Pizza dough is far more versatile than people give it credit for. Yes, it is obviously great when used for its most basic purpose… pizza. But there are so many different ways to use this delicious and affordable dough.
This is a spin on a classic garlic knot. I dunno if those are universal or not, but in the Northeast, they are in every pizza shop. It is pizza dough, twisted and tied and basted with garlicky butter and baked to perfection. Throw in a side of marinara, and it's better than some pizzas.
Well, this is the best of both worlds. A cheesy, doughy, buttery, crispy, soft bite all in one. Plus, they are so easy to make. If you go back in the archives and make my “30 minute pizza dough” for this recipe, you can make it for LESS THAN $10!
Even if you use store-bought pizza dough, your price is gonna be low. Since pizza shops are now charging a second mortgage and the naming rights to your firstborn, making these at home seems like a no-brainer. Not to mention, the easy marinara we make on the side? That’s better than most pasta sauces.
Yeah, I said it.
Let’s get knotty.
Makes: 8-10 knots (serves 5-8 people)
Ingredients:
1 lb homemade pizza dough or storebought
AP flour
1 1/2 cups shredded low-moisture mozzarella
3 oz pepperoni, about 24 slices
2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
1/2 tsp garlic powder
2 tbsp grated Parmesan
2 tbsp honey
Quick Marinara:
1 medium shallot minced
15 oz crushed tomatoes (buy the cheapest can you can find)
3-5 cloves minced garlic
2 tbsp tomato paste (toasted in the olive oil)
Pinch of salt
Dash of black pep
Dash red pep flake
Drizzle of honey or a shredded carrot or a pinch of sugar
This cuts down the acidity and makes a smooter sauce
2 basil leaves or 1 tsp of italian seasoning
