If you love garlic bread and buttery pastries, then you’ll fall head over heels for cheesy garlic cruffins! These irresistible treats combine the flaky layers of a croissant with the savory goodness of garlic and cheese, resulting in a mouthwatering pastry that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a snack. Imagine biting into a golden, flaky cruffin filled with gooey melted cheese and the rich aroma of roasted garlic—pure comfort food.
The beauty of these cheesy garlic cruffins lies in their simplicity. Using store-bought puff pastry or croissant dough, you can easily create these delicious pastries at home with minimal effort. Once you’ve rolled out the dough, the layers are generously brushed with garlic butter, filled with cheese, and then baked to perfection. The end result is a combination of buttery goodness, crispy edges, and a cheesy center that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
These cruffins are incredibly versatile too. You can enjoy them with a cup of coffee in the morning or pair them with a hearty soup for lunch or dinner. Serve them as a party appetizer or bring them to a potluck for a dish that will definitely impress. No matter the occasion, cheesy garlic cruffins will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation.
Why You Will Love Making This Recipe
There are so many reasons to love these cheesy garlic cruffins, starting with the fact that they are incredibly easy to make yet taste like they came from a fancy bakery. The layers of dough are perfectly flaky, thanks to the butter that gets melted into each fold. When baked, the exterior becomes golden and crispy, while the inside stays soft and gooey, with the cheese adding that delicious, melty texture you crave.
But it’s not just the texture that makes these cruffins special; it’s the flavor. The garlic butter adds a savory depth that complements the richness of the cheese. Whether you use mozzarella, cheddar, or a mix of your favorite cheeses, the cheesy filling will melt beautifully, adding just the right amount of gooeyness to every bite. It’s the perfect combination of buttery, garlicky, and cheesy goodness that’s sure to satisfy your cravings.
Another reason you’ll love making this recipe is how customizable it is. If you want to add extra flavor, consider mixing in some herbs, such as fresh thyme or rosemary, into the garlic butter. You can also experiment with different cheese varieties to create a flavor profile that suits your taste. Plus, because the dough is pre-made, the recipe comes together in no time, making it ideal for busy mornings or when you need a quick snack.
Ingredients:
- 1 sheet puff pastry or croissant dough
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or cheese of your choice)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Equipment Used
- Muffin Tin: To shape and bake the cruffins into individual servings. A standard 12-cup muffin tin works perfectly.
- Rolling Pin: To roll out the dough, whether you’re using puff pastry or croissant dough, to the right thickness.
- Baking Sheet: If you’d like to line the muffin tin for easier cleanup, a baking sheet can be helpful.
- Pastry Brush: For brushing the garlic butter onto the dough layers before rolling them up.
- Small Bowl: To melt the butter and mix in the garlic.
- Knife or Pizza Cutter: To slice the dough into pieces, depending on your dough type.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For measuring the garlic, butter, and cheese.
- Oven: To bake the cruffins to golden perfection.
Directions & Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a muffin tin with butter or cooking spray and set aside.
- Prepare the Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, melt the butter in the microwave or on the stovetop. Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and stir until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
- Prepare the Dough: If using puff pastry, unfold the sheet on a lightly floured surface. If using croissant dough, separate the dough into individual pieces. Brush each piece of dough with the garlic butter, making sure to cover it evenly.
- Add the Cheese: Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese (or your preferred cheese) on top of the buttered dough. You can also add a pinch of salt and pepper for extra flavor.
- Shape the Cruffins: Roll up each piece of dough into a log or cylinder and then coil it into a spiral. Place each spiral into the muffin tin, standing upright.
- Bake: Bake the cruffins for 15-20 minutes, or until the dough is golden and the cheese is melted. If desired, sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pop of color.
- Serve: Let the cruffins cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your cheesy garlic cruffins with a side of marinara sauce or a light salad for a complete meal!
For detailed instructions and visual steps, visit Whisked Recipe’s Full Guide.
