Garlic Knots Marinara Dipping Sauce Recipe is a comfort food favorite for many families. It feels warm, cozy and very satisfying. This recipe is perfect for parties, movie nights, or simple dinners. The sauce is rich, smooth, and full of Italian flavor. You will love how easy it is to make at home.
This Garlic Knots Marinara Dipping Sauce Recipe uses simple pantry ingredients. It tastes fresh and better than store-bought sauces. If you want to learn how to make Garlic Knots Marinara Dipping Sauce Recipe, this guide will help you step by step.
The Secret Behind This Delicious
The secret behind this delicious sauce is balance. Good marinara needs the right mix of tomato, garlic, and herbs. Garlic should be bold but not overpowering. Tomatoes should taste rich, not sour.
Olive oil adds smoothness and depth. Slow simmering brings all flavors together gently. Fresh herbs give a bright and comforting aroma. A small pinch of sugar balances the acidity. This simple method creates a sauce perfect for dipping garlic knots. It also works well with pasta or pizza.
Recipe Card Info
- Recipe Name: Garlic Knots Marinara Dipping Sauce
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Course: Appetizer
- Cuisine: Italian
- Calories: 90 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
- Garlic press or grater
Ingredients You Need for Garlic Knots Marinara Dipping Sauce Recipe
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 can crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes
- ½ teaspoon sugar
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
1. Heat the Olive Oil
Pour olive oil into a saucepan. Heat it over medium heat until warm but not smoking.
2. Cook the Onion
Add chopped onion to the pan. Cook gently until soft and slightly golden.
3. Add Garlic
Stir in minced garlic. Cook for thirty seconds until fragrant but not browned.
4. Add Tomato Paste
Mix in tomato paste. Cook for one minute to deepen the flavor.
5. Add Tomatoes
Pour crushed tomatoes into the pan. Stir well to combine everything evenly.
6. Season the Sauce
Add oregano, basil, chili flakes, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Stir gently.
7. Simmer Slowly
Lower the heat. Let the sauce simmer uncovered for twenty minutes.
8. Taste and Adjust
Taste the sauce. Adjust salt or sugar if needed.
9. Finish with Basil
Turn off heat. Add fresh basil if using. Stir once more.
10. Serve Warm
Serve warm with freshly baked garlic knots for dipping.
Expert Tips & Variations
- Use San Marzano tomatoes for a sweeter and richer flavor.
- Add butter at the end for extra smooth texture.
- Blend the sauce if you like it very smooth.
- Add roasted garlic for deeper garlic flavor.
- Use fresh herbs instead of dried if available.
- Add grated Parmesan for a cheesy twist.
- Make it spicy with extra chili flakes.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 90 kcal |
| Fat | 6 g |
| Carbohydrates | 8 g |
| Protein | 2 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
Serving Suggestions
Serve this sauce warm with soft garlic knots. It also tastes great with breadsticks. Use it as a pizza dipping sauce. Pour it over cooked pasta for a quick meal. Serve it with mozzarella sticks or fried snacks. This sauce also works well in sandwiches. Keep it in a small bowl for easy dipping.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Let the sauce cool completely before storing. Keep it in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to five days. Freeze the sauce for up to three months. Reheat gently on the stove. Stir often to prevent sticking. Add a splash of water if it thickens.
Garlic Knots Marinara Dipping Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 1 can crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes
- ½ teaspoon sugar
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
Heat the Olive Oil
- Pour olive oil into a saucepan. Heat it over medium heat until warm but not smoking.
Cook the Onion
- Add chopped onion to the pan. Cook gently until soft and slightly golden.
Add Garlic
- Stir in minced garlic. Cook for thirty seconds until fragrant but not browned.
Add Tomato Paste
- Mix in tomato paste. Cook for one minute to deepen the flavor.
Add Tomatoes
- Pour crushed tomatoes into the pan. Stir well to combine everything evenly.
Season the Sauce
- Add oregano, basil, chili flakes, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Stir gently.
Simmer Slowly
- Lower the heat. Let the sauce simmer uncovered for twenty minutes.
Taste and Adjust
- Taste the sauce. Adjust salt or sugar if needed.
Finish with Basil
- Turn off heat. Add fresh basil if using. Stir once more.
Serve Warm
- Serve warm with freshly baked garlic knots for dipping.
Notes
- Use San Marzano tomatoes for a sweeter and richer flavor.
- Add butter at the end for extra smooth texture.
- Blend the sauce if you like it very smooth.
- Add roasted garlic for deeper garlic flavor.
- Use fresh herbs instead of dried if available.
- Add grated Parmesan for a cheesy twist.
- Make it spicy with extra chili flakes.
FAQs about Garlic Knots Marinara Dipping Sauce Recipe
Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this sauce one or two days early. The flavors improve with time. Store it covered in the fridge. Reheat gently before serving for best taste.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned ones?
Yes, fresh tomatoes work well. Peel and crush them first. Simmer longer to remove excess water. The flavor will be lighter and fresh.
Is this sauce suitable for kids?
Yes, it is very kid-friendly. Skip chili flakes for less heat. The sauce tastes mild, smooth, and comforting.
How can I thicken the sauce more?
Simmer the sauce longer without a lid. You can also add extra tomato paste. Stir often to avoid burning.
Can I use this sauce for pasta dishes?
Yes, this sauce is very versatile. Toss it with spaghetti or penne. Add meatballs or vegetables for a full meal.
Conclusion
This Garlic Knots Marinara Dipping Sauce Recipe is simple, flavorful, and comforting. It uses easy ingredients you already have at home. The steps are clear and beginner-friendly.
You now know how to make Garlic Knots Marinara Dipping Sauce Recipe with confidence. This sauce brings warmth to any table. Try it once, and you will keep making it again. Enjoy cooking, dipping, and sharing this delicious homemade sauce with your loved ones.
Sofia Lane is a food lover who loves cooking and sharing easy, tasty recipes. She believes in making cooking simple and fun for everyone. On DiveCrave, Sofia shares her favorite meals, desserts and treats that anyone can make at home.