Name: Garlic Knots Wreath with Warm Marinara
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 22 min
Total time: 42 min
Ingredients: 1 pound pizza dough; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted); 4 cloves garlic (minced); 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste); 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated); 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped); 1 cup marinara sauce (for dipping)

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If you’re craving a show-stopping appetizer or a fun, shareable snack, this Garlic Knots Wreath with Warm Marinara is exactly what you need. Soft, buttery knots of pizza dough infused with garlic, herbs, and Parmesan cheese come together in a beautiful circular wreath that’s perfect for any gathering. Paired with a warm, tangy marinara sauce for dipping, this dish is both comforting and impressive. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly easy to make from scratch with just a few simple ingredients.

Why It’s Crowd-Pleasing

There’s something magical about garlic knots—those pillowy, garlicky bites that everyone loves. This wreath takes that beloved classic and elevates it into a centerpiece-worthy dish. The combination of warm, fragrant garlic butter and the fresh herbs makes every bite irresistible. Plus, serving it as a wreath adds a festive touch that’s perfect for holidays, game days, or casual get-togethers.

The warm marinara dipping sauce complements the garlic knots beautifully, balancing the buttery richness with a bright, zesty flavor. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer or alongside your favorite Italian dinner, this dish invites everyone to gather around and dig in. And if you’re a fan of other comforting carb-loaded dishes, you might also enjoy the creamy goodness of Baked Mac And Cheese or the savory flavors in Creamy Tomato Basil Pan Fried Gnocchi.

Your Shopping Guide

1 pound pizza dough – Look for fresh or refrigerated dough in your grocery store’s bakery section or pizza aisle. You can also make your own dough if you prefer.
Unsalted butter, 4 tablespoons – This will be melted and infused with garlic and herbs for brushing.
4 cloves garlic, minced – Fresh garlic is key for that bold flavor.
Dried oregano, 1 teaspoon – Adds an earthy, aromatic note.
Dried basil, 1 teaspoon – Brings a sweet, slightly peppery taste.
Red pepper flakes, 1/2 teaspoon – For a subtle kick of heat; adjust to taste.
Grated Parmesan cheese, 1/4 cup – Use freshly grated for the best flavor.
Fresh parsley, 1/4 cup chopped – Adds freshness and color to the finished knots.
Marinara sauce, 1 cup – Choose your favorite jarred marinara or make your own for dipping.

Must-Have Equipment

Baking sheet – A large rimmed cookie sheet or pizza stone works well for baking the knots evenly.
Mixing bowl – To toss the garlic butter and herbs together.
Pastry brush – For brushing the garlic herb butter on the knots before and after baking.
Sharp knife or pizza cutter – To cut the dough into strips for knotting.
Heatproof bowl – For melting butter and mixing garlic and herbs.
Oven mitts – Essential for safely handling the hot baking sheet.

The Method for Garlic Knots Wreath with Warm Marinara

Step 1: Prepare the Garlic Herb Butter

In a heatproof bowl, melt the 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Stir in the minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld while you prepare the dough.

Step 2: Shape the Garlic Knots

Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the pizza dough into a rough rectangle about 12 by 10 inches. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the dough into 1-inch wide strips. Take each strip and tie it into a loose knot, tucking the ends underneath. Arrange each knot on the baking sheet, leaving a little space between them.

Step 3: Brush and Sprinkle

Generously brush each knot with the garlic herb butter. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top, ensuring each knot gets a cheesy coating.

Step 4: Form the Wreath

Carefully arrange the knots in a circular pattern on the baking sheet, forming a wreath shape. The knots should be close enough to touch but not overcrowded, allowing them to bake evenly and stick together slightly.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the wreath for 18-22 minutes, or until the knots are golden brown and cooked through. Halfway through baking, brush the knots again with the remaining garlic herb butter for extra flavor and shine.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once baked, remove the wreath from the oven and immediately brush any remaining garlic butter over the top. Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve the wreath warm alongside a bowl of heated marinara sauce for dipping.

Texture-Safe Substitutions

Pizza dough: You can substitute with store-bought bread dough or biscuit dough if pizza dough isn’t available.
Unsalted butter: Dairy-free margarine or olive oil can be used for a dairy-free version.
Parmesan cheese: Nutritional yeast or a vegan cheese alternative can replace Parmesan for those avoiding dairy.
Fresh parsley: Swap with fresh cilantro or basil depending on your preference.
Marinara sauce: A creamy tomato sauce or pesto can be an interesting alternative for dipping.

Method to the Madness

Making a Garlic Knots Wreath with Warm Marinara might look fancy, but it’s all about simple steps done right.

Don’t rush the dough: Make sure the dough is at room temperature before shaping—it’ll be easier to handle and knot.
Butter it up: The garlic herb butter is the flavor powerhouse here, so don’t be shy with the brushing.
Even knots: Try to make each knot roughly the same size so they bake evenly.
Watch your oven: Baking times can vary, so keep an eye on the knots for that perfect golden color.

For a similar buttery, garlicky bread experience, check out this recipe for Garlic Butter Pull Apart Rolls. It’s another crowd-pleaser that pairs beautifully with soups and salads.

Storage & Reheat Guide

Leftover knots can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 4 days. To reheat:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Place the knots on a baking sheet and cover loosely with foil.
Warm for 8-10 minutes until heated through.
Alternatively, microwave individual knots for 20-30 seconds, but the oven method preserves the texture better.

If you want to make the wreath ahead of time, you can assemble the knots on the baking sheet and refrigerate for up to 4 hours before baking. Just allow an extra minute or two in the oven to account for the chilled dough.

FAQ

Can I use frozen pizza dough for this recipe?

Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw the dough in the refrigerator overnight and bring it to room temperature before shaping the knots. This ensures the dough is soft and pliable.

What if I don’t have fresh parsley? Will dried work?

Fresh parsley adds a nice burst of color and freshness, but if you only have dried, you can sprinkle a small amount on top before baking. However, it won’t have the same vibrant flavor or appearance.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Use a plant-based butter substitute or olive oil in place of butter, and swap the Parmesan for nutritional yeast or a vegan cheese alternative. Make sure your marinara sauce doesn’t contain any animal products as well.

How spicy is the wreath with red pepper flakes?

The 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes adds just a gentle warmth that complements the garlic and herbs without overpowering the flavor. You can always reduce or omit it if you prefer a milder taste.

Reader Favorites

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Next Steps

Now that you’ve mastered this delightful Garlic Knots Wreath with Warm Marinara, consider experimenting with other herbs like rosemary or thyme to customize the flavor. You can also stuff the knots with cheese before baking for an extra indulgent twist. Pair your wreath with a fresh salad or a hearty pasta dish for a complete meal. Don’t forget to share this recipe with friends and family—they’ll thank you for it!

Whether you’re hosting a party or simply want to enjoy a cozy night in, this Garlic Knots Wreath is sure to become a beloved staple in your recipe collection. Happy baking and happy dipping!

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