If you are looking for a fun, cheesy snack that combines soft pizza dough, pepperoni, melted mozzarella, garlic butter, and Parmesan, these Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Knots are an excellent recipe to make. Each knot is filled with classic pizza flavors, twisted into a bakery-style shape, brushed with garlic herb butter, and baked until golden and bubbling.
These pizza knots are perfect for game day, parties, movie nights, family dinners, or an easy appetizer. The dough stays soft and chewy inside while the edges become lightly crisp, and the combination of pepperoni, mozzarella, Parmesan, and Italian herbs delivers plenty of familiar pizza flavor.
Serve them warm with marinara sauce, ranch, or garlic butter for dipping.
Why You’ll Love These Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Knots
These knots turn ordinary pizza dough into an easy handheld snack that is fun to pull apart and dip.
Pepperoni adds savory, slightly smoky flavor, while mozzarella creates a gooey melted center.
Garlic butter and Parmesan give the outside extra flavor and a golden finish.
Store-bought pizza dough makes preparation simple, but homemade dough works just as well.
They are also easy to customize with sausage, bacon, jalapeños, mushrooms, or different cheeses.
Ingredients
For the Pizza Knots
- 1 pound refrigerated or homemade pizza dough
- 4 ounces pepperoni, finely chopped
- 1½ cups shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded provolone or Monterey Jack cheese
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour, for the work surface
For the Garlic Butter
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
For Serving
- 1½ cups warm marinara or pizza sauce
- Extra Parmesan
- Fresh parsley or basil
- Red pepper flakes, optional
How to Make Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Knots
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Dough
Place the pizza dough on a lightly floured work surface.
If the dough is very cold and keeps shrinking back, let it rest at room temperature for approximately 15–20 minutes before rolling.
3. Roll the Dough
Roll the dough into a rectangle approximately 10×14 inches.
Try to keep the thickness relatively even.
4. Add the Cheese
Sprinkle the mozzarella and provolone or Monterey Jack evenly over one half of the dough.
Leave approximately a ½-inch border around the edges.
5. Add the Pepperoni
Scatter the chopped pepperoni evenly over the cheese.
Finely chopped pepperoni is easier to keep inside the knots than whole slices.
6. Add Parmesan and Seasonings
Sprinkle with Parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes if using.
7. Fold the Dough
Fold the unfilled half of the dough over the filling.
Press gently to seal the layers together.
8. Cut into Strips
Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, cut the filled dough into approximately 10–12 strips.
Each strip should be around 1 inch wide.
9. Twist the Strips
Take one filled strip and gently twist it several times.
Do not pull too aggressively or the filling may tear through the dough.
10. Tie into Knots
Form the twisted strip into a loose knot.
Tuck the ends underneath.
A little exposed cheese or pepperoni is fine, but try to keep most of the filling enclosed.
11. Arrange on the Baking Sheet
Place each knot on the prepared baking sheet.
Leave approximately 2 inches between them so the dough has room to expand.
12. Make the Garlic Butter
Combine the melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, oregano, and Parmesan.
Mix well.
13. Brush the Knots
Brush the tops and sides generously with approximately half of the garlic butter.
Reserve the remaining butter for after baking.
14. Add Extra Parmesan
Sprinkle a little extra Parmesan over each knot.
15. Bake
Bake for approximately 16–22 minutes.
The knots should become puffed and golden brown.
16. Check the Bottoms
Carefully lift one knot.
The bottom should be golden and baked rather than pale or doughy.
If necessary, bake for another 2–3 minutes.
17. Check the Center
Pull apart or test one of the larger knots if needed.
The dough inside should be fully cooked and the cheese melted.
18. Add More Garlic Butter
Remove the knots from the oven.
Immediately brush them with the remaining garlic butter.
19. Add Parmesan
Sprinkle with additional freshly grated Parmesan while the butter is still warm.
20. Rest Briefly
Let the pizza knots rest for approximately 3–5 minutes.
