Twisted Garlic Butter Pizza Knots with Marinara Dip

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Soft, twisted pizza knots basted in rich garlic butter, served alongside a tangy marinara and savory dipping sauce. This italian-inspired pizza ready in about 30 minutes blends pizza dough, unsalted butter, garlic cloves, minced into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 280 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. On a floured surface, roll out 12 oz pizza dough into a 10x12-inch rectangle and cut into 12 strips about 1 inch wide.
  2. Step 2: Twist each strip tightly and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
  3. Step 3: In a small saucepan, melt 3 tbsp unsalted butter over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tsp dried oregano, cooking for 2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 tsp salt.
  4. Step 4: Brush each twisted dough strip generously with the garlic butter mixture.
  5. Step 5: Bake the knots in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until golden and puffed.
  6. Step 6: While baking, mix 1/2 cup marinara sauce with 1/4 cup Serious sauce or a spicy tomato sauce in a small bowl.
  7. Step 7: Remove the knots from the oven, brush again with any remaining garlic butter, sprinkle 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley over the top, and serve warm with the combined dipping sauce.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Bakeware & baking tools → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Twisted Garlic Butter Pizza Knots with Marinara Dip take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Twisted Garlic Butter Pizza Knots with Marinara Dip?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Twisted Garlic Butter Pizza Knots with Marinara Dip?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Twisted Garlic Butter Pizza Knots with Marinara Dip for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Twisted Garlic Butter Pizza Knots with Marinara Dip?

Italian pizza like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

Related recipes