Cheesy Crescent Roll Garlic Knots

Introduction

If you’re craving something buttery, cheesy, and totally irresistible, these Cheesy Crescent Roll Garlic Knots are exactly what you need. With just a few simple ingredients — like flaky crescent dough, fresh garlic, melty mozzarella, and savory parmesan — this recipe brings all the flavors of your favorite Italian garlic bread, but in an adorable, pull-apart knot form.

They’re quick to whip up, absolutely crowd-pleasing, and make your kitchen smell like an Italian bakery. I first made these on a cozy weeknight pasta night, and my family devoured them before the main course hit the table. Since then, they’ve become a regular appetizer request at our house — and once you try them, I think they’ll be one at yours too.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Key Benefits

• Quick & Easy: With pre-made crescent dough, there’s no kneading or proofing required
• Beginner-Friendly: Even if you’re new to baking, you’ll find this recipe simple to follow
• Family Favorite: Kids love the cheesy goodness, and adults will go back for seconds
• Perfect Party Appetizer: Great for game day, pasta night, or even holiday gatherings
• Minimal Ingredients: Pantry staples and store-bought dough make prep a breeze

Taste & Texture

These garlic knots are soft and fluffy on the inside, with a golden, slightly crispy exterior. The cheesy filling melts beautifully into each layer, while the garlic butter infuses every bite with savory, rich flavor. Topped with more melted mozzarella and parmesan, they have just the right balance of buttery softness and cheesy crisp edges.

Dietary Attributes

• Vegetarian
• Can be made nut-free
• Not gluten-free as written, but you can sub with gluten-free crescent dough if available

Ingredients & Substitutions

Ingredient List

• 2 cans crescent roll dough
• ½ cup salted butter, melted
• ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1½ tablespoons minced fresh garlic
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Notes on Quality

• Butter: Use real salted butter for the richest flavor. Unsalted works too — just add a pinch of salt.
• Cheese: Freshly shredded mozzarella gives better melt and texture than pre-shredded.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic will bring that bold, aromatic flavor. Avoid jarred garlic if possible.
• Crescent Dough: Any brand of crescent dough will do, but Pillsbury tends to have a fluffier finish.

Possible Substitutions

• Mozzarella → Provolone, fontina, or a pizza cheese blend
• Parmesan → Pecorino Romano or asiago
• Italian Seasoning → A mix of dried oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary
• Garlic → Garlic powder if in a pinch (use 1 tsp instead of fresh)

Step-by-Step Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C)
• In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter, grated parmesan, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning. Set aside.
• Open the crescent dough cans and unroll each sheet. Separate the dough into four rectangles per can. You’ll see diagonal perforations — pinch those seams together to create full rectangles.

• Spread about ½ tablespoon of the garlic butter mixture across the middle of each rectangle.
• Sprinkle ½ tablespoon of mozzarella cheese on top of the garlic butter. Save the remaining butter mixture and cheese for topping.
• Roll each rectangle lengthwise into a log, pinching ends to keep the filling inside.
• Gently stretch the logs to make them longer and thinner, then tie each one into a loose knot. Tuck in the ends underneath the knot if needed.
• Arrange knots on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
• Brush the tops with the remaining garlic butter and sprinkle with leftover mozzarella.
• Bake for 25 minutes, or until golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.
• Let cool slightly, serve warm, and enjoy every gooey, garlicky bite.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Best Practices

• Warm the butter slightly if it starts to solidify while you’re prepping — it spreads easier that way
• Don’t overfill the dough with cheese, or it may ooze out during baking
• Use parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking and ensure even browning

Common Mistakes

• Tearing the dough: Be gentle when stretching the logs; too much force can cause the dough to rip
• Skipping the seam pinch: If you don’t seal the perforations well, the dough may split open in the oven
• Overbaking: Check your knots at 22 minutes — ovens vary, and you want them golden, not dark brown

Time-Saving Tips

• Mix the butter, garlic, and cheese in advance and refrigerate until ready to use
• Assemble the knots earlier in the day, refrigerate, then bake when needed
• Use shredded cheese blends to cut down on prep time

Serving Suggestions

Pairings

These garlic knots go beautifully with:

• Classic spaghetti or lasagna
• Tomato soup or minestrone
• A crisp Caesar salad

Presentation Ideas

• Serve them in a basket lined with a red-and-white cloth napkin for an Italian trattoria vibe
• Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or basil for color and freshness
• Add a side of warm marinara or garlic butter for dipping

Beverage Pairings

• A chilled glass of pinot grigio or sauvignon blanc
• Sparkling water with lemon and fresh herbs
• A light Italian lager or pale ale

Storage & Reheating

Leftover Storage

• Store in an airtight container at room temp for 1 day or in the fridge for up to 3 days
• Freeze baked knots for up to 1 month — wrap individually in plastic wrap then seal in a zip-top bag

Reheating Methods

• Oven: Bake at 325°F for 10 minutes until warmed through
• Air Fryer: 350°F for 4-5 minutes gives a crispy exterior
• Microwave: 20-30 seconds on a plate with a damp paper towel (though the texture will be softer)

Frequently Asked Questions

Substitutions & Adjustments

Can I use homemade dough?
Absolutely! Any soft, yeasted dough will work here, but using crescent dough keeps it quick and easy.

Can I make these smaller?
Yes — slice the rectangles in half before rolling and knotting for mini garlic knots.

Troubleshooting

Why is the cheese leaking out?
This usually happens if the dough isn’t sealed well or is overstuffed. Pinch ends tightly and go light on the filling.

My knots turned out dry — what happened?
Make sure not to overbake, and brush generously with garlic butter before baking.

Variations & Customizations

Dietary Adaptations

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free crescent dough
• Dairy-Free: Substitute vegan butter and plant-based cheeses (like Miyoko’s or Violife)

Flavor Twists

• Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes or olives to the filling
• Use roasted garlic instead of fresh for a sweeter, mellow flavor
• Swap Italian seasoning for everything bagel seasoning for a brunchy twist

Seasonal/Holiday Versions

• Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes and serve with marinara for Valentine’s Day date nights
• Shape into festive rings for Christmas parties and garnish with rosemary sprigs
• Serve with heart-shaped marinara bowls alongside these Cupid Cupcakes for Valentine’s Day

Conclusion

These Cheesy Crescent Roll Garlic Knots are everything you want in a side dish — quick, comforting, and incredibly flavorful. Whether you’re serving them up with a big bowl of spaghetti, passing them around at your next dinner party, or just sneaking a few as a late-night snack (no judgment here), they’re bound to become a go-to favorite.

If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear what you think! Leave a comment, post a photo, or tag us on Pinterest at Cooking With Callie — I absolutely love seeing your kitchen creations.

Looking for more delicious bites? Check out these recipes next:

• Cupid Cupcakes – Perfect for Valentine’s Day
• Vegan Cherry Almond Brownies – Fudgy & Fruity
• Red Velvet Sugar Cookies – Soft, Chewy, and Festive

Happy baking and even happier eating!

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