Easy Parmesan Garlic Knot Hearts is a pull-apart, savory baked treat made from soft dough tied into little heart-shaped knots, brushed with garlic butter, and showered with Parmesan for irresistible flavor and party-friendly appeal.
Easy Parmesan Garlic Knot Hearts are an easy crowd-pleaser that deliver warm, cheesy garlic goodness in every bite. Easy Parmesan Garlic Knot Hearts are perfect for weeknight baking, appetizer platters, or a cozy snack with soup. Easy Parmesan Garlic Knot Hearts bring simple ingredients together for big flavor and fast results.
In this post I walk you through a trusted, step-by-step method that anyone can follow to make tender, golden knot hearts with crisp edges and a garlicky Parmesan finish. Along the way you’ll find clear tips, troubleshooting advice, and serving ideas – including a quick pairing suggestion using my creamy garlic parmesan chicken recipe if you want a full dinner plate: creamy garlic parmesan chicken recipe.
Table of Contents
What Makes This Recipe So Special
This recipe focuses on three simple goals: tender interior, golden exterior, and a bold garlic-parmesan finish. By using a modest amount of melted butter both before and after baking and sprinkling just the right amount of Parmesan, you get layers of flavor without weighing down the dough.
The shaping into little heart knots creates nooks that hold buttery garlic and cheese – that texture contrast is what makes these so addictive. If you love hearty soups, try them alongside this cheesy garlic potato soup for dipping – my recipe for hearty cheddar garlic-herb potato soup is a comforting match: cheesy garlic potato soup.
Why this works – brief bullets:
- Small, evenly sized pieces bake quickly and uniformly.
- Brushing with butter twice – before and after baking – locks in moisture and maximizes flavor.
- Freshly grated Parmesan melts into pockets and crisps at the edges for contrast.
Ingredients
Makes about 12 knot hearts
- 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade), room temperature
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (divided – 2 tbsp for brushing before baking, 2 tbsp for finishing)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
- 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for sprinkling
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- All-purpose flour for dusting the work surface
Measurements, temperature, and time are exact and consistent throughout this post so you can recreate the result reliably.
Equipment
- Baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat
- Rolling pin (optional)
- Pastry brush
- Mixing bowl for garlic butter
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Bench scraper or sharp knife
Prep
Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment or a silicone mat. In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of melted butter with the minced garlic and set aside for later brushing. Reserve the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter for finishing the knot hearts after baking.
Step 1 – Divide and Rest the Dough
Action: Lightly flour your work surface and stretch the dough into a rough rectangle. Cut the dough into 12 equal pieces.
Tip: Use a bench scraper or sharp knife to portion dough evenly – consistent size ensures even baking.
Step 2 – Roll Into Ropes
Action: Roll each portion into a 6-inch rope about the thickness of your thumb.
Substeps:
– Shape: Start in the middle and roll outward to avoid thin ends.
– Check: If the dough feels tight and resists, let it rest covered for 5 minutes to relax the gluten.
Step 3 – Tie the Knot Hearts
Action: Take a rope and tie it into a loose knot, then gently press the knot into a rounded heart shape.
Substeps:
– Form the top: Use your thumb to create the cleft at the top of the heart.
– Secure: Tuck ends under the bottom of the heart so it holds its shape while baking.
Step 4 – First Brush and Season
Action: Arrange the shaped knot hearts on the prepared baking sheet, leaving 1 inch between each. Brush the tops with the garlic-butter mixture prepared earlier.
Substeps:
– Sprinkle: Lightly dust each knot with a pinch of Italian seasoning, salt, and a little black pepper.
– Cheese: Add a teaspoon of grated Parmesan to the top of each knot before baking.
Step 5 – Bake
Action: Bake at 400°F for 12 to 15 minutes, until golden brown and puffed.
Substeps:
– Check at 12 minutes: Rotate the pan if your oven has hot spots.
– Desired color: Aim for an even golden-brown – too pale and the interior may be undercooked, too dark and the edges will be overly crispy.
Step 6 – Finish with Butter and Herbs
Action: Remove the knot hearts from the oven and immediately brush them with the remaining 2 tablespoons of melted butter.
