There is a reason Papa Johns Garlic Knots consistently rank as the third most-ordered item at Papa Johns locations across the United States — right behind Pepperoni Pizza and The Works. They are simple, shareable, affordable, and made from the same never-frozen fresh pizza dough that anchors the entire Papa Johns brand. In 2026, at $6.99 for an order of eight, they remain one of the best-value sides at any major pizza chain in America.
But there is more nuance here than most people realize. Papa Johns Garlic Knots are frequently confused with their Garlic Parmesan Breadsticks — and the two are genuinely different products with different dough portions, different textures, and a meaningfully different calorie count per piece. There is also a correct way to order them that significantly improves the experience, and a wrong way that leaves you with soft, cooling dough that loses its appeal within minutes.
This complete 2026 guide covers everything: the exact price, the full calorie and nutrition breakdown per knot and per full order, the complete ingredient list, the best dipping sauces ranked by compatibility, an honest comparison against Domino's Bread Twists and Pizza Hut's Breadsticks, and the specific ordering hacks that Papa Johns employees and regular customers swear by.
What Are Papa Johns Garlic Knots?
Papa Johns Garlic Knots are individual portions of the chain's signature fresh pizza dough, hand-twisted into a knot shape, baked until golden, then tossed or brushed with a garlic parmesan seasoning blend. Each order comes with eight knots and one cup of Original Pizza Sauce for dipping — served alongside the standard Pepperoncini pepper that comes with all Papa Johns orders.
The key distinction between Garlic Knots and Garlic Parmesan Breadsticks — two items that customers frequently order interchangeably — is the dough portion and shape. Garlic Knots are made from a smaller portion of dough twisted into a compact knot, which creates a denser, more bite-sized piece with a higher crust-to-interior ratio. The Garlic Parmesan Breadsticks are cut from a full large pizza dough base, making each stick longer, broader, and airier. The knot shape also creates crunchy tips at both ends of the tie — the most prized part of the piece for customers who want texture contrast.
Both items use the same garlic parmesan seasoning, but the knot format concentrates the coating across a smaller surface, delivering a slightly more intense garlic flavor per bite than the breadstick version.
What makes Papa Johns Garlic Knots genuinely different from most chain alternatives is the dough quality. The same six-ingredient fresh dough — made daily at each location, never frozen — provides a base that has real fermentation flavor and a light crumb structure. This is not pre-made dough thawed from a freezer. You can taste the difference in the airy interior and the slight tang that distinguishes fresh yeast dough from par-baked alternatives.
Papa Johns Garlic Knots Price (2026)
| Item | Quantity | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Garlic Knots | 8 knots + pizza sauce | $6.99 |
| Extra dipping sauce | Any flavor | $0.85 each |
| Papa Pairings deal | Garlic Knots + 1 other item | $6.99 each (when 2+ items ordered) |
Value comparison within the Papa Johns sides menu:
| Side Item | Qty | Price | Price Per Piece |
|---|---|---|---|
| Garlic Knots | 8 pieces | $6.99 | $0.87/knot |
| Original Breadsticks | 10 sticks | $7.29 | $0.73/stick |
| Garlic Parmesan Breadsticks | 10 sticks | $7.99 | $0.80/stick |
| Cheesesticks | 14 sticks | $7.99 | $0.57/stick |
| Jalapeño Cheesesticks | 16 sticks | $9.49 | $0.59/stick |
While Garlic Knots have a slightly higher per-piece price than breadsticks, the denser dough portion means each knot is more filling by weight than a single breadstick — making it more of an apples-to-oranges comparison than the price table alone suggests. This is highly recommended in cities like Atlanta, GA and Baltimore, MD.
How to get Garlic Knots cheaper:
- Use the Papa Pairings deal — order Garlic Knots with any other qualifying item (Papadia, wings, dessert, or pizza) for $6.99 each, which makes the Garlic Knots effectively a discount side
- Apply a promo code from our Papa Johns Coupons page — bundle deals regularly include sides
- Earn Papa Dough through Papa Rewards and redeem toward free sides including Garlic Knots
- Order carryout — delivery fees on a $6.99 item add up proportionally more than on a large pizza. Check store hours first.
Papa Johns Garlic Knots Calories — Full Nutrition Breakdown
Understanding the calorie structure of Garlic Knots requires knowing how Papa Johns measures them. The standard serving size is one knot (approximately 36g / 1.3 oz), and an order contains eight knots. The pizza sauce dipping cup adds approximately 30–45 additional calories and is not included in the per-knot figures below.
