Cheesy Garlic Cruffins Recipe
If you’re hunting for the ultimate savory brunch treat or an irresistible party appetizer, Cheesy Garlic Cruffins are about to become your new obsession. Imagine layers of buttery crescent dough swirled with gooey mozzarella, a sprinkle of Parmesan, and the bold aroma of fresh garlic—baked until golden and puffed. Each bite is a delicious fusion of flaky pastry and cheesy garlic bread, making these cruffins the perfect comfort food to share (or keep all to yourself). Whether you’re impressing guests or simply treating yourself, this recipe brings bakery-worthy magic right to your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe is chosen for maximum flavor and that signature pull-apart, cheesy texture. You don’t need anything fancy—just a handful of essentials that work together to create seriously craveable Cheesy Garlic Cruffins.
- Crescent roll dough or puff pastry: The foundation of our cruffins, offering layers of flakiness and a buttery bite.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Brushed generously to add rich flavor and help all that cheese stick to the dough.
- Fresh garlic (minced): Nothing beats the punch of real garlic for irresistible aroma and taste.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Meltiness galore! Mozzarella brings that classic pizza-style stretch.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty kick and amps up the cheesy factor.
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional): A burst of color and freshness to finish each cruffin beautifully.
- Italian seasoning: A simple blend to infuse each bite with herby, savory notes.
- Salt: Just a pinch to enhance every other flavor in the mix.
How to Make Cheesy Garlic Cruffins
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Muffin Tin
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), which ensures a perfect rise and golden finish. Lightly grease a muffin tin so your Cheesy Garlic Cruffins pop out effortlessly after baking—no sticking, just pure flakiness.
Step 2: Roll Out the Dough
On a lightly floured surface, unroll the crescent dough. If you’re using crescent rolls, press those pesky seams together to create one large, seamless rectangle. This step is key for those signature swirled layers later on!
Step 3: Brush and Sprinkle
Grab your melted butter and brush it all over the dough, reaching every corner. Now, scatter the minced garlic evenly, followed by a generous blanket of mozzarella and Parmesan. Sprinkle the Italian seasoning and salt over the top. Each layer will bake right into the folds, giving every bite flavor-packed oomph.
Step 4: Roll, Slice, and Twist
Roll the dough into a snug log, starting from the short side to get more beautiful swirls. Using a sharp knife, slice the log in half lengthwise so all those cheesy layers are exposed. Each half gets twisted into a spiral, then coiled into a muffin cup with the cut sides facing up—this is where the magic (and those gorgeous layers) happen.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake your Cheesy Garlic Cruffins for 15 to 18 minutes until they’re puffed and gloriously golden. A little patience pays off here—let them cool for about 5 minutes before gently lifting them from the muffin tin. If you like, finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a fresh pop of color.
How to Serve Cheesy Garlic Cruffins
Garnishes
For the prettiest presentation, I love finishing Cheesy Garlic Cruffins with a dusting of chopped fresh parsley. It adds a bright, herby note that cuts through the cheese. A tiny extra grating of Parmesan on top never hurt, either—think of it as a double-cheese bonus.
Side Dishes
Serve your cruffins alongside a vibrant green salad or a bowl of tomato soup to turn them into a cozy lunch. They also make a fabulous side for pasta night, especially when you want to skip the usual garlic bread for something a little more special.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful by arranging your Cheesy Garlic Cruffins in a bread basket lined with a colorful napkin, or stack them artfully on a wooden board surrounded by olives, roasted peppers, and other antipasto treats. For brunch, serve them warm on a tiered stand with mini quiches and fruit.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you manage to have leftovers (good luck!), let the cruffins cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh at room temperature for about a day, or up to three days in the fridge.
Freezing
Cheesy Garlic Cruffins freeze surprisingly well. Simply wrap each cooled cruffin individually in plastic wrap, place them in a freezer-safe bag, and store for up to 2 months. When the craving strikes, you’ve got homemade cheesy goodness ready to go!
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-from-the-oven magic, reheat cruffins in a toaster oven or regular oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 to 8 minutes. The cheese will melt beautifully, and the pastry will crisp right up. Avoid the microwave if you can—it tends to make them a little chewy.
FAQs
Can I use puff pastry instead of crescent dough?
Absolutely! Puff pastry makes for an extra flaky, bakery-style cruffin. Just thaw the pastry according to package directions, roll it out, and follow the same steps as with crescent dough.
What other cheeses work well in Cheesy Garlic Cruffins?
Feel free to get creative—sharp cheddar, fontina, or even a sprinkle of crumbled feta can add unique flavors. A blend of mozzarella and cheddar is especially crowd-pleasing and extra gooey.
Can I make these ahead for a party?
Yes! You can assemble the cruffins up to the point of baking, cover the muffin tin with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. Bake them fresh right before serving for the best texture and aroma.
How do I keep the layers from sticking together?
Brushing the dough generously with melted butter and making sure the filling is evenly distributed really helps. Also, make sure you twist and coil each section with the cut sides facing up so the layers can puff and separate as they bake.
Are Cheesy Garlic Cruffins vegetarian?
Yes, as long as your cheeses are made with vegetarian-friendly rennet, these cruffins are a fabulous vegetarian option perfect for brunches, snacks, or appetizers.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the joy of pulling apart a warm, cheesy cruffin and savoring all those buttery, garlicky layers. Whether you’re a baking pro or just starting out, Cheesy Garlic Cruffins are guaranteed to delight. Give them a try—your tastebuds (and anyone lucky enough to share with you) will thank you!
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Cheesy Garlic Cruffins Recipe
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 6 cruffins 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cheesy Garlic Cruffins are a delightful savory treat combining flaky crescent roll dough filled with a blend of mozzarella, Parmesan, and garlic. Baked to golden perfection, these easy-to-make muffins make a perfect appetizer or snack, bursting with rich cheesy flavor and aromatic herbs.
Ingredients
Dough and Butter
- 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough or puff pastry sheet
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Cheese and Seasonings
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare muffin tin: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a muffin tin to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the dough: On a lightly floured surface, unroll the crescent roll dough and press the seams together carefully to form one large rectangular sheet.
- Add butter and toppings: Brush the dough evenly with the melted butter, then sprinkle the minced garlic, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and salt evenly over the surface.
- Roll and slice the dough: Roll the dough tightly into a log starting from the short side. Then, slice this log lengthwise in half to expose the layers of cheese and garlic.
- Shape the cruffins: Twist each half into a tight spiral and coil the spiral into each muffin cup, keeping the cut side facing up. Repeat this for all dough sections.
- Bake: Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 15–18 minutes until the cruffins are puffed up and golden brown.
- Cool and serve: Allow the cruffins to cool for about 5 minutes before removing them from the muffin tin. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired and serve warm.
Notes
- Serve these cruffins fresh out of the oven for the best flavor and texture.
- You can reheat leftover cruffins in a toaster oven to regain crispiness.
- For an extra cheesy variation, add sharp cheddar or fontina cheese to the filling mixture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cruffin
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
