Papa John’s Garlic Knots Copycat Recipe
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| Bake up soft, buttery garlic knots with that pizza-night flavor you crave, then finish them with Parmesan and parsley for a warm, savory bite everyone grabs first. |
If you love warm, soft, buttery bread bites, this Papa John’s Garlic Knots copycat recipe is for you. These fluffy knots are brushed with a rich garlic butter and finished with a sprinkle of Parmesan for that familiar pizza-night flavor so many people crave.
The best part? You can make them at home with simple ingredients and easy steps. Whether you want a fun side dish for pasta, a game day snack, or just an excuse to fill your kitchen with the smell of fresh bread and garlic, this recipe delivers.
Why People Love Papa John’s and Their Garlic Knots
Papa John’s is known across the USA for pizza night favorites that are easy, comforting, and full of familiar flavor. Along with pizza, the brand built a loyal fan base with side dishes that feel a little indulgent and very shareable. Their garlic knots fit right into that idea.
These knots are popular because they hit all the right notes. They’re soft on the inside, lightly golden on the outside, brushed with garlicky butter, and often finished with a cheesy topping. They’re savory, warm, and smell amazing the second you open the box. That buttery garlic aroma is hard to resist, isn’t it?
This recipe is inspired by that style and flavor, but it is made for the home kitchen. We are not claiming this is the official recipe, only a copycat version that captures the same cozy, crave-worthy feel.
What Makes This Copycat Garlic Knots Recipe So Good
There are a lot of homemade garlic knot recipes online, but this one keeps things easy and approachable for everyday cooks. You don’t need fancy equipment, and you don’t need to be a bread expert either.
- Soft, tender dough with a chewy bite
- Plenty of garlic butter for bold flavor
- Parmesan and parsley for that classic finishing touch
- Beginner-friendly steps with clear directions
- Great for pizza night, pasta, soups, and salads
If making dough from scratch sounds a little intimidating, think of it like this: it’s just mixing, resting, shaping, and baking. One step at a time, and you’re there.
Recipe Overview
Serving Size: 8 servings
Yield: 16 garlic knots
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Rise Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 to 15 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour 50 minutes
Approximate Nutrition Per Serving: 2 knots
- Calories: 250
- Carbs: 30g
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
Nutrition values are estimates and can vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.
Ingredients for Homemade Garlic Knots
For the dough:
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1 packet active dry yeast, 2 1/4 teaspoons
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/4 cups warm water, about 105°F to 110°F
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the garlic butter topping:
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, or 1 teaspoon dried parsley
Optional for serving:
- Marinara sauce for dipping
- Extra Parmesan cheese
Helpful Kitchen Tools
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or dough hook
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl
- Pastry brush
- Clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap
How to Make Papa John’s Style Garlic Knots at Home
Step 1: Wake up the yeast.
In a large bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Give it a light stir and let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes. You want it to look foamy on top. That foam means the yeast is active and ready to work. If nothing happens, the water may have been too hot or too cool, or the yeast may be old.
Step 2: Make the dough.
Add the olive oil, salt, and flour to the yeast mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms. Then knead it for about 8 to 10 minutes by hand on a lightly floured surface, or 5 to 6 minutes with a mixer and dough hook. The dough should become smooth, soft, and slightly tacky but not overly sticky.
Step 3: Let the dough rise.
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and turn it once so the surface is coated. Cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size. If your kitchen is chilly, you can place the bowl in an off oven with the light on.
Step 4: Prep your baking sheet.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This keeps the knots from sticking and makes cleanup easier. Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release air bubbles.
Step 5: Divide and shape.
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Divide it into 16 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope about 7 inches long. Tie each rope into a loose knot, tucking the ends underneath if needed. Don’t worry if they aren’t perfect. Homemade knots have charm.
Step 6: Let the knots rise again.
Place the shaped knots on the baking sheet with a bit of space between them. Cover loosely and let them rise for another 15 to 20 minutes. During this time, preheat your oven to 400°F.
Step 7: Make the garlic butter.
In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter with the olive oil. Add the minced garlic, garlic powder, and salt. Cook gently for about 1 minute, just until fragrant. Don’t brown the garlic. Burnt garlic can turn bitter fast. Remove from heat.
Step 8: Bake the knots.
Brush the knots lightly with some of the garlic butter before baking. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown on top. Ovens can vary, so start checking around the 12-minute mark.
Step 9: Finish with flavor.
As soon as the knots come out of the oven, brush them generously with the remaining garlic butter. Sprinkle with Parmesan and parsley while they’re still hot so everything sticks nicely.
Step 10: Serve warm.
Serve these homemade garlic knots warm with marinara sauce if you like. They’re best fresh, when the outside is lightly crisp and the center is soft and steamy.
Food Safety Tips
Even simple bread recipes should be handled safely. A few small habits make a big difference.
- Use warm water around 105°F to 110°F for yeast. Water that is too hot can kill the yeast.
- Wash your hands, bowls, and tools before starting.
- If adding cheese after baking, store leftovers promptly.
- For leftover knots, refrigerate within 2 hours.
