Cheesy Garlic Cruffins

Let’s talk about a little piece of comfort food magic—Cheesy Garlic Cruffins. Imagine a warm, golden pastry that’s flaky and buttery on the outside, with a gooey, cheesy garlic center that practically melts in your mouth. Each bite is a perfect balance of savory, cheesy goodness, and that irresistible garlic kick. Think of it as a cross between a muffin and a croissant, with layers so light and flaky, you’ll wonder why you didn’t make them sooner.

These Cheesy Garlic Cruffins are the perfect snack or side dish for any occasion. They’re warm, cheesy, and have that perfect garlicky punch—trust me, your kitchen is going to smell amazing. Whether you’re serving them up at a dinner party, packing them in your lunch, or enjoying them with a bowl of soup, these cruffins are sure to impress. So, let’s dive in and make something that’s as fun to say as it is to eat!

Why You’ll Love Cheesy Garlic Cruffins

These Cheesy Garlic Cruffins are a game-changer for anyone who loves cheesy, garlicky, and flaky goodness. Here’s why they’ll quickly become a favorite:

Flaky, Buttery Layers

The beauty of a cruffin is in the layers. With a dough that’s rolled and folded, it gives each cruffin that perfect flaky texture—crispy on the outside, tender and melt-in-your-mouth on the inside.

Cheesy Goodness

Inside each cruffin, you’ll find a glorious blend of gooey cheese and savory garlic, creating a bite that’s both rich and comforting. Every pull apart reveals a cheesy center that’s absolutely irresistible.

Simple to Make, But Fancy Enough to Impress

Though these cruffins may look like a bakery masterpiece, they’re surprisingly easy to make. The layers and garlic cheese filling might seem impressive, but the process is simple enough for any home cook. They’re guaranteed to wow your guests or anyone who’s lucky enough to taste them.

Customizable

Feel free to get creative with the cheese! While cheddar and mozzarella are the classic choices, you can also try a sharp Parmesan, some Monterey Jack, or even add a little cream cheese for extra richness.

Ingredients in Cheesy Garlic Cruffins

Let’s break down what you’ll need to create these flaky, cheesy delights:

For the Dough:

• Puff Pastry: The secret to achieving those delicious flaky layers. It’s pre-made and ready to roll out, making this recipe quick and easy.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps those layers form.
• Garlic Powder: A little garlic flavor goes a long way in creating that savory bite.

For the Filling:

• Cheddar Cheese: The sharp, melty cheese that holds everything together in that gooey, satisfying middle.
• Mozzarella Cheese: For that stretchy, melty goodness that pulls apart in the best way possible.
• Fresh Garlic: This adds a fresh, vibrant garlic flavor that really takes the cruffins to the next level.
• Parsley: A little fresh parsley goes a long way in brightening up the flavor and adding color.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Ready to make some Cheesy Garlic Cruffins? Let’s get started!

Preheat the Oven:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). You want it nice and hot for those flaky layers to bake to golden perfection.

Prepare the Puff Pastry:

2. Roll Out the Puff Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out your puff pastry into a large rectangle (roughly 12×9 inches). If you’re using store-bought puff pastry, it should already be in sheets that are easy to work with.

Make the Garlic Butter:

3. Melt the Butter: In a small bowl, melt the butter in the microwave or on the stove. Once melted, stir in the garlic powder to infuse the butter with flavor.
4. Brush the Pastry: Using a pastry brush, generously brush the garlic butter mixture over the entire surface of the rolled-out puff pastry. This is where the magic starts to happen!

Add the Cheese Filling:

5. Sprinkle the Cheese: Evenly sprinkle the cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the buttered pastry, making sure every inch is covered in cheesy goodness. Don’t be shy with the cheese!

Roll and Cut:

6. Roll It Up: Starting from one long edge, carefully roll the pastry into a log, like you’re making cinnamon rolls but with cheesy, garlicky goodness inside.
7. Slice the Roll: Once rolled up, slice the dough into 6-8 even pieces, depending on how big you want your cruffins to be.

