If you’re a fan of all things cheesy, buttery, and packed with garlicky goodness, then you’re absolutely going to fall in love with this Cheesy Garlic Cruffins Recipe. Imagine flaky, golden puff pastry rolled with melted mozzarella, sharp Parmesan, and that irresistible punch of garlic in every bite. These cruffins come together quickly but deliver an incredible flavor and texture combo that’s perfect for snack time, appetizers, or even a cozy brunch. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll become your go-to treat whenever you want something comforting yet a little bit fancy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the simplicity of ingredients fool you; each one is vital to building that perfect harmony of flavors and texture in this dish. From the flaky puff pastry to the vibrant bits of fresh parsley, every component plays a critical role.
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed if frozen): The flaky, buttery base that creates those signature layers and crunch.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted): Adds richness and acts as a carrier for the garlic flavor.
- 2 garlic cloves (minced): Provides that fresh, aromatic garlic punch.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Boosts the garlicky depth beyond just the fresh cloves.
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully, giving gooey, stringy cheesy goodness.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, sharp contrast that elevates the flavor.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional): Adds a pop of color and fresh herbal notes.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the garlic’s bite.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a mild heat and complexity.
- Extra butter for greasing muffin tin: Ensures those cruffins come out golden and easy to remove.
How to Make Cheesy Garlic Cruffins Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Muffin Tin and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to a cozy 375°F (190°C) and generously buttering each cup of your muffin tin. This little step ensures a crisp outer layer and makes sure none of your cheesy, garlicky goodness sticks to the pan when it’s time to serve.
Step 2: Mix Your Garlic Butter
In a small bowl, whisk together the melted unsalted butter, freshly minced garlic, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. This mixture will be carefully brushed onto the puff pastry, infusing every layer with a fragrant and rich garlic flavor that sings through the entire cruffin.
Step 3: Roll Out and Layer the Puff Pastry
Unroll your thawed puff pastry sheet onto a clean surface, gently rolling it out into a neat rectangle if it’s slightly uneven. Brush the garlic butter mixture evenly across the entire surface—don’t skimp because this is where much of the flavor lives. Sprinkle mozzarella, Parmesan, and the optional fresh parsley all over, spreading the cheese evenly so each bite has that glorious cheesy pull.
Step 4: Cut, Roll, and Slice
Carefully cut the stuffed pastry sheet into 3 long strips. Roll each strip tightly into a log, then slice each log in half crosswise to make 6 perfect spirals. These spirals are what make the cruffins so visually appealing, showing off those beautiful cheese and garlic layers.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Place each spiral with the cut side up into your buttered muffin tin. Pop them into the oven for 20 to 25 minutes until they puff up nicely and turn a gorgeous golden brown. The smell at this point will be absolutely intoxicating, signaling that these cruffins are nearly ready to enjoy.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Allow the cruffins to cool in the muffin tin for about 5 minutes. This brief resting period helps them set so they hold their shape perfectly when you remove them. Then, dive in and enjoy that first flaky, cheesy, garlicky bite!
How to Serve Cheesy Garlic Cruffins Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped parsley sprinkled on top just before serving brings a bright, herbal note that balances the rich garlic and cheese. A light dusting of Parmesan cheese can also enhance the flavor and presentation, turning simple cruffins into a beautiful appetizer.
Side Dishes
Cheesy Garlic Cruffins pair wonderfully with fresh greens drizzled in a lemon vinaigrette or a simple tomato salad to add a juicy, acidic contrast. A steaming bowl of creamy tomato soup also complements these cruffins perfectly, making a comforting meal for cooler days.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these cruffins on a rustic wooden board alongside small ramekins of marinara or garlic aioli for dipping fun. For brunch parties, arrange them next to scrambled eggs and sautéed spinach to add a savory, cheesy component that guests will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (though that’s unlikely), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps the crust crisp, and the cheese deliciously melty for a quick snack later on.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze unbaked cruffin spirals arranged on a baking sheet. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a zip-top bag and keep them in the freezer for up to one month. When ready to enjoy, bake them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time.
Reheating
To reheat, place cruffins in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through and the pastry re-crisps. Avoid microwaving as it makes the pastry soggy and less enjoyable.
FAQs
Can I use crescent roll dough instead of puff pastry?
Absolutely! Crescent roll dough is a great substitute if you don’t have puff pastry on hand. It’s a bit lighter but will still deliver buttery layers and lovely texture for your cruffins.
Can I add other fillings to the Cheesy Garlic Cruffins Recipe?
Yes! Feel free to mix things up by adding crumbled bacon, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, or even fresh herbs like rosemary or basil to the cheese mixture for extra layers of flavor.
Is it possible to make these vegan or dairy-free?
You can try using dairy-free puff pastry and vegan cheese alternatives. Keep in mind, the flavor and texture may differ slightly, but the delicious garlicky essence will still shine through.
How long do Cheesy Garlic Cruffins keep fresh?
Freshly baked cruffins are best eaten the same day, but they stay nicely for up to two days at room temperature when stored properly. After that, they start to lose their crispness.
Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?
Definitely! This recipe is easy to scale up. Just remember to use a larger muffin tin or bake in batches to ensure even cooking and perfect golden crusts every time.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about the combination of flaky puff pastry, gooey cheese, and fragrant garlic, and this Cheesy Garlic Cruffins Recipe brings it all together in the most delightful way. Whether you’re making them for a casual snack or impressing guests at your next brunch, these cruffins are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. I can’t wait for you to try them and enjoy every cheesy, garlicky bite as much as I do.
Print
Cheesy Garlic Cruffins Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 cruffins
- Category: Snack, Appetizer, Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cheesy Garlic Cruffins are delightful savory rolls made from flaky puff pastry, garlic butter, and a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. These golden-brown pastries are baked to perfection and make a perfect snack, appetizer, or side dish, infused with rich garlic flavor and a cheesy, crispy texture.
Ingredients
Pastry and Butter Mixture
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed if frozen)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Cheese and Herbs
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Additional
- Extra butter for greasing muffin tin
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Muffin Tin: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and generously butter a standard 6-cup muffin tin to prevent sticking and promote browning.
- Make Garlic Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to create a flavorful garlic butter spread.
- Prepare Puff Pastry Sheet: Unroll or gently roll out the puff pastry sheet into a rectangle on a lightly floured surface. Brush the entire surface evenly with the garlic butter mixture.
- Add Cheese and Herbs: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and chopped fresh parsley (if using) evenly over the buttery surface to ensure each cruffin is cheesy and flavorful.
- Form the Cruffins: Cut the puff pastry rectangle into 3 long strips. Roll each strip tightly into a log, then slice each log in half crosswise to create 6 spiraled pieces.
- Arrange in Muffin Tin: Place each spiral, cut side up, into the prepared muffin tin cups, spacing them evenly.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes or until the cruffins are golden brown, puffed, and cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cruffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes before removing. Serve warm for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use crescent dough as a substitute for puff pastry if needed.
- Add crumbled bacon or chopped sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
- Best served warm, but can be reheated in the oven for a few minutes to restore crispness.
