Garlic knots are a delicious Italian appetizer or side dish made from pizza dough. The dough is shaped into small balls or knots, topped with olive oil, garlic, and Parmesan cheese, and baked until golden brown. They have a wonderfully soft and chewy texture with a punch of garlicky flavor. While fresh garlic knots from a pizzeria are hard to beat, frozen garlic knots can be a convenient shortcut to enjoy this tasty treat at home. When using frozen garlic knots, proper cooking time is essential for the best texture and flavor. Here is a comprehensive guide on how long to cook frozen garlic knots in the oven.
What are frozen garlic knots?
Frozen garlic knots are unbaked garlic knots that have been pre-shaped and flash frozen to lock in freshness. They are conveniently portioned and ready to bake whenever a craving strikes. The knots just need to be put on a baking sheet and popped in the oven. Frozen garlic knots are available at many supermarkets and wholesale stores. Popular national brands include Gia Russa and Farm Rich, while store brands like Kirkland are also common options. The knots typically come packaged in resealable bags containing around 20-40 pieces. While not quite as good as homemade, frozen garlic knots offer a satisfying garlic bread experience with very little work.
Thawing and proofing frozen garlic knots
Frozen garlic knots will bake up best if allowed to thaw and proof before cooking. Thawing brings the dough to a suitable temperature for rising, while proofing allows the yeast to reactivate and produce air bubbles that give the knots their characteristic chewy, fluffy texture. Here are two approaches for thawing and proofing frozen garlic knots:
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator
Remove frozen garlic knots from packaging and place in a single layer on a plate or baking sheet. Cover loosely and refrigerate 8-12 hours. The extended time in the fridge allows knots to gently thaw and proof.
Quick thaw and proof at room temperature
Leave garlic knots sealed in packaging at room temperature for 30-60 minutes until pliable but still very cold. Remove from packaging, arrange in a single layer on a lightly oiled baking sheet, and cover loosely with plastic wrap. Let sit for at least 30 minutes, up to 2 hours, at room temperature to finish proofing. Avoid letting knots proof for too long or they may over-rise.
Baking instructions for frozen garlic knots
Follow these simple steps for perfectly baked frozen garlic knots:
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly coat with olive oil. Arrange thawed, proofed garlic knots in a single layer with space between each knot.
- Brush knots lightly with olive oil. Sprinkle with desired toppings like Parmesan, Italian seasoning blend, or red pepper flakes.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, until tops are golden brown. Check frequently near end of cooking time to avoid overbrowning.
- Remove from oven and brush with melted butter for extra richness and flavor if desired.
- Enjoy garlic knots warm or at room temperature.
Baking time can vary slightly based on factors like oven calibration and size of garlic knots. Always watch closely at the end of the recommended baking time range. Here are visual signs frozen garlic knots are fully baked:
- Tops are evenly golden brown.
- Knots feel set and firm when gently pressed.
- Internal temperature registers 190-210°F on an instant-read thermometer.
Tips for best results
Follow these tips for flawlessly baked frozen garlic knots:
- Thaw and proof properly – This prevents dense, gummy texture.
- Use parchment paper – Parchment prevents sticking and overbrowning on the pan bottom.
- Give them space – Avoid overcrowding so steam can escape and tops brown evenly.
- Brush with oil and seasonings – This replicates the flavor of fresh garlic knots.
- Rotate baking sheet – Midway through baking helps knots brown evenly.
- Check frequently at end – This prevents going from browned to burnt.
Common mistakes
It’s easy to mess up frozen garlic knots if you aren’t careful. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them:
Undercooking
Not baking frozen garlic knots long enough leaves them pale, dense, and doughy in the center. Always bake for the recommended time, and check knots are cooked through internally.
Overcooking
Baking garlic knots for too long results in dried out, crunchy knots. Set a timer and watch them closely as they near the end of the recommended baking time.
Uneven baking
If some knots are very dark while others are pale, the pan needs to be rotated midway through baking. Crowding the pan can also impede even browning.
Not proofing
Skipping proofing produces garlic knots with poor texture. Always thaw and proof frozen knots before baking.