- When reheating leftovers, warm them to 165°F for best food safety practice.
Easy Time-Saving Shortcuts
Want homemade garlic knots faster? I get it. Some nights just call for shortcuts.
Use store-bought pizza dough:
Pick up fresh pizza dough from the grocery store. Let it sit at room temperature for about 20 to 30 minutes so it’s easier to shape. Then follow the shaping, rising, and baking steps.
Use canned pizza dough:
This won’t taste exactly like scratch-made dough, but it works in a pinch and is great for busy weeknights.
Air fryer option:
Place a few knots in the air fryer basket with space between them. Air fry at 350°F for about 7 to 9 minutes, depending on size, until golden. Brush with garlic butter right after cooking.
Stand mixer option:
If kneading by hand feels like too much, a stand mixer makes quick work of the dough.
Allergy-Friendly and Diet Preference Modifications
This section is one of the easiest ways to make a recipe work for more people around your table. If someone in your home has food sensitivities or specific diet needs, here are some practical swaps.
Gluten-free garlic knots:
- Use a good quality cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum.
- Expect the dough to be softer and a bit stickier than regular dough.
- Instead of tying traditional knots, shape the dough into small rolls if it is hard to handle.
- Check that your Parmesan and seasonings are certified gluten-free if needed.
Dairy-free garlic knots:
- Swap the butter for vegan butter or use all olive oil.
- Skip the Parmesan, or use a dairy-free Parmesan-style topping.
- The flavor will still be rich and garlicky, especially with fresh parsley on top.
Vegan garlic knots:
- Use sugar that is labeled vegan if preferred.
- Replace butter with vegan butter.
- Use a plant-based Parmesan alternative, or leave it off completely.
- Serve with vegan marinara for dipping.
Lower-sodium option:
- Reduce the added salt in both the dough and garlic butter.
- Use unsalted butter.
- Go lighter on Parmesan, since cheese can add quite a bit of sodium.
Whole wheat version:
- Replace up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.
- You may need a little extra water because whole wheat flour absorbs more moisture.
- This creates a heartier texture and nuttier flavor.
Garlic sensitivity:
- Use less fresh garlic and rely more on a small amount of garlic-infused oil for milder flavor.
- Some people find cooked garlic easier to tolerate than raw garlic.
No cheese option:
- Just leave off the Parmesan.
- Add extra parsley and a tiny pinch of Italian seasoning to keep the topping flavorful.
Paleo note:
- This recipe as written is not paleo because it uses flour and yeast.
- If you need a paleo bread-style side, you would be better off using a separate paleo dough recipe made with almond or cassava flour, then using this garlic topping idea.
Tips for the Best Garlic Knots
- Don’t add too much flour. A soft dough makes soft knots.
- Use fresh garlic and garlic powder together. That combo gives deeper flavor.
- Brush twice. Once before baking, once after baking for the best buttery finish.
- Serve warm. Garlic knots are at their very best right after they’re made.
- Don’t overbake. Too much time in the oven can dry them out.
What to Serve with Garlic Knots
These copycat garlic knots go with so many meals. They’re especially good with:
- Spaghetti and meatballs
- Baked ziti
- Lasagna
- Chicken Alfredo
- Tomato soup
- Caesar salad
- Pizza night spreads
At my house, they rarely make it to the table without someone grabbing one straight from the pan. That buttery garlic smell tends to pull everyone into the kitchen.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, here’s how to keep them tasting good.
Store:
Place cooled garlic knots in an airtight container. Keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freeze:
Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze them without the parsley, then add fresh parsley after reheating.
Reheat:
- Oven: Wrap loosely in foil and warm at 325°F for 8 to 10 minutes
- Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 10 to 15 seconds, though they may be softer
- Air fryer: Reheat at 325°F for 2 to 3 minutes
If they seem a little dry after storage, brush on a touch more melted butter or olive oil before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes. After kneading, place the dough in a covered bowl and refrigerate it overnight. Let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before shaping.
Can I use pre-minced garlic from a jar?
Yes, though fresh garlic gives the best flavor. Jarred garlic works when you need convenience.
Why didn’t my dough rise?
Usually the yeast was old, or the water temperature was off. Aim for warm water, not hot water.
Can I make these without Parmesan?
Absolutely. They’ll still taste delicious with just the garlic butter and parsley.
Final Thoughts
This Papa John’s Garlic Knots copycat recipe is one of those simple homemade treats that feels special without requiring a ton of effort. The dough bakes up soft and fluffy, the garlic butter adds bold flavor, and the Parmesan finish gives it that classic pizza-shop touch.
If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you. Did you make the dough from scratch, or take the shortcut with pizza dough? Did you add extra cheese or dip them in marinara? Leave a comment and share your version. And if you know someone who loves garlic bread or pizza sides, send this recipe their way.
Disclaimer
This recipe is a copycat recipe inspired by the flavor and style of Papa John’s garlic knots. It is not the official recipe, and no knowledge of the actual proprietary recipe is implied. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or representing Papa John’s.
Simply Copycat Recipes is also an Amazon affiliate, which means we may earn from qualifying purchases made through affiliate links at no extra cost to you.
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