If you are a fan of warm, buttery, and cheesy treats that melt in your mouth, then this Cheesy Garlic Cruffin Recipe will quickly become your new obsession. Imagine flaky, golden croissant layers hugged by gooey mild cheddar cheese and infused with the tantalizing aroma of fresh garlic and chives — every bite is a perfect balance of savory, richness, and that irresistible pull of cheesy goodness. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy snack, these cruffins are a delightful way to impress your friends or treat yourself to something truly special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might look simple, but they’re the secret behind the rich flavor and flaky texture of the Cheesy Garlic Cruffin Recipe. Each one plays a pivotal role, from the buttery dough that forms beautiful layers to the fresh garlic and chives that lift the flavors to new heights.
- 3 tubes (8 ounces each) refrigerated crescent roll sheets: Using crescent roll sheets simplifies the process while delivering flaky, buttery dough perfect for layering.
- ½ cup (1 stick / 113 g) unsalted butter, softened: This is essential for the garlic butter spread that infuses the dough with richness and moisture.
- 1 tablespoon chives, finely chopped: Adds a fresh, mild onion flavor that complements the garlic beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced: Garlic is the star here, providing that savory kick we all crave.
- 3 cups (339 g) mild cheddar cheese, shredded, divided: Cheddar adds creamy, melty cheesiness that makes every bite indulgent.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: Used for brushing the finished rolls to give a glossy, flavorful crust.
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced: For the finishing butter that enhances the freshly baked aroma.
- 1 teaspoon chives, finely chopped: Sprinkled on top for bursts of color and flavor.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Balances the flavors and intensifies the buttery goodness.
How to Make Cheesy Garlic Cruffin Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Muffin Tin
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F to ensure it’s ready when your cruffins are. Give your standard 12-cup muffin tin a good spray with nonstick cooking spray — this prevents sticking and helps your cruffins pop right out when they’re perfectly baked and golden.
Step 2: Roll Out The Dough
Place each tube of crescent roll dough on a lightly floured surface. Roll each one out carefully into a 12×16-inch rectangle. If you’re using perforated dough, pinch all seams well to keep the filling inside and maintain structural integrity during baking. This step sets the stage for those classic flaky layers.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter and Spread It
In a medium bowl, combine softened butter, minced garlic, and chopped chives. This spread is the magic that infuses every layer of dough with vibrant garlic flavor and aromatic herbs. Take about a third of this mixture and spread it evenly over the surface of your rolled dough, making sure every inch gets coated.
Step 4: Sprinkle with Cheddar Cheese
Generously sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mild cheddar cheese over the garlic butter layer. The cheese adds a rich, creamy layer that will melt perfectly into the dough as it bakes, giving you those lush pockets of gooey cheese with every bite.
Step 5: Roll Up and Cut the Dough
Starting from the long end, roll the dough tightly into a log. Then, cut the log in half to make two shorter logs. Each of those should then be cut lengthwise into halves, creating four sections per dough sheet. With three tubes of dough, you’ll end up with 12 sections ready to become cruffins.
Step 6: Shape into Cruffins
Grab one section of dough and starting with the layered side facing out, roll it tightly into a cinnamon-roll-like spiral. Tuck the end of the dough under the roll to keep everything secure. Place each shaped cruffin into your prepared muffin tin, spacing them evenly.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake the cruffins in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, until they’re beautifully golden brown and you can smell that irresistible garlic and cheese aroma filling your kitchen. While baking, prepare the finishing garlic butter for brushing.
Step 8: Prepare and Brush Garlic Butter Topping
In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, minced garlic, chopped chives, and kosher salt. As soon as the cruffins come out of the oven, brush this flavorful mixture generously over their warm surfaces. This final step adds a glossy finish and amps up the garlic flavor to delicious heights.
How to Serve Cheesy Garlic Cruffin Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling extra finely chopped chives on top adds a fresh burst of color and mild oniony flavor that will brighten your cheesy garlic cruffins. You can also add a light dusting of paprika for a hint of smokiness and vibrant appearance.
Side Dishes
These cruffins pair wonderfully with a fresh garden salad dressed with vinaigrette, balancing the richness with crisp, tangy greens. They also make a delightful companion to a bowl of homemade tomato soup, perfect for dunking and serving at cozy gatherings or family dinners.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your cruffins stacked on a wooden board with small bowls of marinara, ranch dressing, or garlic aioli for dipping. For a brunch twist, slice them in half and add some crispy bacon or sliced avocado for an elevated sandwich. The presentation possibilities with the Cheesy Garlic Cruffin Recipe are endless and always delicious!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover cruffins stay moist and flavorful when stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigeration is an option but may dry them out a bit without careful reheating.