Nutritional Information Calories:
- Calories: 200 per cruffin
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
These cheesy garlic cruffins offer a delightful balance of rich flavors, but they do contain a fair amount of fat due to the buttery dough and cheese. They make for a delicious treat or snack, but should be enjoyed in moderation if you’re watching your calorie intake. You can easily adjust the recipe by using a lower-fat cheese or substituting a light puff pastry to reduce the fat content.
Variations
- Add Bacon: For a savory twist, crumble some crispy bacon and sprinkle it on the cheese before rolling up the dough.
- Use Different Cheese: Try using cheddar, Gouda, or Parmesan for a more intense flavor.
- Herbed Cruffins: Mix fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil into the garlic butter for extra flavor.
- Spicy Cruffins: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for a bit of heat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these cheesy garlic cruffins ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cruffins up to the point of baking, then store them in the refrigerator for up to a day. When ready to bake, simply pop them in the oven as directed. For best results, bake them fresh, but make-ahead options work well for busy mornings.
Can I freeze cheesy garlic cruffins?
Yes, after baking, allow the cruffins to cool completely and then freeze them in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore their crispy texture.
What other fillings can I add?
Feel free to add cooked spinach, sautéed mushrooms, or even cooked chicken for a heartier option. You can also swap the mozzarella for a blend of cheeses like Gouda or Monterey Jack.
Pro Tips By Emma
- Work Quickly with Puff Pastry: Puff pastry can become soft and hard to work with if it gets too warm. Keep the dough chilled and work quickly to ensure you get those perfect flaky layers.
- Brush with More Butter: For extra richness, brush the cruffins with additional garlic butter after they come out of the oven for an even more indulgent treat.
- Serve with Dipping Sauces: Marinara, ranch, or garlic butter are great dipping sauces that complement the cheesy cruffins.
Serving Suggestions
Cheesy garlic cruffins are fantastic on their own as a snack, but they also pair wonderfully with soups, stews, or salads. Serve them alongside a bowl of tomato soup for a comforting lunch or enjoy them as a side dish with a hearty dinner. For a fun twist, serve them as an appetizer at your next gathering with a variety of dipping sauces like marinara, garlic butter, or spicy mustard.
Cheesy Garlic Cruffins : Buttery, Flaky, and Packed with Flavor
Equipment
- Muffin Tin: To shape and bake the cruffins into individual servings. A standard 12-cup muffin tin works perfectly.
- Rolling Pin: To roll out the dough, whether you’re using puff pastry or croissant dough, to the right thickness.
- Baking Sheet: If you'd like to line the muffin tin for easier cleanup, a baking sheet can be helpful.
- Pastry Brush: For brushing the garlic butter onto the dough layers before rolling them up.
- Small Bowl: To melt the butter and mix in the garlic.
- Knife or Pizza Cutter: To slice the dough into pieces, depending on your dough type.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For measuring the garlic, butter, and cheese.
- Oven: To bake the cruffins to golden perfection.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry or croissant dough
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese or cheese of your choice
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a muffin tin with butter or cooking spray and set aside.
- Prepare the Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, melt the butter in the microwave or on the stovetop. Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and stir until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
- Prepare the Dough: If using puff pastry, unfold the sheet on a lightly floured surface. If using croissant dough, separate the dough into individual pieces. Brush each piece of dough with the garlic butter, making sure to cover it evenly.
- Add the Cheese: Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese (or your preferred cheese) on top of the buttered dough. You can also add a pinch of salt and pepper for extra flavor.
- Shape the Cruffins: Roll up each piece of dough into a log or cylinder and then coil it into a spiral. Place each spiral into the muffin tin, standing upright.
- Bake: Bake the cruffins for 15-20 minutes, or until the dough is golden and the cheese is melted. If desired, sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pop of color.
- Serve: Let the cruffins cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your cheesy garlic cruffins with a side of marinara sauce or a light salad for a complete meal!