Per Single Garlic Knot (without dipping sauce)
| Nutrition | Per Knot |
|---|---|
| Calories | 110 kcal |
| Total Fat | 4.5g |
| Saturated Fat | 1g |
| Sodium | 220mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 14g |
| Net Carbs | 13.5g |
| Sugars | 0.5g |
| Protein | 2g |
Full Order of 8 Garlic Knots (without dipping sauce)
| Nutrition | Full Order |
|---|---|
| Calories | 880 kcal |
| Total Fat | 36g |
| Saturated Fat | 8g |
| Sodium | 1,760mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 112g |
| Protein | 16g |
Dipping Sauce Calorie Add-ons
| Dipping Sauce | Calories per Cup |
|---|---|
| Original Pizza Sauce (included) | ~30 cal |
| Special Garlic Sauce | ~150 cal |
| Ranch Dipping Sauce | ~140 cal |
| Buffalo Dipping Sauce | ~45 cal |
| Honey Mustard | ~130 cal |
| Blue Cheese | ~160 cal |
| Marinara | ~30 cal |
Calorie context: At 110 calories per knot, Papa Johns Garlic Knots are one of the more calorie-efficient sides on the menu. For comparison, a single slice of Large Pepperoni Pizza (Original Crust) is approximately 300–320 calories — meaning three Garlic Knots have roughly the same calorie count as one pizza slice. For a party of four sharing an order with a pizza, two or three knots per person is a reasonable addition without a significant calorie impact.
Smart ordering for calorie management:
- Stick to the included pizza sauce for dipping (only ~30 cal) instead of upgrading to Special Garlic Sauce (~150 cal) — this saves 120 calories per dipping cup
- Eat Garlic Knots fresh from the box — they are most satisfying hot, which encourages slower eating
- Order Garlic Knots as a shared starter rather than an individual side to naturally moderate portions
- The Buffalo Dipping Sauce ($0.85 extra) at only ~45 calories is the best low-calorie upgrade if you want more than the standard pizza sauce
For the full Papa Johns nutrition data across all menu items, visit our Papa Johns Nutrition Guide.
Complete Ingredient & Allergen Information
Dough ingredients: Enriched wheat flour, water, sugar, soybean oil, salt, yeast. The same six-ingredient fresh dough used in every Papa Johns pizza crust. Made daily at store locations like Washington, DC and Dallas, TX.
Garlic Parmesan Seasoning: Garlic powder, Parmesan cheese (pasteurized milk, cheese cultures, salt, enzymes, powdered cellulose), butter, Italian herb blend (oregano, basil, thyme), salt.
Allergens: Contains wheat (gluten), milk (from Parmesan), soy (from soybean oil in dough). No eggs, no nuts in the standard preparation. Cross-contact with other allergens is possible. Contact us for more details.
Are Garlic Knots vegetarian? Yes. There are no meat ingredients in Papa Johns Garlic Knots — the dough, seasoning, and Parmesan are all vegetarian. The included pizza sauce is also vegetarian.
Are Garlic Knots vegan? No. The garlic parmesan seasoning contains dairy from the Parmesan cheese and butter. The dough is vegan-friendly, but the coating is not.
Are Garlic Knots gluten-free? No. The dough is wheat-based. Papa Johns does not offer a gluten-free version of the Garlic Knots.
No MSG: Papa Johns explicitly states no MSG is used in any standard ingredients, including the garlic parmesan seasoning. This is a genuine differentiator at this price point.
Garlic Knots vs Garlic Parmesan Breadsticks: Which Should You Order?
This is the most common question customers ask when choosing Papa Johns sides, and the honest answer depends on what experience you want.
| Feature | Garlic Knots | Garlic Parmesan Breadsticks |
|---|---|---|
| Quantity | 8 pieces | 10 pieces |
| Price | $6.99 | $7.99 |
| Dough portion per piece | Smaller, denser | Larger, airier |
| Texture | Chewier, denser center | Lighter, more bread-like interior |
| Garlic flavor intensity | Higher (concentrated coating) | Lower (spread over larger surface) |
| Crunchy tips | Yes — the knot ends crisp up | No — flat surface throughout |
| Best for | Sharing as finger food, dipping | Pairing alongside pizza for a fuller meal |
| Calories per piece | 110 kcal | ~150–170 kcal |
| Vegetarian | Yes | Yes |
The verdict: Order Garlic Knots if you want a more intense garlic flavor in a shareable finger-food format at a slightly lower price per item. Order Garlic Parmesan Breadsticks if you want a larger, more substantial bread side that feels closer to a proper garlic bread accompaniment to your Cheese Pizza. For a group of four or more, ordering both creates a more varied side spread.