Substeps:
– Garnish: Sprinkle the tops with the remaining Parmesan and chopped parsley.
– Rest: Let cool for 2 minutes on the pan – they are best served warm.
Tips, Tricks, and Troubleshooting
- Underbaked centers – if your knot hearts look golden but feel doughy, tent loosely with foil and bake 2 more minutes.
- Dough too sticky – chill for 5 minutes and dust hands and surface lightly with flour.
- Extra crisp edges – place the pan on the upper rack for the last 2 minutes of baking for more browning.
- Flavor boost – stir 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest into the finishing butter for brightness.
- Make-ahead – shape knots and freeze on the baking sheet until solid; transfer to a freezer bag and bake from frozen adding 2 to 3 minutes to baking time.
Serving Suggestions
These little heart knots are versatile and crowd-pleasing. Try them with:
- Warm marinara for dipping
- A bowl of creamy tomato soup or the previously linked cheesy garlic potato soup
- Alongside grilled chicken and a green salad for a simple weeknight meal
You can also use Easy Parmesan Garlic Knot Hearts as a party platter centerpiece – they disappear fast.
Storage and Reheating
- Room temperature – store cooled knot hearts in an airtight container for up to 24 hours.
- Refrigerator – keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 6 to 8 minutes.
- Freezing – place cooled knot hearts in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid; then store in a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Bake from frozen at 400°F for 14 to 18 minutes.
Nutrition (Approximate per knot heart)
- Calories: 130
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Protein: 3g
- Sodium: 190mg
Food Safety
- Always keep raw dough refrigerated until ready to shape.
- Wash hands and surfaces after handling raw dough.
- If using store-bought dough, follow the package storage instructions and use within the recommended time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen pizza dough?
Yes – thaw completely, then bring to room temperature before shaping for best elasticity.
Can I make these dairy-free?
Substitute vegan butter and a dairy-free Parmesan alternative; texture will be similar though flavor varies.
How do I make them more garlicky?
Increase minced garlic to 1.5 tablespoons and/or mix a pinch of garlic powder into the dough before shaping.
Can I bake larger knot hearts?
Yes – adjust baking time to 16 to 20 minutes for larger pieces, watching for golden color.
Why This Might Become Your New Favorite
The combination of a soft bakery-style interior, crisp, cheesy edges, and bright herb finish makes these Easy Parmesan Garlic Knot Hearts a dependable crowd-pleaser. They are quick to assemble, forgiving to shape, and adaptable to a range of meals – from soup night to holiday appetizer trays. The formula in this recipe keeps the flavor balanced and the texture pleasing every time.
Conclusion
This Easy Parmesan Garlic Knot Hearts recipe is a winner because it transforms simple dough into an elegant, flavorful appetizer in under 30 minutes – with reliable results and flexible serving options. The two key benefits are the quick assembly for busy cooks and the high-impact garlic-Parmesan flavor that elevates any meal.
If you make this, please leave a comment and a star rating below to let us know how it turned out – and feel free to share a photo on Pinterest or Facebook. Looking for another quick, savory hit to pair with these? Check out this helpful take on Host The Toast’s Easy Parmesan Garlic Knot Hearts for extra inspiration.
What variations did you try – extra cheese, herbs, or a spicy butter glaze? Tell us in the comments below!
Easy Parmesan Garlic Knot Hearts
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment or a silicone mat.
- In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of melted butter with the minced garlic and set aside for later brushing.
- Reserve the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter for finishing the knot hearts after baking.
- Lightly flour your work surface and stretch the dough into a rough rectangle. Cut the dough into 12 equal pieces.
- Roll each portion into a 6-inch rope about the thickness of your thumb.
- Take a rope and tie it into a loose knot, then gently press the knot into a rounded heart shape.
- Arrange the shaped knot hearts on the prepared baking sheet, leaving 1 inch between each.
- Brush the tops with the garlic-butter mixture prepared earlier.
- Lightly dust each knot with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Add a teaspoon of grated Parmesan to the top of each knot before baking.
- Bake at 400°F for 12 to 15 minutes, until golden brown and puffed.
- Remove from the oven and immediately brush with the remaining 2 tablespoons of melted butter.
- Sprinkle the tops with the remaining Parmesan and chopped parsley.
