Picture this: a tray of golden buttery knots fresh from the oven, the smell of garlic filling the kitchen, and gooey cheese stretching with every bite. That is the magic of crescent roll garlic knots. They are simple enough for a weeknight snack yet impressive enough to be the highlight of any party.
These little flavor bombs, also known as Buttery Garlic Cheese Bombs, combine everything we love about comfort food. Warm bread, melty cheese, and rich garlic butter come together in a recipe that is easy and satisfying. The best part is that you do not need to be a professional baker to enjoy them. Using refrigerated crescent roll dough, you can create these cheesy bites in less than 30 minutes.
Whether you are preparing an appetizer for game night, serving a side dish with pasta, or making a snack that both kids and adults will enjoy, these crescent roll garlic cheese knots are the perfect choice. Once you learn how to make garlic knots with crescent rolls, you will never want to go back to frozen appetizers.
Gather your ingredients, preheat the oven, and get ready to transform simple pantry staples into irresistible garlic knot rolls that your friends and family will remember.
The Recipe at a Glance
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Servings |
| 10 minutes | 15 minutes | 25 minutes | 8 knots |
Ingredients:
- 1 can crescent roll dough
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley
Quick Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Roll out crescent dough and cut into strips.
- Add mozzarella, tie into knots.
- Brush with garlic butter.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes until golden.
- Sprinkle Parmesan and parsley before serving.
Why This Recipe Works
1. It is beginner-friendly: No yeast, no kneading, no waiting for dough to rise. Using crescent rolls means you’re only minutes away from hot, cheesy garlic knot rolls.
2. Perfectly cheesy inside: Each knot hides gooey mozzarella that melts as it bakes, turning every bite into a savory surprise.
3. Versatile serving options: Whether as a party appetizer, a game-day snack, or a side with pasta, these crescent roll garlic cheese knots fit the occasion.
4. Kid- and adult-approved: Their bite-sized nature makes them great finger food for picky eaters and gourmet snackers alike.
From Dough to Cheese: Ingredients That Do the Heavy Lifting
Great recipes are built on great ingredients. Here is how each piece of this recipe adds flavor, texture, and that irresistible garlic knot charm.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes & Tips |
| Crescent Roll Dough | 1 can (8 oz) | Pillsbury is the classic choice, but any store brand works. Look for “seamless” dough for easier shaping. |
| Mozzarella Cheese | ½ cup shredded | Low-moisture mozzarella melts best and prevents sogginess. |
| Parmesan Cheese | ¼ cup grated | Adds salty, nutty depth. Use fresh grated over powdered for authentic flavor. |
| Garlic | 3 cloves, minced | Fresh garlic beats jarred. For stronger flavor, roast it first. |
| Butter | 3 tbsp melted | Unsalted lets you control the seasoning, but salted works fine too. |
| Parsley | 1 tbsp chopped | Fresh parsley adds a bright pop of color and flavor. Basil or oregano also work. |
Baking Up the Magic Step by Step
- Prepare the oven and dough
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Roll out the crescent dough on a floured surface. If using perforated dough, pinch seams together to create a flat sheet. - Cut into strips
Slice the dough into even strips (about 1 inch wide). This ensures all your garlic knots bake evenly. - Add the cheese
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella along each strip. Fold the dough over to seal the cheese inside. - Form knots
Gently tie each strip into a loose knot. Don’t worry if it looks rustic—imperfections make them charming. - Brush with garlic butter
Mix melted butter with minced garlic and parsley. Brush generously over the knots. - Bake to perfection
Place knots on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 12–15 minutes until golden brown. - Finish with Parmesan
As soon as they come out, sprinkle them with Parmesan for extra cheesy goodness.
The Garlic Knot Countdown
Prep: 10 minutes – shaping and filling the knots
Baking: 15 minutes – let them turn golden and fluffy
Cooling: 5 minutes – allow cheese to set before serving
Variations & Substitutions
| Ingredient | Swap Option | Flavor Impact |
| Mozzarella | Cheddar, Gouda, or Pepper Jack | Stronger or spicier flavor |
| Butter | Olive oil | Lighter, Mediterranean vibe |
| Garlic | Garlic powder | Milder flavor, quicker prep |
| Parsley | Basil, oregano, or rosemary | More herb-forward profile |
Fun Twists:
- Make pepperoni cheese bombs by adding pepperoni slices inside.
- Try jalapeno cheddar knots for a spicy kick.
- Brush with pesto instead of garlic butter for a fresh twist.
How to Serve Garlic Knots at Parties
These Buttery Garlic Cheese Bombs shine brightest when shared. Here are a few serving ideas:
- Game night platter: Pair with marinara, ranch, and buffalo sauce.
- Italian dinner side: Serve alongside spaghetti, lasagna, or chicken parmesan.
- Brunch spread: Add them to a breakfast board with eggs, bacon, and fruit.
- Cocktail party bite: Skewer them with toothpicks for easy grab-and-go snacks.
Nutrition (Per Knot, Approx.)
| Calories | Carbs | Protein | Fat |
| 160 | 14g | 5g | 9g |
Health Notes:
- To lighten them up, use reduced-fat cheese and swap half the butter for olive oil.
- Add spinach or kale for extra nutrients.
Pro Tips for Perfect Garlic Knots
- Keep the knots loose—tight knots won’t bake through evenly.
- Double-brush: Once before baking, once immediately after baking.
- Serve warm. They taste best fresh from the oven.
- Store leftovers in foil at room temp for 24 hours or refrigerate up to 3 days.
Final Thoughts
| Calories | Carbs | Sugar | Alcohol | Fat |
| 180 | 20g | 15g | 12g | 0g |
Final Thoughts
Crescent roll dough is a shortcut that makes gourmet-quality appetizers accessible to everyone. With just a few pantry staples, you can create crescent roll garlic knots that rival your favorite pizzeria.
These Buttery Garlic Cheese Bombs are soft, cheesy, garlicky, and downright addictive. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, a side dish, or a midnight snack, one thing’s certain—they’ll be the first dish to vanish from the table.
So next time you’re wondering what to bring to a party or how to level up your dinner spread, grab a can of crescent rolls and whip up a batch of these cheesy delights. Your guests will thank you!
Explore more easy recipes like this on Regency Cafe’s Recipe Blog