Assemble the Cruffins:

8. Place in Muffin Tin: Grease a muffin tin with butter or cooking spray and place each piece of dough inside, cut side up. Gently press the dough down to help them fit into the tin.
9. Brush with More Garlic Butter: If you have any remaining garlic butter, brush it over the tops of the cruffins to add extra flavor and crispiness while they bake.

Bake to Perfection:

10. Bake the Cruffins: Pop them in the oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and puffed up. The cheese should be bubbling and slightly crispy around the edges.

Serve:

11. Serve Warm: Once baked, let them cool for a few minutes before serving. You want to dig in while they’re still warm and cheesy!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6-8 Cruffins
Calories per serving: 290
Total Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 60mg
Sodium: 380mg
Total Carbohydrates: 25g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 1g
Protein: 8g
Vitamin A: 15% DV
Vitamin C: 0% DV
Calcium: 15% DV
Iron: 8% DV

(Note: These values are estimates and may vary depending on specific ingredients used.)

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

How to Serve Cheesy Garlic Cruffins

These Cheesy Garlic Cruffins are so delicious on their own, but here are a few ways to enjoy them even more:

• Serve with Soup: Pair these cruffins with a warm bowl of soup—tomato soup, creamy potato leek, or a hearty vegetable soup. They’re the perfect dunking companion!
• Side Dish: Serve alongside a fresh salad for a light lunch or dinner. The cheesy, garlicky flavor will complement a simple green salad perfectly.
• Appetizer: These are also fantastic as an appetizer or party snack. Serve them warm with a side of marinara sauce or ranch for dipping.

Additional Tips

• Make Ahead: You can prepare the cruffins in advance by assembling them up to the point of baking, then covering and refrigerating them for a few hours before baking. Just pop them in the oven when you’re ready!
• Freezing: If you want to make these ahead of time and freeze them, assemble the cruffins, freeze them on a tray, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to bake, just put them directly into the oven, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
• Different Cheeses: Feel free to switch up the cheese blend. Parmesan, fontina, or Gruyère would all work wonderfully in place of cheddar or mozzarella.
• Garlic Variations: If you love garlic, you can add freshly minced garlic or roasted garlic into the cheese filling for even more depth of flavor.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make these cruffins ahead of time?
A1: Yes! You can prepare the cruffins up to the point of baking, then store them in the fridge for a few hours before baking. Alternatively, freeze them and bake them when you’re ready to enjoy.

Q2: Can I make these without garlic?
A2: Absolutely! If garlic’s not your thing, you can skip it or replace it with herbs like rosemary, thyme, or even a little bit of onion powder for flavor.

Q3: Can I use regular biscuits instead of puff pastry?
A3: You can, but puff pastry gives these cruffins their signature flaky texture. Biscuits would make them a bit more biscuit-like and less flaky, but they’d still be tasty!

Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store any leftover cruffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven to restore some of that crispy texture.

Q5: Can I use store-bought garlic butter?
A5: Yes! If you’re short on time, store-bought garlic butter will work just fine as a shortcut.

Q6: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A6: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella, provolone, or even a blue cheese for a more robust flavor.

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Q7: Can I make these cruffins gluten-free?**
A7: You can use gluten-free puff pastry to make these cruffins gluten-free, but be aware that the texture might differ slightly.

Q8: Can I freeze these cruffins before baking?
A8: Yes, you can freeze them. Just assemble them, freeze them on a tray, and transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Bake them directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Q9: How do I get the cruffins to rise evenly?
A9: Make sure to roll the dough evenly and don’t overstuff them with cheese. Pressing them lightly into the muffin tin will help them rise beautifully.

Q10: Can I add other fillings to these cruffins?
A10: Absolutely! You can add cooked spinach, bacon bits, or even sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and variety.

CONCLUSION

These Cheesy Garlic Cruffins are perfect for anyone who loves rich, buttery pastries with a cheesy, garlicky twist. With their flaky, buttery layers and gooey cheese filling, they’re sure to be a hit at any gathering. Go ahead, give them a try, and prepare for your tastebuds to be blown away!

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