The cheese inside will be very hot.
21. Garnish
Finish with parsley, basil, Parmesan, and red pepper flakes if desired.
22. Serve
Serve warm with marinara or pizza sauce for dipping.
What to Serve With Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Knots
These pizza knots are excellent as a snack or appetizer, but they can also be part of a larger casual meal.
Serve them with:
- Marinara sauce
- Ranch dressing
- Garlic butter
- Creamy garlic sauce
- Caesar salad
- Garden salad
- Mozzarella sticks
- Chicken wings
- Roasted vegetables
- Pasta salad
For game day, arrange the knots on a platter with several dipping sauces.
Tips for the Best Pepperoni Pizza Knots
Let cold pizza dough relax before rolling.
Do not overfill the dough.
Chop the pepperoni into small pieces.
Use low-moisture mozzarella to reduce excess liquid.
Keep the cheese slightly away from the edges.
Twist the strips gently.
Tuck the ends underneath each knot.
Use parchment paper for easier cleanup.
Brush with garlic butter both before and after baking.
Bake until the bottoms are golden.
Let the knots cool briefly before serving.
Easy Recipe Variations
Extra Cheesy Pizza Knots
Add cheddar, provolone, or Monterey Jack along with the mozzarella.
Spicy Pepperoni Knots
Add sliced jalapeños, crushed red pepper, and pepper Jack cheese.
Meat Lovers Pizza Knots
Add finely chopped cooked sausage and crispy bacon with the pepperoni.
Garlic Parmesan Pizza Knots
Skip the pepperoni and increase the Parmesan and garlic butter.
Supreme Pizza Knots
Add finely diced bell pepper, olives, mushrooms, and onion.
Cook watery vegetables first and cool them before adding.
Bacon Pepperoni Knots
Add ½ cup crispy chopped bacon.
Sausage Pizza Knots
Replace some or all of the pepperoni with cooked crumbled Italian sausage.
Hawaiian Pizza Knots
Add finely chopped ham and a small amount of very well-drained pineapple.
How to Store Leftovers
Allow leftover pizza knots to cool completely.
Transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.
For the best texture, reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for approximately 6–10 minutes.
An air fryer also works very well at around 350°F for several minutes.
Microwaving is convenient, but the dough will become softer.
For freezing, allow the baked knots to cool completely.
Freeze them on a tray until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.
Freeze for up to approximately 2 months.
Reheat from frozen in a moderate oven until hot throughout.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use store-bought pizza dough?
Yes.
Refrigerated pizza dough is ideal for making this recipe quick and easy.
Can I use crescent dough?
Yes, although the knots will be softer and more buttery rather than chewy like pizza dough.
Why is my cheese leaking out?
The knots may have been overfilled or twisted too tightly.
Use moderate amounts of cheese and keep the filling away from the edges.
Can I make these ahead?
Yes.
Shape the knots several hours ahead, cover, and refrigerate.
Brush with garlic butter just before baking.
Can I use whole pepperoni slices?
Yes, but chopped pepperoni is easier to distribute and keeps the knots easier to shape.
What cheese works best?
Low-moisture mozzarella is the best base because it melts well without releasing too much moisture.
Provolone, Monterey Jack, Parmesan, or cheddar can be added for extra flavor.
Can I air fry pizza knots?
Yes.
Air fry at approximately 350–375°F until puffed, golden, and cooked through. Work in batches so the knots have room to expand.
Can I make them without meat?
Absolutely.
Use mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic butter, herbs, and vegetables for a meatless version.
Final Thoughts
These Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Knots combine soft pizza dough, savory pepperoni, melted mozzarella, provolone, Parmesan, garlic butter, and Italian herbs in one fun handheld recipe.
The key is keeping the filling moderate, twisting the dough gently, and baking until the knots are golden outside and completely cooked in the center.
Serve them warm with marinara, ranch, or garlic butter for an easy party appetizer, game-day snack, or family-friendly dinner packed with cheesy pizza flavor.