There’s something utterly comforting about the smell of melted cheese and roasted garlic wafting through the kitchen. Recently, while experimenting with crescent roll dough, I stumbled upon these delightful Cheesy Garlic Cruffins. Imagine flaky, golden layers enveloping a gooey, cheesy center, bursting with flavor and sprinkled with fresh herbs. They’re irresistibly crunchy on the outside yet soft and flavorful within—perfect for elevating any meal or simply serving as a tasty snack.
Whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner party or just looking to impress your family on a busy weeknight, these cruffins are sure to win hearts. Best of all, they come together quickly and with minimal fuss! Join me in transforming humble ingredients into a scrumptious appetizer that promises to be a hit at any gathering. Let’s dive into this easy, crowd-pleasing recipe that’s guaranteed to bring pleasure to your taste buds!
Why will you love Cheesy Garlic Cruffin?
Irresistible Comfort: The rich aroma of melted cheese and garlic fills your home, inviting everyone to gather around.
Quick Preparation: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up these delightful treats in no time.
Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Perfect for any occasion, these cruffins are sure to impress guests and family alike.
Customizable Flavor: Feel free to experiment with your favorite cheeses or add spice to suit your taste!
Delicious Texture: Enjoy the fantastic contrast between the flaky exterior and the gooey, cheesy filling.
Get creative and check out other variations like Pizza Cruffins or Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins for more flavors!
Cheesy Garlic Cruffin Ingredients
For the Dough
• Refrigerated Crescent Roll Sheets – These provide the flaky, layered structure; feel free to substitute with puff pastry for an alternative texture.
For the Filling
• Unsalted Butter (1/2 cup) – Adds richness and flavor, ensuring it’s softened for easy mixing.
• Chives (1 tablespoon, finely chopped) – Offers fresh herby notes; try green onions as a tasty substitute.
• Garlic (1 tablespoon, minced) – Contributes to the savory flavor; fresh garlic yields the best taste.
• Mild Cheddar Cheese (3 cups, shredded, divided) – The main source of cheesy deliciousness; swap in mozzarella or pepper jack for a different flavor kick.
For the Topping
• Melted Butter (3 tablespoons) – Used for brushing over warm cruffins, adding extra richness.
• Kosher Salt (1 teaspoon) – Enhances all flavors; adjust based on whether you’re using salted butter.
These Cheesy Garlic Cruffins will be a delightful addition to any meal or gathering, giving you that comforting flavor with every bite!
How to Make Cheesy Garlic Cruffin
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Prepare the Muffin Tin: Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly spray a 12-cup muffin tin with nonstick spray to prevent sticking and ensure effortless removal later.
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Roll the Dough: On a floured surface, roll out each tube of crescent roll dough into a 12×16-inch rectangle. This creates the perfect base for your flaky layers.
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Mix the Filling: In a medium bowl, combine softened butter, chives, and minced garlic. Stir until well blended, creating a fragrant filling that enhances your cruffins.
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Spread the Filling: Generously spread one-third of the butter mixture over the surface of one sheet of dough, then sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese for that gooey goodness.
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Form the Logs: Roll the dough tightly from the long end into a log. Cut the log in half to create two shorter logs, then slice each of those lengthwise into four sections. Repeat for all dough sheets, ensuring even portions.
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Shape the Cruffins: Take each section and roll it into a spiral, resembling a cinnamon roll, before carefully placing them in the prepared muffin tin to rise and bake.
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Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Enjoy the lovely aroma filling your kitchen!
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Prepare Garlic Butter: Whisk together melted butter, minced garlic, chopped chives, and salt in a small bowl. Brush this flavorful mixture over warm cruffins immediately after baking for an extra burst of flavor.
Optional: Serve with a sprinkle of extra chives for a fresh garnish and visual appeal.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Cheesy Garlic Cruffin
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Preheat Properly: Make sure your oven is fully preheated to 350°F to ensure even baking and a perfectly golden crust.
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Seal to Prevent Leaks: Pinch the seams of your crescent dough to avoid any filling leakage while baking, ensuring your cruffins stay intact and gooey.
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Roll Tightly: Roll the dough tightly when forming logs; this helps maintain the fluffy layers and prevents them from falling apart during baking.
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Cut Consistently: Aim for even-sized sections when slicing your logs, as uniformity helps ensure even cooking and a delightful presentation of your cruffins.
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Experiment with Flavors: Don’t hesitate to play with the ingredients! Swap cheeses or add jalapeños for a spicy twist in your cheesy garlic cruffin creation.
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Make Ahead Option: For convenience, you can prepare the dough ahead of time. Just refrigerate until you’re ready to bake, making it easier for busy days.
What to Serve with Cheesy Garlic Cruffin?
Transport your taste buds to comfort food heaven with these melt-in-your-mouth treats, perfect for any gathering.
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Creamy Tomato Soup: The rich, tangy flavors of tomato soup beautifully complement the cheesy goodness, making for a cozy pairing.
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Fresh Green Salad: A crisp salad tossed with a zesty vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast, lightening up the indulgence of the cruffins.
