Name: Cheesy Garlic Cruffins Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 28 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough sheet or puff pastry; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened; 2 garlic cloves, minced; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese; ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional); Nonstick spray or butter for greasing muffin tin

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Imagine layers of golden, flaky pastry swirled with garlicky, buttery goodness and pockets of bubbling cheese—does it get any better? This Cheesy Garlic Cruffins Recipe is a dream come true for anyone who loves fresh-baked bread, melty cheese, and the irresistible aroma of garlic wafting from the oven. It’s one of those bakes that seems too impressive to be this easy, yet comes together in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re serving them for brunch, next to a cozy pasta dinner, or just as a treat for yourself, these cruffins are about to become your go-to comfort bake.

Cheesy Garlic Cruffins Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best parts about this recipe is how simple the ingredients are, but don’t let their simplicity fool you—each component brings something essential to these cruffins. From plush dough to vibrant herbs, every element pulls its weight for flavor, melt, and that perfect golden top.

Refrigerated crescent roll dough sheet (or puff pastry): Gives the signature flaky, pull-apart texture with minimal effort and a lovely buttery flavor.
Unsalted butter (softened): The base of the garlic paste, ensuring each layer is moist and rich.
Garlic cloves (minced): Adds bold, fresh garlic flavor that really shines through in every bite.
Garlic powder: Doubles down on the garlicky depth and ensures you get even flavor distribution.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into gooey layers for that divine cheesy pull in the center of the cruffins.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Gives a salty, nutty pop and gorgeous golden tops.
Chopped fresh parsley (optional): Adds a burst of color and a hint of freshness that livens up each cruffin.
Nonstick spray or butter: Keeps your cruffins from sticking and helps them release beautifully from the muffin tin.

How to Make Cheesy Garlic Cruffins Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Muffin Tin and Oven

Start by getting your oven preheated to 375°F (190°C), so it’s nice and hot when your cruffins are ready to bake. Lightly grease a standard 6-cup muffin tin with nonstick spray or a swipe of butter—this step makes all the difference when you’re trying to pop them out later without losing any crunchy edges.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Spread

In a small bowl, mix your softened butter with the minced garlic and garlic powder. A fork works wonders here. You’ll end up with a fragrant, spreadable paste that puts garlic bread to shame. This mixture is the heart of the Cheesy Garlic Cruffins Recipe, infusing every swirl with flavor.

Step 3: Roll Out and Layer the Dough

Unroll your crescent dough sheet (or puff pastry, if you’re feeling fancy) on a lightly floured surface. Slather the entire surface with the garlic butter mixture, corner to corner. Next, sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the butter, making sure every bite gets a bit of that melty, cheesy magic.

Step 4: Shape the Cruffins

Now for the fun part! Starting from a short side of the dough, roll it up into a snug log—just like you would for cinnamon rolls. Carefully cut the log in half lengthwise to expose all those lovely layers. Twist each strip gently, then coil them into little cinnamon-roll-style shapes, with the cut, layered side facing up. Nestle each coil into your prepared muffin tin.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden

Slide the tin into your preheated oven and bake for 15–18 minutes. You’re looking for puffed-up, deeply golden cruffins with cheesy bits bubbling on top. The kitchen will smell ridiculous in the best way—garlicky, buttery, and every bit as good as it sounds.

Step 6: Cool and Garnish

Let your cruffins cool just long enough to handle (we know it’s hard to wait!). If you want that bakery-fresh look and a fresh flavor pop, sprinkle with chopped parsley right before serving. For even more flavor, brush the tops with a little extra melted garlic butter.

How to Serve Cheesy Garlic Cruffins Recipe

Garnishes

A final touch of freshly chopped parsley is my go-to for adding brightness and a pretty pop of green, but you can also toss on a few extra shreds of Parmesan for good measure. If you’re a garlic lover, a light brush of warm garlic butter after baking takes this Cheesy Garlic Cruffins Recipe right over the top.

Side Dishes

Serve these alongside a steaming bowl of tomato soup or your favorite pasta—they’re the ultimate dunkers and work like a garlicky breadstick with extra character. Cruffins also play well with salads, creamy soups, or even as part of a brunch spread next to scrambled eggs and fruit.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking the Cheesy Garlic Cruffins Recipe high on a cake stand for a show-stopping brunch centerpiece, or arrange them in a bread basket lined with a colorful napkin to keep them warm at the table. For parties, insert little flags or toothpicks for easy, grab-and-go bites; they disappear fast!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any cruffins left (which is a big if!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. The flaky layers will hold up nicely, and they’re just as tasty the next day with a quick reheat.

Freezing

These cruffins freeze beautifully. Let them cool completely, then wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap and pop them into a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to a month—just thaw and reheat when the craving hits.

Reheating

For best results, reheat your Cheesy Garlic Cruffins Recipe in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 8–10 minutes, which crisps the outside and preserves all the gooey, cheesy goodness inside. A quick microwave zap works too, but you’ll lose some crispiness.

FAQs

Can I use puff pastry instead of crescent roll dough?

Absolutely! Puff pastry gives the Cheesy Garlic Cruffins Recipe even flakier, more delicate layers. Just thaw it according to package instructions before using, and otherwise follow the same directions for rolling, filling, and baking.

What’s the best cheese to use if I want something different?

While mozzarella and Parmesan are classic here, you can experiment with Gruyère for a nutty flavor or sharp cheddar for extra kick. Mixing in a little provolone or fontina also works wonderfully for melt and stretch.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the cruffins, cover, and refrigerate them in the muffin tin overnight. In the morning, just pop them in the oven straight from the fridge (add a couple extra minutes to the baking time).

How do I prevent the cruffins from sticking to the tin?

Greasing the muffin tin generously with nonstick spray or butter is your best bet. You can also use muffin liners if you want to be extra safe, but make sure they’re the nonstick kind for easy removal.

Why do I slice the dough log lengthwise?

Cutting the log reveals all those gorgeous layers inside, which creates the signature swirled, bakery-style look of the Cheesy Garlic Cruffins Recipe. It also helps the cheese melt luxuriously through each cruffin and ensures even baking.

Final Thoughts

There’s a reason this Cheesy Garlic Cruffins Recipe is one you’ll want to make again and again—it’s simple, foolproof, and delivers bakery-level flavor straight from your home oven. Give it a try, make it your own, and don’t be surprised if it becomes your new signature comfort bake!

Cheesy Garlic Cruffins Recipe

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4.7 from 20 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 28 minutes
Yield: 6 cruffins 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Delight your taste buds with these Cheesy Garlic Cruffins – a delightful combination of savory garlic, gooey cheese, and flaky pastry. These pull-apart muffins are perfect for a quick appetizer or side dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough:

1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough sheet or puff pastry

Garlic Butter Mixture:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
2 garlic cloves, minced
½ teaspoon garlic powder

Cheese Topping:

¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Additional:

Nonstick spray or butter for greasing muffin tin

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Instructions

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 6-cup muffin tin.
Mix Garlic Butter: Combine softened butter, minced garlic, and garlic powder in a bowl.
Prepare Dough: Roll out the dough, spread garlic butter, and top with cheeses.
Roll and Coil: Roll up the dough, slice in half, twist, and coil into muffin cups.
Bake: Bake for 15–18 minutes until golden brown.
Garnish and Serve: Cool slightly, garnish with parsley, and serve warm.