How Many Garlic Knots Are in a Serving? Your Guide to Portion Sizes

November 5, 2025 •

2 min read

Nutritional information from various sources often lists a single garlic knot as a serving, though an order may contain multiple. The definition of a serving size for garlic knots varies significantly.

Quick Summary

The number of garlic knots in a serving is variable. It depends on factors like the restaurant, brand, or homemade recipe. Nutritional labels and dietary goals influence these decisions.

Key Points

Serving Size is Variable: The serving size depends on the brand, recipe, and where you're eating the knots.
Restaurant vs. Individual Serving: Restaurants might serve a basket of knots, but the nutritional serving is often a single knot.
Check Labels: Always check the nutritional label for store-bought brands.
Homemade Control: Homemade recipes allow you to control the size and ingredients.
Consider the Meal: The number of knots you eat should depend on whether they are an appetizer or part of a meal.
Mindful Eating: Evaluate your meal and listen to your body when deciding how much to eat.

Understanding Garlic Knot Serving Sizes

Determining the number of garlic knots in a serving isn't always straightforward. It depends on several factors, including the source and the size of the knot. For example, a restaurant might serve a basket of knots, but the nutritional information might be for a single knot.

Restaurant vs. Store-Bought

When ordering garlic knots from a restaurant, a serving is often less defined. A full order might have 8 or 12 knots. Therefore, a realistic portion for an individual might be two or three knots. In contrast, commercially packaged garlic knots often provide more precise guidance. A brand like New York Bakery clearly states that one knot is a single serving, along with its specific calorie count.

Homemade Garlic Knots

Making garlic knots at home allows control over serving sizes. You can adjust the size of the knots, changing the calorie and macronutrient content per piece. This is an advantage for those practicing mindful eating.

Comparing Serving Sizes and Nutrition

This table compares garlic knot serving sizes and their nutritional impact from different sources.


Source	Serving Size	Approximate Calories per Serving	Fat per Serving	Carbs per Serving
Papa John's	1 Knot (part of 8)	~110	~5g	~14g
New York Bakery	1 Knot	~120	~4g	~19g
Bake Crafters	1 Knot	~120	~3.5g	~18g
Homemade Average	1 Knot (varies)	~50-100	~2-5g	~7-15g

This table shows that the nutritional profile can differ significantly. A homemade knot could have a lower calorie count.

Strategies for Mindful Portion Control

To determine the right number of garlic knots, consider these strategies:

Evaluate your meal: If garlic knots are part of a large pasta dish, a single knot might be enough.
Listen to your body: Pay attention to hunger and fullness.
Use a smaller plate: This can help reduce the amount of food you serve yourself.
Practice batch cooking: This can prevent overeating.

Impact of Size and Ingredients

The size and ingredients of the knots play a role in their nutritional value. Larger knots contain more dough and ingredients, resulting in a higher calorie and fat content. Similarly, the ingredients used will alter the nutritional makeup. For example, a whole grain garlic knot would have a different profile than a traditional recipe.

Conclusion: Serving Size is Variable

The number of garlic knots in a serving is not universal. It depends on the restaurant, the package, or the recipe. It is important to be aware of the source and read nutritional labels. Homemade recipes allow you to tailor the size and ingredients. Mindful portion control is key to enjoying these treats without affecting your health. For a homemade recipe, explore options like those found on Sally's Baking Addiction.

Frequently Asked Questions

A realistic serving depends on your meal and appetite. If eating them as an appetizer, you might eat 2-3. If they are a side to a small meal, 1-2 might be more appropriate.

Garlic knots are not typically considered a health food due to their calorie, carbohydrate, and fat content. They can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

The calorie count for a single garlic knot varies. Commercial brands list single knots around 110-120 calories, but homemade knots can be more or less.

To make healthier garlic knots, use whole wheat flour, reduce butter, use olive oil, and load up on herbs and garlic. Making smaller knots reduces the calorie count.

Portion control involves pre-serving your intended amount onto a small plate instead of eating directly from the main bowl. Sharing the order with others can help.

A standard order from a restaurant is what is sold as a single unit. The nutritional serving is the standardized amount that the company uses to list calories and macros. The two numbers are rarely the same for communal dishes.

Homemade knots differ in nutritional value because the cook controls all the ingredients. Store-bought products use standardized recipes, which can result in different calorie, fat, and sodium levels.

Garlic knots are typically a side dish or appetizer, not a full meal. Pair them with a protein source and vegetables to ensure a balanced intake. Eating more than a few knots is not recommended.