Cheesy Garlic Cruffin Recipe

Irresistibly Cheesy Garlic Cruffin Recipe for Bread Lovers

Pastry enthusiasts adore this delightful cheesy garlic cruffin that blends the best of croissants and muffins into one incredible bite.

Crisp, buttery layers mingle with sharp garlic notes and melted cheese for an irresistible treat.

Each golden-brown morsel promises a satisfying crunch that melts in your mouth.

The recipe combines classic French techniques with bold flavor profiles that surprise and delight.

Flaky textures intertwine with rich, savory elements that make this cruffin a standout sensation.

Professional bakers and home cooks alike will appreciate the simple yet sophisticated approach to creating this remarkable pastry.

You’ll want to serve these warm, straight from the oven, to truly experience their magical charm.

FAQs

  • What ingredients make this cruffin unique?

The combination of crescent roll dough, cheddar cheese, garlic, and chives creates a savory pastry that’s both flaky and cheesy, offering a delightful twist on traditional muffins.

  • Are these cruffins difficult to make?

Not at all! They’re surprisingly simple, requiring basic ingredients and straightforward steps like rolling dough, spreading butter, and twisting sections into the muffin tin.

  • Can I use different types of cheese?

Absolutely! While cheddar works wonderfully, you can experiment with mozzarella, parmesan, or a blend of cheeses to suit your taste preferences and create your own unique flavor profile.

Cheesy Garlic Cruffin Perfection at Home

  • Combines the flaky texture of crescent rolls with the rich flavors of cheese and garlic, making it an instant hit for gatherings and family meals.
  • Requires minimal cooking skills and basic ingredients, perfect for home cooks looking to impress without complex techniques.
  • Works brilliantly as a breakfast item, appetizer, or side dish, adapting easily to different meal times and occasions.
  • Allows simple modifications like swapping cheese types or adding herbs, giving home cooks creative freedom to personalize the recipe.

What You Need for Cheesy Garlic Cruffins

Base Ingredients:
  • Crescent Roll Dough: A convenient pastry that forms the foundation of these cheesy cruffins.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and melty cheese that adds rich flavor and gooey texture to the cruffins.
Butter and Herb Mixture:
  • Butter, Chives, Garlic: A flavorful blend that provides aromatic and savory notes throughout the recipe.
  • Kosher Salt: Enhances the overall taste and balances the richness of the butter and cheese.
Preparation Ingredients:
  • Nonstick Spray: Ensures the cruffins do not stick to the muffin tin during baking.
  • Flour: Used for dusting the surface to prevent the dough from sticking while rolling.

Tools for Easy Garlic Cruffin Baking

  • Muffin Tin: 12-cup standard size for perfectly shaped cruffins.
  • Nonstick Spray: Essential for easy release of baked treats.
  • Rolling Pin: Helps roll crescent dough into thin, even sheets.
  • Small Mixing Bowl: For preparing garlic butter mixture.
  • Pastry Brush: Used for brushing melted garlic butter on finished cruffins.
  • Sharp Knife: Needed to cut dough into sections and create spirals.
  • Measuring Cups: For accurate cheese and butter measurements.
  • Baking Spatula: Helps spread butter evenly on dough.

How to Make Cheesy Garlic Cruffins

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Warm up your oven to 350F.

Lightly coat a 12-cup muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Shape Crescent Dough

On a surface dusted with flour, transform each crescent roll dough into a rectangular sheet measuring approximately 12×16 inches.

Step 3: Create Flavor Base

In a mixing bowl, combine:
  • Softened butter
  • Chopped chives
  • Minced garlic

Blend these ingredients until they form a smooth, fragrant mixture.

Step 4: Layer Butter Mixture

Generously spread one-third of the butter mixture across the surface of a dough sheet, ensuring even coverage.

Step 5: Add Cheese Layer

Scatter shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the buttered dough, creating a delicious cheesy foundation.

Step 6: Shape Dough Roll

Tightly roll the dough from its long edge, forming a compact log.

Slice the log in half, then cut each section lengthwise to create four distinct dough sections.

Step 7: Repeat Dough Preparation

Duplicate the layering and rolling process with remaining dough sheets until you have 12 total dough sections.

Step 8: Create Spiral Cruffins

Take each dough section and twist it into a spiral shape.

Position the spirals with cut sides facing outward in the prepared muffin tin.

Step 9: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven.

Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cruffins turn a beautiful golden brown color.

Step 10: Prepare Finishing Butter

While cruffins bake, create a final flavor boost by melting remaining butter and mixing with:
  • Garlic
  • Chives
  • Kosher salt

Step 11: Serve and Enjoy

Once baked, brush the hot cruffins with the garlic butter.

Serve immediately while warm and watch everyone’s eyes light up!

Top Tips for Golden Garlic Cruffins

  • Use fresh garlic instead of pre-minced for a more robust, vibrant taste that elevates the entire dish.
  • Place the muffin tin on the middle oven rack to ensure even heat distribution and crispy, golden-brown cruffin bases.
  • Experiment with different cheese varieties like gruyère or parmesan to create unique flavor profiles that match your preference.
  • Keep the dough cold and work quickly when rolling and cutting to maintain its structural integrity and achieve flaky layers.
  • Enjoy cruffins right after baking for maximum texture – the crispy exterior and soft interior are most delicious when fresh and warm.