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Spicy Marinara Sauce: For a flavorful dip, spicy marinara can elevate your cruffins, infusing every bite with an exciting kick.
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Garlic Herb Butter: Brush some additional garlic herb butter on top right before serving. It adds an extra layer of flavor that enhances the already divine cruffins.
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Roasted Vegetables: The caramelized sweetness of roasted veggies makes a delightful side, creating a wholesome and colorful plate.
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Herb-Infused Olive Oil: A drizzle of herb-infused olive oil for dipping can accentuate the lingering garlic flavor, providing a sophisticated finish.
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Sparkling Water with Lemon: Keep it light and refreshing with a glass of sparkling water infused with lemon. It cleanses the palate beautifully between bites.
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Chocolate Fondue: To end on a sweet note, serve chocolate fondue for dipping mini cruffins, adding a hint of indulgence and fun to your gathering.
Cheesy Garlic Cruffin Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to get creative and customize your Cheesy Garlic Cruffins with these delicious twists that will elevate your culinary experience!
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Spicy Jalapeño: Add diced jalapeños to the filling for a zesty kick that jazzes up the flavor profile.
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Herb-Infused: Mix in fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme into the filling, adding aromatic layers that tantalize the senses.
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Cheese Choice: Try swapping out the mild cheddar for Gouda or pepper jack, introducing new flavors and a delightful kick.
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Veggie Boost: Incorporate sautéed spinach or roasted red peppers into the filling for a burst of freshness and vibrant color.
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Mini Cruffins: For a fun twist, cut each log into smaller sections to create bite-sized versions perfect for snacking or parties.
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Cinnamon Sugar: Transform these savory treats into sweet options by replacing garlic with cinnamon and sugar for the filling, perfect for brunch!
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Garlic Butter Variation: Mix in a teaspoon of smoked paprika into the garlic butter for an extra depth of flavor that makes each bite irresistible.
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Pesto Twist: Swirl in some pesto sauce into the filling for a Mediterranean twist that boasts vibrant colors and fresh flavors.
How to Store and Freeze Cheesy Garlic Cruffin
Room Temperature: Keep leftover Cheesy Garlic Cruffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their freshness and flavor.
Fridge: If you prefer longer storage, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Reheat in the oven for 5-10 minutes to regain that crispy bite.
Freezer: For longer-term storage, freeze unbaked cruffins by sealing tightly in freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating: To enjoy leftover baked cruffins, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, ensuring they regain their flaky texture and cheesy goodness.
Make Ahead Options
These Cheesy Garlic Cruffins are a fantastic choice for meal prep! You can prepare the dough and filling up to 24 hours in advance. Simply roll out the crescent roll sheets and mix your garlic butter filling, then assemble the cruffin sections. Store the prepared cruffins in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness. When you’re ready to bake, simply take them out and let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes. Preheat your oven, then bake as directed, brushing with garlic butter right out of the oven for that warm, gooey magic. Enjoy effortless entertaining or quick snacks without losing any of the delicious taste!
Cheesy Garlic Cruffin Recipe FAQs
What type of crescent roll dough should I use?
You can use refrigerated crescent roll sheets for a flaky texture, but feel free to substitute with puff pastry if you’re looking for a different twist. Both options work wonderfully!
How should I store leftover cruffins?
Keep your leftover Cheesy Garlic Cruffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to extend their shelf life, refrigerate them for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes to revive their crispy exterior.
Can I freeze Cheesy Garlic Cruffins?
Absolutely! You can freeze unbaked cruffins by tightly sealing them in freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, bake straight from the freezer, adding an extra few minutes to the original baking time for that perfectly golden finish.
What can I do if the filling leaks out during baking?
Prevent filling leakage by ensuring you pinch the seams of the crescent dough tightly before baking. If leaks do occur, it sometimes means the dough wasn’t rolled tightly enough, so focus on a snug roll for the best results next time.
Are there any alternatives for dietary considerations?
If you’re dealing with lactose intolerance or a dairy allergy, consider using lactose-free cheese and dairy-free butter substitutes. You can also experiment with plant-based crescent rolls to make these cruffins friendly for various diets!
Can I modify the recipe for different flavors?
Yes! This recipe is versatile, so feel free to incorporate ingredients such as jalapeños for spice, or swap out cheddar for mozzarella or a tangy goat cheese. You can even create diverse flavor profiles with savory herbs like thyme or rosemary for a lovely twist.
Cheesy Garlic Cruffin: Irresistibly Flaky and Savory Treats
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly spray a 12-cup muffin tin with nonstick spray.
- On a floured surface, roll out each tube of crescent roll dough into a 12x16-inch rectangle.
- In a medium bowl, combine softened butter, chives, and minced garlic. Stir until well blended.
- Spread one-third of the butter mixture over one sheet of dough, then sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Roll the dough tightly from the long end into a log, cut in half, and slice each half into four sections.
- Roll each section into a spiral and place in the prepared muffin tin.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Whisk together melted butter, minced garlic, chives, and salt; brush over warm cruffins.