Save to Pinterest Soft, golden garlic knots made with high-protein dough, stuffed with pepperoni and cheese, then brushed with fragrant garlic butter. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or party treat, these knots bring the flavors of a classic pepperoni pizza into a convenient, pull-apart form.
Save to Pinterest This American-Italian fusion dish is not only delicious but also macro-friendly. By using self-rising flour and Greek yogurt for the dough, you achieve a soft texture with 7g of protein per knot, making it a satisfying choice for any occasion.
Ingredients
- Protein Dough: 1 ¼ cups (150 g) self-rising flour, 1 cup (240 g) nonfat Greek yogurt, ½ tsp salt
- Filling: 18 slices pepperoni (about 60 g), ¾ cup (85 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- Garlic Butter: 3 tbsp (45 g) unsalted butter, melted, 2 cloves garlic, finely minced, 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped, ¼ tsp salt
- Garnish: 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2
- In a mixing bowl, combine self-rising flour, Greek yogurt, and salt. Stir until a shaggy dough forms, then knead gently until smooth (about 2–3 minutes).
- Step 3
- Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a 7-inch (18 cm) rope, then flatten each rope into a strip about 1.5 inches (4 cm) wide.
- Step 4
- Place 1–2 slices of pepperoni and a small mound of mozzarella along the center of each strip. Carefully roll up the strip lengthwise to encase the filling, pinching the seam to seal.
- Step 5
- Tie each filled rope into a loose knot and tuck the ends underneath. Arrange knots on the prepared baking sheet, seam side down.
- Step 6
- In a small bowl, mix melted butter with minced garlic, parsley, and salt. Brush half the garlic butter over the knots.
- Step 7
- Bake for 16–18 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from oven, brush with remaining garlic butter, and sprinkle with Parmesan if desired. Serve warm.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To ensure the best results, knead the dough until it is completely smooth to prevent tearing when you stuff it. Be sure to pinch the seams tightly so the melted mozzarella stays inside the knot during baking.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a vegetarian version, omit the pepperoni or replace it with finely chopped sautéed vegetables. If you prefer a bit of spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter mixture before brushing.
Serviervorschläge
Serve these garlic knots warm with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. They make an excellent appetizer for parties or a quick high-protein snack for busy afternoons.
Save to Pinterest With 120 calories and 7g of protein per knot, these Pizza Roll Stuffed Garlic Knots are a delicious way to satisfy your pizza cravings in under 40 minutes.
Recipe Help Center
- → Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the dough and store it wrapped in plastic in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Let it come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before rolling and filling.
- → What can I use instead of pepperoni?
Try cooked Italian sausage, diced ham, sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes. For a vegetarian version, omit the meat entirely and add extra cheese or vegetables.
- → How do I store leftover knots?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore the soft texture. Avoid microwaving as they can become tough.
- → Can I freeze these before baking?
Absolutely. Arrange assembled knots on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen at 400°F for 20-22 minutes, adding an extra minute under the broiler if needed.
- → Why use self-rising flour?
Self-rising flour contains the perfect ratio of baking powder and salt already incorporated, making the dough rise beautifully while keeping prep time minimal. If unavailable, mix 1 cup all-purpose flour with 1½ tsp baking powder and ¼ tsp salt.
- → What dipping sauces work best?
Warm marinara is classic, but try ranch dressing, garlic aioli, or even a spicy arrabbiata sauce. A balsamic glaze drizzle also complements the garlic butter beautifully.