Cruffin Variations with Cheesy Twists

  • Gluten-Free Cruffins: Replace crescent roll dough with gluten-free puff pastry or almond flour-based dough for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Vegan Cheese Version: Swap cheddar cheese with nutritional yeast or plant-based cheese alternatives like cashew or almond-based cheese for dairy-free option.
  • Herb-Infused Cruffins: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary, thyme, or basil instead of chives to create unique flavor profiles.
  • Spicy Kick Variation: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the butter mixture for those who enjoy a zesty, warm sensation in their pastry.

How to Serve Cheesy Garlic Cruffins

  • Party Platter Perfection: Arrange cruffins on a rustic wooden board with fresh herbs sprinkled around for a stunning appetizer centerpiece.
  • Brunch Bliss: Pair these cheesy garlic cruffins with a light arugula salad and mimosas for a weekend morning feast that'll impress guests.
  • Dipping Delight: Serve alongside marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or herbed cream cheese for extra flavor and interactive eating experience.
  • Game Day Glory: Break these cruffins into smaller pieces as a shareable snack during sports watching parties, perfect for grabbing and munching.

Storage Tips for Cheesy Garlic Cruffins

  • Store cooled cruffins in an airtight container for up to 3 days, keeping them fresh and preventing moisture buildup.
  • Wrap individual cruffins tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag, where they'll stay delicious for 2-3 weeks.
  • Warm refrigerated cruffins at 325F for 5-7 minutes, restoring their crispy exterior and gooey cheese interior.
  • Zap chilled cruffins for 15-20 seconds, checking to avoid soggy texture, for a speedy warm-up option.
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Cheesy Garlic Cruffin Recipe

Cheesy Garlic Cruffin Recipe


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4.6 from 20 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Cheesy garlic cruffins blend croissant magic with muffin charm from French bakery traditions. Flaky layers of buttery dough embrace rich garlic and melted cheese, promising delightful bites you cannot resist.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 3 crescent roll sheets
  • 3 cups cheddar cheese, shredded (divided)
  • 1/2 cup butter, softened

Flavor Enhancers:

  • 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon chives, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon chives, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt

Finishing Ingredients:

  • 3 tablespoons butter, melted

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven at 350°F and lightly coat a 12-cup muffin tin with nonstick spray to ensure easy release.
  2. Gently stretch each crescent roll dough on a flour-dusted surface into a rectangular sheet measuring approximately 12×16 inches.
  3. Combine softened butter with minced chives and garlic in a small mixing bowl, creating a fragrant herb-infused spread.
  4. Generously apply one-third of the butter mixture across the surface of the first dough sheet, ensuring even coverage.
  5. Distribute shredded cheddar cheese uniformly over the buttered dough, creating a rich and flavorful base.
  6. Carefully roll the dough from the long edge into a compact log, then slice it in half and further divide each section lengthwise to create four distinct dough pieces.
  7. Replicate the process with remaining dough sheets, ultimately producing 12 individual dough sections.
  8. Transform each dough section by twisting it into a spiral formation, positioning cut sides outward, and nestling each piece into the prepared muffin tin.
  9. Bake the cruffins for 20-25 minutes until they achieve a golden-brown exterior with crispy edges.
  10. During baking, prepare a garlic butter by melting remaining butter and incorporating minced garlic, chopped chives, and kosher salt.
  11. Once baked, liberally brush the warm cruffins with the aromatic garlic butter and serve immediately for maximum flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Select high-quality cheddar cheese for maximum flavor and melting potential.
  • Ensure butter is softened at room temperature to spread evenly across dough.
  • Use fresh chives and minced garlic for more vibrant, aromatic results.
  • Twist dough sections gently to maintain delicate layers and prevent tearing.
  • For gluten-free option, substitute crescent roll dough with gluten-free puff pastry.
  • Experiment with different cheese varieties like Gruyère or sharp white cheddar.
  • Allow cruffins to cool slightly before brushing with garlic butter to prevent soggy texture.
  • Store leftovers in airtight container and reheat in oven to maintain crispy exterior.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Fusion

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 360mg
  • Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 19g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 7g
  • Cholesterol: 60mg
Marcus Reed

Marcus Reed

Founder & Food Content Creator

Expertise

Single-recipe development, Seasonal and local ingredient utilization, Food photography and styling, Culinary writing and content creation​

Education

Culinary Arts Certificate, Blue Ridge Community and Technical College, WV
Focus: Fundamentals of culinary techniques, emphasizing hands-on experience in small-scale kitchen settings.


Marcus’s story begins in Asheville, where good food and family kitchens shaped his earliest memories. After hands-on culinary training and a lot of trial (and a little error), he realized that real cooking isn’t about perfection, it’s about connection.
At Pan and Oven, Marcus crafts recipes that are easy to follow, packed with flavor, and built for real kitchens.

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