffed Garlic Knots for your people. Let me know in the comments how it goes—I actually read them!
Pizza Stuffed Garlic Knots
Soft garlic knots stuffed with gooey mozzarella and beef pepperoni. Brushed with garlic butter twice for max flavor. The perfect savory party bite.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (about 450g) pizza dough
- 1 cup shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup finely chopped beef pepperoni
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 4-5 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Pinch of black pepper
- Marinara sauce for dipping
Instructions
Step 1
Okay oven on. 200 C. Get your dough out on the counter. Cut it in 12 pieces. Now just mix your cheese and pepperoni in a bowl. Done.
Step 2
Grab a dough square. Put a little spoonful of filling in the middle. Not too much okay. Now pull the corners up and pinch it all shut real good.
Step 3
Roll that little ball into a snake. Tie a knot. Easy. The ends go underneath. Put it on your baking paper.
Step 4
Melt your butter. Mix in the garlic and parsley and stuff. Brush half of this butter on the knots now. Make em shine.
Step 5
Into the oven they go. Maybe 15 minutes. Just watch for them to get all puffy and nice and golden.
Step 6
Alright listen up. As soon as they're out. Brush them with the rest of that butter. This is the secret. Then just eat them with some marinara sauce.
Notes
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
12Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving:Calories: 197Total Fat: 15gSaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 31mgSodium: 282mgCarbohydrates: 11gFiber: 1gSugar: 1gProtein: 5g