Garlic Knots from Papa John's feature soft, hand-tied dough brushed with buttery garlic sauce and sprinkled with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan, offering a flavorful and aromatic appetizer with a golden, crispy exterior.
Equipments
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Stand mixer (optional, for dough)
- Dough scraper
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Pastry brush
- Microplane or grater (for Parmesan)
- Chef’s knife (for parsley)
- Cutting board
- Oven
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup warm water
- 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Active dry yeast must be fresh and properly activated in warm water to ensure the dough rises correctly, while the all-purpose flour provides the necessary structure for soft yet sturdy knots. Use unsalted butter for the garlic sauce to control the salt level, balancing the flavors when combined with garlic and parsley. Fresh parsley should be finely chopped to evenly distribute its aroma and color across the knots. Grated Parmesan adds a savory, nutty dimension, so freshly grated cheese is preferred for optimal flavor and texture. Your garlic knots from the Papa John's copycat menu will deliver an authentic taste with a crispy golden exterior and rich, buttery garlic flavor.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit until foamy (5-10 minutes).
- Add flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture.
- Mix and knead by hand or use a stand mixer until a smooth dough forms (about 7 minutes).
- Transfer dough to an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size (about 1 hour).
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Punch down the risen dough and divide into 12-16 equal pieces.
- Roll each piece into a rope and tie into a knot.
- Place knots on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
- While baking, melt unsalted butter in a small saucepan.
- Add minced garlic to melted butter; cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Remove baked knots and immediately brush with garlic butter using a pastry brush.
- Sprinkle with grated Parmesan and chopped fresh parsley.
- Serve warm.
Substitution
Garlic Knots from Papa John's copycat menu replicate the soft, buttery dough knots with a rich garlic sauce, topped with fresh parsley and Parmesan for a savory snack. If fresh parsley is unavailable, dried parsley or Italian seasoning can be used as a substitute to maintain flavor. Unsalted butter can be replaced with salted butter, but reduce added salt in the dough to balance the seasoning. When fresh garlic is not an option, garlic powder or granulated garlic can offer a similar aromatic profile in the buttery sauce. You can also prepare the dough by hand if a stand mixer is not accessible, ensuring thorough kneading for the ideal texture.
Tips
Make sure your yeast is fresh and the water temperature is between 100degF-110degF to activate it properly; water that's too hot can kill the yeast, and water that's too cold will delay rising. Knead the dough thoroughly until it's smooth and elastic to develop gluten, which ensures soft, chewy knots. Don't skip letting the dough rise until doubled, as this step is crucial for airy texture. When brushing the garlic butter, apply it while the knots are still hot so the flavors absorb deeply into your garlic knots.
Nutritions
Garlic Knots from Papa John's provide a rich source of carbohydrates from 3 cups of all-purpose flour, fueling your energy needs. The dish contains healthy fats from 1/4 cup olive oil and 1/4 cup unsalted butter, alongside aromatic, immune-boosting properties from 4 cloves of fresh garlic. Fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese add vitamins A and K plus calcium, enhancing the nutritional profile. Your appetizer delivers a satisfying balance of macronutrients and micronutrients while maintaining a flavorful, hand-tied dough texture.
Storage
To store your Papa John's Garlic Knots, cool them completely before placing them in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag to maintain freshness. Refrigerate for up to 3 days, and reheat in the oven at 350degF (175degC) for 5-7 minutes to restore their crispy exterior and warm, buttery garlic flavor. For longer storage, freeze the knots individually wrapped in foil or plastic wrap, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container and thaw at room temperature before reheating.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute fresh garlic in the buttery garlic sauce with garlic powder for a milder flavor or try roasted garlic for a sweeter, smoother taste. Instead of all-purpose flour, using bread flour can create a chewier texture in your garlic knots. For a dairy-free option, replace unsalted butter with olive oil or a vegan butter alternative while maintaining the rich garlic flavor. Experiment with adding herbs like rosemary or oregano to the parsley sprinkle for an aromatic twist that complements the Parmesan cheese.
Allergies
Garlic Knots from Papa John's contain common allergens such as wheat (gluten) in the all-purpose flour and dairy in the unsalted butter and Parmesan cheese. Those with garlic allergies should avoid this appetizer due to the significant use of fresh garlic and garlic sauce. Your sensitivity to these ingredients may cause adverse reactions, so always check ingredient details before consumption.
Why this recipe?
Garlic Knots from Papa John's restaurant are popular for their soft, chewy texture combined with a rich garlic butter glaze and a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Their perfect balance of savory flavors makes them a crave-worthy side that complements various dishes. You can recreate this iconic treat at home to enjoy the same authentic taste while customizing the level of garlic and herbs to suit your preferences. Making a copycat version is worth the effort because it offers fresh, warm knots without waiting for delivery, enhancing your dining experience instantly.