Cooking alternatives
While the oven yields the best results, you can also cook frozen garlic knots using these alternative methods:
Microwave
Microwaving is the fastest method to cook frozen garlic knots. Cook in 30 second intervals until heated through, about 2-4 minutes total depending on microwave wattage and number of knots. Results won’t be as evenly browned or crispy as the oven.
Air fryer
Air fryers mimic deep frying with a fraction of the oil. Cook frozen garlic knots at 400°F for 4-7 minutes, shaking the basket midway. They become crispy and browned but can dry out quickly so watch closely.
Grill
Place thawed garlic knots directly on a hot grill for 2-4 minutes per side. The high heat adds delicious char while melting the cheese. Just be sure to watch them closely as they can burn easily.
How long do baked garlic knots last?
Properly stored baked garlic knots stay fresh for 3-5 days. Let garlic knots cool completely after baking, then store in an airtight container. To extend freshness longer, freeze baked knots up to 3 months. Reheat straight from the freezer using the oven or microwave.
Serving ideas
Here are creative ways to serve baked frozen garlic knots:
- Appetizer with marinara or alfredo sauce for dipping
- Side to Italian dishes like chicken parmesan or pasta
- Top with sausage, peppers, cheese for garlic knot “pizzas”
- Sandwich slider buns
- Breakfast bread with scrambled eggs
- Croutons for salads or soups
- Bruschetta topped with tomatoes, olive oil, basil
- Garlic bread sandwich with ham and provolone
Recipe ideas
While store-bought frozen garlic knots are super convenient, you can take them to the next level by making them from scratch. Here are some tasty homemade garlic knot recipes to try:
Classic Garlic Knots
This recipe uses just pizza dough, garlic, parsley, Parmesan and olive oil for old-fashioned flavor.
Bacon Cheddar Garlic Knots
Crispy bacon and sharp cheddar take garlic knots up a notch.
Pesto Garlic Knots
Nutty basil pesto swirled into the dough gives a flavorful twist.
Jalapeño Popper Knots
A winning combo of cream cheese, cheddar, jalapeños, and bacon.
Dessert Garlic Knots
For a sweet twist, sprinkle knots with cinnamon-sugar or fill with Nutella.
Nutrition information
Here are the nutrition facts for a typical serving of 3 frozen garlic knots (about 80g):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 230 |
| Fat | 7g |
| Carbs | 33g |
| Protein | 7g |
| Sodium | 430mg |
Garlic knots make a tasty indulgence, but should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet due to their high carb and sodium content.
Cost analysis
Frozen garlic knots provide an affordable way to enjoy this restaurant favorite at home. Here is a cost comparison of popular frozen garlic knot brands at national retailers:
| Brand | Size | Price | Price per knot |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gia Russa | 32 oz bag (40 knots) | $5.99 | $0.15 |
| Farm Rich | 24 oz bag (30 knots) | $6.99 | $0.23 |
| Kirkland | 2 lb bag (35 knots) | $7.49 | $0.21 |
| Great Value | 22 oz bag (22 knots) | $5.98 | $0.27 |
As the table shows, prices range from $0.15-$0.27 per knot. Buying larger packages generally provides a lower cost per knot. Gia Russa is the most economical option.
Storage tips
To maximize freshness and shelf life of frozen garlic knots:
- Purchase frozen knots with furthest out “best by” date.
- Inspect packaging carefully for damage before buying.
- Keep frozen until ready to use. Do not thaw early.
- Store unopened package in freezer at 0°F or below.
- Once opened, reseal bag tightly excluding excess air.
- Use within 1-2 months for best quality.
Conclusion
Cooking frozen garlic knots in the oven for 15-20 minutes at 400°F produces hot and delicious results every time. Be sure to thaw and proof the knots first, and watch them closely at the end of baking to prevent burning. Baked frozen garlic knots can be served in endless savory or sweet ways and make an effortless appetizer for any occasion. Follow proper storage tips to keep them fresh and flavorful. With this guide, you can now bake restaurant-quality garlic knots from your own freezer.