Cheesy Garlic Cruffins Recipe

Introduction

There’s something truly special about the warm, buttery aroma of fresh baking wafting through the kitchen, and this Cheesy Garlic Cruffin recipe does just that! My family couldn’t get enough of these delightful, flaky pastries filled with cheesy goodness and a hint of garlic. Each cruffin is a little masterpiece, combining the best of croissants and muffins in a fun and delicious way. Whether served as a side dish, appetizer, or snack, these cheesy garlic cruffins are sure to impress. They’ve become a favorite in our household, making even ordinary meals feel extraordinary!

Ingredients

Dough:

• 3 tubes (8 ounces each) refrigerated crescent roll sheets

Filling:

• 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:

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon chives, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a standard 12-cup muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray and set it aside to prepare for the cruffins.

Prepare the Dough

On a lightly floured surface, roll out each tube of crescent roll dough into a 12×16-inch rectangle. If you are using perforated dough, be sure to pinch the seams together to seal them.

Make the Filling

In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, chopped chives, and minced garlic. Mix until well combined. Take one sheet of the rolled dough and spread one-third of this butter mixture evenly over it.

Add the Cheese

Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the buttered dough, ensuring it covers the surface completely for maximum flavor.

Roll and Cut the Dough

Starting from the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log shape. Once rolled, cut the log in half to create two shorter logs. Then, cut each of these logs in half lengthwise, resulting in four sections of dough.

Shape the Cruffins

With the layered sides of each dough section facing outward, roll each piece into a cinnamon roll shape, tucking in the ends to create a neat form. Place the rolled dough into the prepared muffin tin.

Repeat with Remaining Dough

Follow the same steps with the remaining two sheets of dough to create a total of 12 cruffins, each filled with the delicious cheesy garlic mixture.

Bake the Cruffins

Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cruffins are golden brown and puffed up beautifully.

Make the Garlic Butter

While the cruffins are baking, prepare the garlic butter by whisking together the melted butter, minced garlic, chopped chives, and kosher salt in a small bowl.

Finish the Cruffins

Once the cruffins are baked to a golden perfection, remove them from the oven and brush them generously with the garlic butter while they are still warm. This adds an extra layer of flavor that is simply irresistible!

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 12
• Calories per cruffin: 403
• Total Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 17g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 55mg
• Sodium: 670mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 28g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 1g
• Protein: 9g

Preparation Time

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes

How to Serve

• Serve warm as a side dish.
• Pair with soups or salads for a complete meal.
• Offer as an appetizer at parties or gatherings.
• Drizzle with extra garlic butter for added richness.
• Garnish with fresh chives for a pop of color.

Additional Tips

1. Dough Handling: Keep the dough cold for easier handling. If it becomes too warm, refrigerate for a few minutes before rolling.
2. Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese such as mozzarella, pepper jack, or even a sharp cheddar for a bolder flavor.
3. Add-ins: Consider adding cooked bacon, ham, or sautéed vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra flavor and texture.
4. Make Ahead: You can prepare the cruffins up to the point of baking and store them in the refrigerator for a few hours before baking.
5. Storage: Leftover cruffins can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.

Recipe Variations

• Herb Cruffins: Incorporate fresh herbs such as rosemary or thyme into the filling for an aromatic twist.
• Spicy Cruffins: Add red pepper flakes or jalapeños to the cheese mixture for a kick of heat.
• Sweet Cruffins: For a dessert option, fill with a mixture of cinnamon, sugar, and cream cheese.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping.
• Complement with a fresh garden salad for a light meal.
• Pair with a creamy tomato soup for a comforting lunch.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: Unbaked cruffins can be frozen before baking. Assemble them and place in the freezer on a baking sheet until solid. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
• Storage: Cooked cruffins can be kept in the refrigerator for 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use puff pastry instead of crescent roll dough?

• Yes, puff pastry will yield a flakier texture but will require slight adjustments in baking time.

1. How can I make these gluten-free?

• Use gluten-free crescent roll dough available at some grocery stores.

1. Can I add vegetables to the filling?

• Absolutely! Sautéed spinach or mushrooms would be great additions.

1. What’s the best way to reheat cruffins?

• Reheat in the oven for a few minutes at 350°F for the best texture.

1. Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?

• Yes, the filling can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

1. How do I know when the cruffins are done?

• They should be golden brown and puffed. You can check the internal temperature, which should be around 190°F.

1. Can I make these in mini muffin tins?

• Yes, adjust the baking time to about 10-12 minutes for mini cruffins.

1. Is it necessary to use chives?

• No, you can omit them or replace them with green onions or your favorite herbs.

1. What can I serve with cruffins?

• They pair well with soups, salads, or can be enjoyed on their own as a snack.

1. Can I use a different type of cheese?
   • Yes, feel free to experiment with your favorite cheeses for different flavors.

Conclusion

Cheesy Garlic Cruffins are the perfect addition to any meal or occasion. Their flaky, buttery layers combined with a rich, cheesy filling and garlic butter finish make them an irresistible treat. Whether you’re enjoying them fresh out of the oven or as part of a larger spread, they are sure to be a hit. With easy preparation and versatile options for customization, this recipe is bound to become a staple in your kitchen. Give it a try and watch them disappear!

Print