The Definitive Dipping Sauce Ranking
Not all dipping sauces are created equal for this specific side. Here is an honest ranking based on flavor compatibility, not calorie count:
Tier 1 — Outstanding pairings:
Special Garlic Sauce ($0.85 extra) — The best upgrade available. Papa Johns' proprietary garlic butter sauce has the same garlic profile as the knot coating, which creates a layered garlic experience rather than a competing flavor. High in calories (~150 per cup) but the flavor payoff is undeniable. This is a staple in Austin, TX and Charlotte, NC.
Ranch Dipping Sauce ($0.85 extra) — The cool, herby creaminess of ranch cuts directly through the richness of the garlic parmesan coating. This is the most popular alternative dipping sauce at Papa Johns locations for both Garlic Knots and Breadsticks.
Tier 2 — Solid choices:
Original Pizza Sauce (included free) — The included tomato sauce is a classic pairing that works well because the acidity of the tomato cuts through the fat of the garlic butter. Not exciting but completely functional.
Buffalo Dipping Sauce ($0.85 extra) — An underrated pairing. The vinegary heat of buffalo sauce contrasts well with the mild richness of the Garlic Knots. At only ~45 calories per cup, it is also the best low-calorie upgrade on the menu.
Tier 3 — Works but not ideal:
Honey Mustard ($0.85) — The sweetness of honey mustard competes with rather than complements the garlic parmesan flavor. Works for kids or those who find the garlic too assertive.
Blue Cheese ($0.85) — Too pungent for most people alongside an already strongly flavored knot. Better suited to wings.
Tier 4 — Skip it:
Cheese Dipping Sauce — Adds a processed cheese flavor that does not complement the freshly baked parmesan already on the knots. Multiple food reviewers have described this combination as "redundant and heavy."
Papa Johns vs Domino's vs Pizza Hut
| Feature | Papa Johns Garlic Knots | Domino's Parmesan Bread Twists | Pizza Hut Breadsticks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Format | Knotted dough balls | Twisted rope strips | Flat rectangular sticks |
| Dough quality | Fresh, never frozen | Fresh daily | Fresh daily |
| Qty per order | 8 | 8 | 8 |
| Starting price | $6.99 | ~$5.99 | ~$6.99 |
| Garlic intensity | High | Medium | Medium |
| Cheese on top | Parmesan (real) | Parmesan blend | Varies by location |
| Texture | Dense, chewy, crispy tips | Light, twisted, softer | Long, soft, slightly chewy |
| Included sauce | Pizza sauce | Marinara | Marinara |
| Calories / piece | 110 | ~90–100 | ~140–150 |
What Papa Johns does best: The garlic intensity on the Garlic Knots is noticeably higher than either Domino's or Pizza Hut equivalents. The fresh dough also gives the interior an airy crumb that the twisted format concentrates into a smaller, more satisfying piece.
Where Domino's wins: Price and slightly lighter texture. Domino's Bread Twists are also more consistent across locations like Boston, MA.
Where Pizza Hut falls short: Pizza Hut's breadsticks are longer and more filling per piece, but the garlic flavor is noticeably milder and the texture tends toward soft-and-uniform.
The Problem with Papa Johns Garlic Knots (Honest Assessment)
No honest review is complete without acknowledging the main criticism: The cooling problem.
Papa Johns Garlic Knots are excellent when eaten within five to ten minutes of coming out of the oven. However, as they cool, the dough becomes increasingly dense and chewy. This is a direct consequence of the same fresh dough quality that makes them good when hot: fermented dough stales faster than processed dough.
The solution: Order Garlic Knots for carryout rather than delivery whenever possible. Eating them directly from the box within five minutes of pickup gives you the best version. If you must order via delivery, request that the driver place them in a bag separate from the pizza box heat.
The reheating method: If you have leftovers, the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes is the correct reheating method. It re-crisps the tips and warms the interior without the microwave's moisture-trapping effect. Never microwave cold Garlic Knots — it is the fastest way to ruin them.
