Garlic Knot Salmon: The Ultimate Sheet-Pan Dinner That Tastes Like Your Favorite Pizzeria

If you love the buttery, garlicky, herb-infused flavor of classic garlic knots, prepare to meet your new favorite weeknight dinner: Garlic Knot Salmon. This recipe blends the richness of perfectly baked salmon with the irresistible aroma of fresh garlic, melted butter, and warm Italian herbs. It is quick enough for busy weeknights yet impressive enough to serve at a dinner party.

This comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know: how to make it, how to season it flawlessly, how to avoid dry salmon, and how to serve it with side dishes that turn this recipe into a full restaurant-worthy meal.

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What Is Garlic Knot Salmon?

Garlic knot salmon is a sheet-pan baked salmon fillet coated in a buttery garlic-herb topping inspired by traditional garlic knots from Italian pizzerias. Instead of tying dough, you’re tying flavors—garlic, parsley, butter, parmesan, and warm spices. These ingredients melt and caramelize over the salmon, giving it a golden crust with rich flavor in every bite.

It is a fusion of two comfort foods:

1. Moist, flaky baked salmon
2. Garlicky, buttery Italian-style topping

The result is bold, comforting, and unexpectedly gourmet.

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Why You Will Love This Garlic Knot Salmon Recipe

This recipe has become a viral favorite for several reasons:

1. Ridiculously Easy

Everything cooks on a single sheet pan. Mix the topping, spread it onto the salmon, bake, and serve.

2. High-Protein & Nutritious

Salmon is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, lean protein, B vitamins, and selenium.

3. 5-Star Flavor

The garlic-butter topping melts into the fish, creating an irresistible crust without overpowering the flavor of the salmon.

4. Restaurant-Quality Results at Home

Even beginner cooks can achieve perfect, juicy salmon with this method.

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Ingredients for Garlic Knot Salmon

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You only need common pantry staples.

For the Salmon

• 1–1.5 lb salmon fillet (skin-on or skinless)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter

For the Garlic Knot Topping

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 4 garlic cloves, minced (or 1 tablespoon garlic paste)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon dried basil
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Zest of ½ lemon
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• Fresh cracked pepper

Optional Garnishes

• Extra parmesan
• Fresh parsley
• Lemon wedges
• Chili flakes

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How to Make Garlic Knot Salmon (Step-by-Step)

This method produces perfectly cooked salmon every time.

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan

Preheat the oven to 400°F (205°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Season the Salmon

Place the salmon fillet in the center of the prepared pan.
Pat dry with paper towels—this helps the garlic topping stick.
Brush the salmon with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Knot Butter

In a small bowl, mix:

• Melted butter
• Garlic
• Olive oil
• Parmesan
• Parsley
• Oregano
• Basil
• Lemon zest
• Lemon juice
• Red pepper flakes
• Salt + pepper

Stir until well combined.

Step 4: Spread the Garlic Topping

Evenly spread the garlic butter mixture over the top of the salmon.
Let it slightly drip down the sides—that helps form a crust as it bakes.

Step 5: Bake the Salmon

Bake for 12–15 minutes depending on thickness.
The salmon is ready when:

• It flakes easily with a fork
• Internal temperature reaches 125–130°F for medium

Step 6: Optional Broil

For a crispier garlic knot crust, broil the salmon for 1–2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Step 7: Serve

Garnish with extra herbs, lemon wedges, or parmesan.

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Tips for Perfect Garlic Knot Salmon

1. Don’t Overcook the Salmon

Remove the salmon from the oven as soon as it reaches 125–130°F internally.
This ensures tender, flaky results.

2. Fresh Garlic Makes a Big Difference

Jarred garlic works, but fresh garlic elevates the flavor dramatically.

3. Use the Right Butter-to-Herb Ratio

Too much butter can cause the topping to slide off; too little gives a dry crust.
Stick to the recipe proportions.

4. Try Compound Garlic Knot Butter Ahead of Time

You can mix the garlic knot topping in advance and refrigerate it for up to 5 days.

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Variations & Customizations

This recipe is highly flexible. Try these twists:

1. Garlic Knot Panko Crust

Add ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs to the topping mixture.
This gives a crunchy, bakery-style garlic knot texture.

2. Spicy Garlic Knot Salmon

Add extra red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil after baking.

3. Parmesan Crust Salmon

Increase parmesan to ¼ cup for a cheesy, salty crust.

4. Air Fryer Garlic Knot Salmon

Air fry at 390°F for 8–10 minutes.

5. Garlic Knot Salmon Bites

Cut salmon into cubes, coat with garlic butter, and roast for 10–12 minutes.

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Best Sides to Serve With Garlic Knot Salmon

Pair this dish with sides that complement its rich, buttery, garlicky flavor.

1. Garlic Parmesan Roasted Potatoes

A perfect comfort food pairing.

2. Caesar Salad

Crisp, fresh, and balances richness.

3. Buttered Orzo or Lemon Rice

Light starches that absorb the garlic butter.

4. Steamed Asparagus or Broccoli

Adds color and freshness.

5. Roasted Tomatoes

Brings acidity and sweetness.

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Storage & Meal Prep

Refrigeration

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezing

This dish freezes exceptionally well:

• Wrap salmon tightly
• Freeze for up to 2 months

Reheating

Reheat gently in the oven at 300°F for 8–10 minutes.
Avoid microwaving to prevent dryness.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen salmon?

Yes. Thaw completely and pat dry before adding the garlic topping.

Can I use salmon portions instead of a whole filet?

Absolutely. Reduce bake time by 2–3 minutes.

Is this recipe healthy?

Yes. It is high in protein, rich in omega-3s, and uses whole ingredients.

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