Garlic Parmesan Herb Cruffins

Introduction

There are certain recipes that strike the perfect balance between simplicity and flavor, and these Garlic Parmesan Herb Cruffins certainly fit that description. My family absolutely adored them from the first bite. The rich, buttery dough, combined with the garlicky goodness and savory Parmesan, made them irresistible. It’s one of those dishes that you can’t stop picking at, even though you promised yourself you’d wait until dinner. Perfectly golden on the outside and delightfully soft on the inside, these cruffins are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser whether you’re serving them at a dinner party or just enjoying a cozy meal at home.

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Why You’ll Love Garlic Parmesan Herb Cruffins

If you’re a fan of garlic bread, buttery croissants, or Parmesan cheese, then you’re going to fall in love with these cruffins. A cruffin is essentially a hybrid between a croissant and a muffin, which means it has layers of flaky, buttery goodness that melt in your mouth. When you add garlic, fresh herbs, and a generous sprinkling of Parmesan, the result is an addictively savory treat that you’ll want to make again and again. Not only are they delicious, but they’re also incredibly easy to prepare, using simple ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen. These Garlic Parmesan Herb Cruffins are perfect for any occasion, from casual weeknight dinners to special holiday gatherings.

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Ingredients

To make these irresistible Garlic Parmesan Herb Cruffins, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Dough and Filling:

• 3 (8-ounce) tubes of crescent roll dough
• 3/4 cup butter, softened
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

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Instructions

Making these cruffins is simpler than you might think! Here’s how you do it:

1. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin pan with non-stick cooking spray and set it aside.

2. Prepare the Garlic Herb Butter:

• In a small mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and salt. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.
• Reserve 1/4 cup of this butter mixture for brushing the tops of the cruffins later.

3. Prepare the Dough:

• Roll out each crescent roll dough sheet with a rolling pin to create 3 larger rectangles. Press together the perforated lines so the dough forms a smooth sheet.

4. Add Butter and Cheese:

• Spread a thin layer of the garlic butter mixture evenly over each rectangle of dough.
• Sprinkle about 3 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese on top of the butter.

5. Roll and Cut the Dough:

• Starting from the long edge, roll each dough rectangle into a log.
• Cut each log in half, creating two shorter logs.
• Slice each shorter log in half lengthwise to expose the layered interior.

6. Form the Cruffins:

• Take each piece of dough and wrap it around your finger, creating a muffin shape with the layered side facing outward.
• Place each cruffin into the prepared muffin pan.

7. Top and Bake:

• Melt the reserved butter mixture and brush it generously over the tops of the cruffins.
• Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese on top.
• Bake for 20-25 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through, until the cruffins are golden brown.

8. Cool and Serve:

• Remove the cruffins from the oven and transfer them to a cooling rack.
• Serve warm or at room temperature.

These garlic Parmesan herb cruffins are perfect on their own or served alongside soups, salads, or pasta dishes. Their buttery, savory goodness makes them a great addition to any meal.

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Nutrition Facts

Each cruffin packs a punch of flavor while being relatively light, considering its decadence. Here’s the nutrition breakdown per serving (1 cruffin):

• Serving Size: 1 cruffin
• Calories: 240 kcal
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 360mg
• Fat: 16g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
  • Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 35mg

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Preparation Time

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

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How to Serve

• For Dinner: Pair with a fresh green salad for a light meal.
• As an Appetizer: Serve as part of a spread for a party or holiday gathering.
• With Soup: These cruffins make a perfect side to a hearty bowl of tomato soup or creamy chowder.
• For Breakfast or Brunch: Enjoy these cruffins as part of a savory brunch menu with scrambled eggs and bacon.

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Additional Tips

1. Use Fresh Parsley: Fresh parsley gives a burst of flavor and a beautiful green color. Dried parsley won’t work as well in this recipe.
2. Don’t Overfill the Pastry: Be sure to spread the butter mixture evenly without overstuffing the dough. Too much filling can cause the cruffins to collapse or spill out during baking.
3. Experiment with Other Cheeses: While Parmesan is fantastic, you can try using other cheeses like cheddar or mozzarella for a different twist.
4. Brush with Garlic Butter: For extra garlic flavor, brush the cruffins with a bit more of the garlic butter before serving.
5. Serve Warm: These cruffins are best enjoyed fresh and warm from the oven, but they can also be reheated in the microwave or oven if you’re making them ahead of time.

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FAQ Section

1. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cruffins up to the point of baking, then cover and refrigerate them for up to 4 hours before baking.

2. Can I freeze cruffins?
Absolutely! After baking, you can freeze them in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Reheat them in the oven for best results.

3. What can I use instead of crescent roll dough?
You can substitute puff pastry for a flakier texture, or use biscuit dough for a denser cruffin.

4. Can I make these dairy-free?
Yes, use dairy-free butter and a plant-based cheese substitute to make these cruffins dairy-free.

5. Can I add other herbs to the garlic butter?
Definitely! Fresh thyme, rosemary, or basil would all work wonderfully in this recipe.

6. Are these cruffins good for a holiday meal?
Yes, they make an excellent addition to holiday meals like Thanksgiving, Christmas, or even Easter!

7. How do I store leftover cruffins?
Store leftover cruffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.

8. Can I make these in mini muffin pans?
Yes, just reduce the cooking time by a few minutes and check for doneness earlier.

9. Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
Yes, you can use garlic powder, but fresh garlic gives the best flavor.

10. What’s the best way to serve these cruffins?
They’re great served as a side dish, appetizer, or even a snack! You can pair them with soups, salads, or enjoy them on their own.

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Conclusion

These Garlic Parmesan Herb Cruffins are an absolute delight—flaky, buttery, and packed with savory flavor. They’re the perfect combination of comfort food and elegance, making them suitable for both casual meals and festive gatherings. Whether you serve them as an appetizer or alongside your main dish, they’re sure to impress. And with such an easy preparation method, you’ll want to make these cruffins time and time again. So, gather your ingredients and treat yourself to a batch of these irresistible cruffins—your taste buds will thank you!

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