Cheesy Garlic Cruffin

Flaky, golden, and bursting with cheesy garlicky goodness, these Cheesy Garlic Cruffins are a savory twist on a trendy pastry mash-up. With the crisp edges of a croissant and the soft, swirled center of a muffin, these cruffins are filled with melted cheese, fragrant garlic, and herbs for the ultimate comfort food experience. They’re perfect for brunch, snacks, or served alongside soups and pastas.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Buttery & Flaky – Layers of golden pastry wrapped around melty cheese and garlic.
• Easy to Make – Uses store-bought dough for simple preparation.
• Crowd-Pleaser – Ideal for parties, brunches, or cozy dinners.
• Customizable – Add your favorite cheeses or herbs to suit your taste.
• Bakery-Style at Home – Impress your guests with these gourmet-looking treats.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cruffins:

• 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent dough sheet (or puff pastry)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tsp dried)
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

For the Garlic Butter Topping:

• 1 tbsp butter, melted
• 1 clove garlic, grated
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Tools You’ll Need

• Rolling pin
• Muffin tin
• Pastry brush
• Knife or pizza cutter
• Mixing bowls
• Grater or garlic press

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Lightly grease a standard muffin tin with butter or non-stick spray.
3. Roll out the crescent dough sheet (or puff pastry) on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle, about 12×8 inches.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Filling
4. In a small bowl, combine softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
5. Spread the garlic butter evenly over the rolled-out dough.

Step 3: Add the Cheese
6. Sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan evenly across the buttered dough, leaving a small border around the edges.

Step 4: Roll and Slice
7. Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log.
8. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the log in half lengthwise to expose the layers.
9. With the cut side facing outward, roll each half into a spiral shape, like a cinnamon roll.
10. Place each roll into a muffin cup, cut side up.

Step 5: Bake the Cruffins
11. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown.
12. Check for doneness around the 18-minute mark; they should be crisp on the edges and soft in the center.

Step 6: Finish with Garlic Butter
13. While the cruffins are baking, mix the melted butter, grated garlic, and parsley for the topping.
14. As soon as the cruffins come out of the oven, brush them generously with the garlic butter.

Step 7: Cool & Serve
15. Let cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
16. Serve warm and melty, or at room temperature for a picnic-style treat.

Tips for Perfect Cruffins

• Use Crescent Dough Sheets – They’re seamless and easy to roll. If using perforated dough, pinch seams together first.
• Don’t Overfill – A modest amount of cheese keeps them from leaking too much during baking.
• Slice Cleanly – Use a very sharp knife to cut the dough cleanly without crushing it.
• Keep the Layers Visible – Roll with the cut sides out for the prettiest swirl.
• Bake Until Golden – The tops should be deeply golden for the crispiest bite.

Serving Suggestions

• With Tomato Soup – A cheesy, garlicky twist on the classic grilled cheese combo.
• Brunch Boards – Serve alongside fruits, eggs, and spreads for an elevated brunch.
• Pasta Night – Pair with creamy pasta, lasagna, or a baked ziti for a comforting meal.
• Party Appetizers – Make mini versions in a mini muffin tin for bite-sized snacks.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:

• Let cruffins cool completely before storing.
• Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 4 days.

Reheating:

• Oven: Reheat at 300°F (150°C) for 5–7 minutes to restore crispiness.
• Microwave: Heat for 15–20 seconds, though they’ll be softer.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble them and refrigerate unbaked for up to 24 hours. Bake just before serving.

2. Can I freeze Cheesy Garlic Cruffins?
Absolutely. Let them cool, wrap individually, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven for best texture.

3. What cheeses work best?
Mozzarella melts beautifully, but you can add cheddar, gouda, or provolone for variety.

4. Can I make this with puff pastry?
Yes! Puff pastry gives a flakier texture and works wonderfully—just follow the same steps and adjust baking time as needed.

Final Thoughts

Cheesy Garlic Cruffins are the ultimate fusion of comfort and elegance. With flaky pastry, savory garlic butter, and gooey melted cheese, they bring bakery-level indulgence right to your kitchen. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or just treating yourself, these cruffins are guaranteed to impress.

Try them once, and you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 250 | Protein: 7g | Carbohydrates: 20g | Fat: 16g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 380mg

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