Elevate your snacking experience with this Giant Pepperoni-Stuffed Garlic Knot Pizza, a captivating fusion of savory and comforting flavors. Indulge in the ultimate in gourmet satisfaction as you bite into the pillowy soft garlic knots, each one concealing a delectable surprise of melted cheese and zesty pepperoni. This irresistible recipe, crafted with the discerning palate in mind, is sure to delight your senses and leave you craving more.
Why You’ll Love This Giant Pepperoni-Stuffed Garlic Knot Pizza
Prepare to be enchanted by the harmonious blend of textures and flavors in this refined culinary masterpiece. The golden, garlicky knots provide a delightful canvas for the oozing, luscious fillings, creating a tempting and satisfying experience with every bite. Elevate your snacking routine with this beautiful, comfort-driven creation that will transport you to a realm of cozy indulgence.
Ingredients
Unlock the secrets to crafting this irresistible Giant Pepperoni-Stuffed Garlic Knot Pizza with a carefully curated selection of high-quality ingredients. From the pillowy-soft dough to the decadent cheese and flavorful pepperoni, each component has been thoughtfully chosen to deliver a harmonious and elegant dining experience.
- 1 (1 lb) package pizza dough – at room temperature
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup diced pepperoni
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Ingredient Substitutions
- Mozzarella Cheese: Provolone or Fontina – a refined swap that keeps the balance.
- Pepperoni: Spicy Italian Sausage or Salami – perfect for dietary or texture variation.
How to Make Giant Pepperoni-Stuffed Garlic Knot Pizza
Prepare to embark on a delectable journey as you craft this captivating Giant Pepperoni-Stuffed Garlic Knot Pizza in your very own kitchen. With each step, you’ll witness the transformation of simple ingredients into a sophisticated and comforting masterpiece.
Step 1 — Dough Prep
Begin by gently stretching the pizza dough into a large rectangle, approximately 12×8 inches. Carefully cut the dough into 12 equal strips, each about 1 inch wide. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter and minced garlic, stirring to blend the flavors.
Step 2 — Stuffing and Shaping
Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese and diced pepperoni evenly over the dough strips. Gently roll each strip into a tight knot, taking care to encase the fillings within. Arrange the stuffed knots on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Step 3 — Baking and Glazing
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Brush the tops of the garlic knots generously with the garlic butter mixture. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the knots are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove the pan from the oven and let the knots cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Step 4 — Finishing Touches
As a final flourish, drizzle any remaining garlic butter over the warm knots, ensuring each one is evenly coated in the fragrant, garlicky goodness. Serve the Giant Pepperoni-Stuffed Garlic Knot Pizza immediately, allowing your guests to indulge in the irresistible combination of flavors and textures.
Chef Tips & Variations
- Cheese Lover’s Twist: Incorporate a blend of cheeses, such as cheddar, Parmesan, and cream cheese, for an even more decadent and ooey-gooey filling.
- Veggie-Packed Variation: Sauté mushrooms, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes as an alternative to the pepperoni, creating a delightful vegetarian option.
- Seasoning Boost: Sprinkle a pinch of Italian seasoning or crushed red pepper flakes over the garlic knots before baking for an extra flavor punch.
- Stuffed Bites: Cut the dough into smaller squares to make bite-sized pepperoni-stuffed garlic knots, perfect for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: A side of marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or your favorite dipping sauces for an elevated snacking experience.
Storage: Leftover garlic knots can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them on a baking sheet in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
Reheat: For best results, reheat the garlic knots in the oven or a toaster oven to preserve the crisp exterior and soft, gooey interior.
Make-Ahead: Prepare the stuffed garlic knots in advance, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake. This allows you to enjoy fresh, warm knots whenever the craving strikes.
Nutrition Information
Indulge in the refined and comforting flavors of this Giant Pepperoni-Stuffed Garlic Knot Pizza without compromising your health. This sophisticated snack or appetizer is crafted with high-quality, wholesome ingredients that provide a satisfying and nutritious experience.
- Serving Size: 1 garlic knot
- Calories: 271 kcal
- Protein: 12 g
- Carbs: 26 g
- Fat: 15 g
- Sodium: 653 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use store-bought pizza dough for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using store-bought pizza dough is a convenient option that can save you time and effort. Just be sure to allow the dough to come to room temperature before working with it for the best results.
How can I make the garlic knots extra crispy?
To achieve an even crispier exterior, try baking the garlic knots on a preheated baking stone or steel. The intense heat will help create a beautifully golden crust. Additionally, you can brush the knots with a bit of olive oil before baking for added crispiness.
Can I freeze the leftover garlic knots?
Yes, you can freeze the leftover garlic knots for up to 2 months. Simply place them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag and store them in the freezer. When ready to enjoy, thaw the knots in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat them in the oven until hot and crispy.
How do I know when the garlic knots are fully cooked?
The garlic knots are ready when they are golden brown on the outside and the cheese is melted and bubbling. You can also use a toothpick or cake tester to check the interior; it should come out clean when the knots are fully baked.
Can I make this recipe with different fillings?
Absolutely! This recipe is highly versatile, allowing you to experiment with various fillings. You can try swapping the pepperoni for sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or even a blend of cheeses. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative and make it your own.
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Giant Pepperoni-Stuffed Garlic Knot Pizza
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Giant Pepperoni-Stuffed Garlic Knot Pizza. A delightful combination of soft garlic knots filled with pepperoni and cheese, topped with marinara sauce and fresh herbs.
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 packet active dry yeast
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup warm water
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 cup pepperoni slices
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Marinara sauce for dipping
Instructions
1. In a bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
2. Add flour, salt, and olive oil. Mix until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth.
4. Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
5. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
6. Roll out the dough and cut into strips. Place mozzarella and pepperoni on each strip and roll into knots.
7. Arrange the knots on a baking sheet, brush with olive oil, and sprinkle with garlic, parsley, and Italian seasoning.
8. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
9. Serve with marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
For a spicy kick, add crushed red pepper flakes to the filling.
Experiment with different cheeses or toppings to customize your pizza knots.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Satisfying Snacks & Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 knot
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 20mg