Freezing
If you want to prepare these ahead in larger batches, wrap each cooled cruffin tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing their delicious texture or flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, remove the plastic wrap and warm the cruffins in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until they’re heated through and the outside regains its flaky crunch. Alternatively, a quick zap in the microwave will work in a pinch, but you may lose some crispiness.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese for this Cheesy Garlic Cruffin Recipe?
Absolutely! Mild cheddar is a classic choice for its meltability and flavor, but you can experiment with mozzarella, fontina, or even a sharp white cheddar for a more pronounced tang. Just make sure to use cheeses that melt well for the best gooey effect.
Do I have to use crescent roll dough?
Crescent roll dough makes this recipe super easy and reliably flaky, but you can try using puff pastry as an alternative. Just remember to seal any seams well to prevent cheese from leaking out during baking.
How can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?
To veganize the Cheesy Garlic Cruffin Recipe, look for dairy-free crescent roll dough and use plant-based butter and vegan cheese alternatives. Keep the fresh garlic and chives as is — they build all the fantastic flavor you want!
Can I add additional herbs or spices?
Definitely! If you love herbs, feel free to toss in some thyme or rosemary with the garlic butter mixture. A pinch of red pepper flakes can also add a nice subtle heat if you enjoy a little kick.
What’s the best way to serve these at a party?
Serve your cruffins warm on a large platter with various dipping sauces so guests can mix and match flavors. Pair with fresh veggies or charcuterie for a satisfying and impressive appetizer spread.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a recipe that combines the buttery layers of a croissant with the savory punch of garlic and melty cheese, the Cheesy Garlic Cruffin Recipe is a must-try. It’s simple enough for weeknight cooking but special enough for entertaining, with flavors that everyone will rave about. So preheat your oven, grab those crescent rolls, and prepare to fall in love with every delicious bite.
Print
Cheesy Garlic Cruffin Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Cheesy Garlic Cruffins are a delightful hybrid of croissants and muffins, featuring layers of flaky crescent roll dough infused with garlic butter, fresh chives, and plenty of mild cheddar cheese. Baked until golden and finished with a savory garlic butter glaze, these cruffins offer a perfectly cheesy, garlicky bite perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a savory snack.
Ingredients
Dough and Filling
- 3 tubes (8 ounces each) refrigerated crescent roll sheets
- ½ cup (1 stick / 113 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon chives, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 3 cups (339 g) mild cheddar cheese, shredded, divided
Garlic Butter Topping
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chives, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Muffin Tin: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a standard 12-cup muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
- Roll Out Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out each tube of crescent roll dough into a 12×16-inch rectangle. If using perforated dough, pinch seams to seal.
- Make Garlic Butter: In a medium bowl, combine ½ cup softened butter, 1 tablespoon finely chopped chives, and 1 tablespoon minced garlic. Mix well.
- Spread Butter on Dough: Spread about one-third of the garlic butter mixture evenly over the surface of one dough sheet.
- Sprinkle Cheese: Evenly sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the buttered dough sheet.
- Roll Dough into Log: Starting at the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log shape.
- Cut Logs into Sections: Cut the log in half, then cut each half lengthwise to create four sections per dough sheet.
- Repeat for Remaining Sheets: Repeat steps 4 through 7 for the remaining two dough sheets, yielding 12 sections in total.
- Shape Cruffins: Take each section of dough and, with the layered side facing out, roll it tightly into a cinnamon roll shape, tucking the end of the dough underneath.
- Place in Muffin Tin: Arrange the shaped cruffins into the prepared muffin tin, one per cup.
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cruffins are golden brown and cooked through.
- Prepare Garlic Butter Topping: While baking, whisk together 3 tablespoons melted butter, 1 teaspoon minced garlic, 1 teaspoon finely chopped chives, and 1 teaspoon kosher salt.
- Brush Butter on Rolls: When the cruffins are out of the oven and still warm, brush the garlic butter mixture generously over the tops for extra flavor and shine.
Notes
- Use refrigerated crescent roll sheets for ease; ensure seams are sealed if dough is perforated.
- Work quickly when rolling and shaping to maintain the layers and texture.
- For a sharper flavor, try using sharp cheddar instead of mild.
- Store leftover cruffins in an airtight container; reheat gently in the oven for best texture.
- You can add extra herbs like parsley or oregano to the garlic butter for a flavor twist.