Ordering Hacks That Make Papa Johns Garlic Knots Better
- Request "well done" — Requesting well-done bake produces crispier tips and a firmer exterior that holds up better in delivery transit and stays palatable longer.
- Add extra garlic parmesan packets — Ask for two or three extra packets when ordering to amplify the cheese flavor and add texture.
- Sprinkle crushed red pepper — The mild heat from a pinch of crushed pepper enhances the garlic flavor without overpowering it.
- Order two extra dipping sauces — One pizza sauce cup is rarely enough. Two buffalo or ranch cups is the correct ratio for a full order.
- Pair with the right pizza — Garlic Knots are a stronger pairing with tomato-based pizzas (Pepperoni, The Works) than with BBQ-sauce pizzas.
How to Order Papa Johns Garlic Knots
Online: Go to papajohns-menus.us → Sides → Garlic Knots → Add to cart → Select dipping sauces → Apply promo code → Choose carryout.
Papa Johns App: The fastest ordering method with Papa Track delivery tracking. App users sometimes get promotional bundle deals.
By Phone: Call your local Papa Johns — find the number at our Store Locator. When ordering by phone, specifically request "well done".
Carryout vs Delivery: Carryout is strongly recommended for Garlic Knots. Fresh from the oven is categorically better than after 25–40 minutes of delivery transit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much are Papa Johns Garlic Knots in 2026?
An order of 8 Garlic Knots with pizza sauce dipping cup costs $6.99. Additional dipping sauces are $0.85 each. Under the Papa Pairings deal, Garlic Knots qualify at $6.99 per item when ordering two or more qualifying items together.
How many calories are in Papa Johns Garlic Knots?
Each individual Garlic Knot contains approximately 110 calories. A full order of 8 knots contains approximately 880 calories, not including dipping sauce. The included pizza sauce adds about 30 calories; the Special Garlic Sauce adds approximately 150 calories.
Are Papa Johns Garlic Knots vegetarian?
Yes. The Garlic Knots contain no meat. They are suitable for vegetarians but not vegans, as the garlic parmesan seasoning contains dairy (Parmesan cheese and butter).
What dipping sauce comes with Papa Johns Garlic Knots?
Every order includes one cup of Original Pizza Sauce. Additional sauces — including Special Garlic Sauce, Ranch, Buffalo, Honey Mustard, Blue Cheese, and Marinara — can be added for $0.85 each.
What is the difference between Papa Johns Garlic Knots and Breadsticks?
Garlic Knots are smaller, denser, knotted dough pieces (8 per order, $6.99) with higher garlic flavor intensity per bite. Breadsticks are cut from a larger pizza dough base, airier, and come 10 per order ($7.29 for Original, $7.99 for Garlic Parmesan). Knots have crunchier tips due to their knotted shape; breadsticks have a more uniform texture.
How many Garlic Knots come in an order?
Every Papa Johns Garlic Knots order comes with 8 knots. There is no half-order or large order option — the standard eight-knot order is the only available size.
Can I reheat Papa Johns Garlic Knots?
Yes. The best reheating method is an air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes, which restores the crispiness of the tips without making the interior rubbery. Avoid microwaving — it creates a dense, chewy texture that significantly reduces the quality of the knot.
Are Papa Johns Garlic Knots gluten-free?
No. The dough is wheat-based and contains gluten. Papa Johns does not offer a gluten-free version of Garlic Knots.
Best Pizza Pairings for Papa Johns Garlic Knots
Not all pizzas pair equally well with Garlic Knots. Here are the ideal combinations:
- Best pairings: Pepperoni Pizza (the garlic note enhances the spiced pepperoni), Cheese Pizza (garlic knots become the flavor layer that the plain pizza invites), The Works (the vegetable variety in the pizza creates good contrast with the simple knot flavor), Garden Fresh Pizza (garlic + fresh vegetables is a natural combination).
- Good pairings: Sausage Pizza, Spinach Alfredo Pizza, Tuscan Six Cheese Pizza.
- Pairings to approach carefully: BBQ Chicken Bacon Pizza, Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Pizza — the sweetness of the BBQ sauce can clash with the savory garlic. With these pizzas, consider wings or cheesesticks as a better side choice.
Disclaimer: papajohns-menus.us is an independent fan guide not affiliated with Papa John's International. Prices, calories, and availability are for reference and subject to change by location.
