Cheesy Garlic Cruffin Recipe

Let me tell you, there are some recipes that just have “winner” written all over them. And this Cheesy Garlic Cruffin? It’s absolutely one of them. I stumbled upon this recipe when I was looking for something a little different, a savory treat that could bridge the gap between breakfast, brunch, or even a delightful appetizer for a casual get-together. My family, always eager taste testers, were initially intrigued by the name “cruffins.” Were they croissants? Were they muffins? Well, they are a glorious hybrid of both, and let me tell you, the cheesy garlic version is pure magic. The moment these golden-brown beauties emerged from the oven, the aroma alone was intoxicating – buttery, garlicky, and undeniably cheesy. The first bite? Pure flaky, buttery perfection layered with a rich, savory filling that just melts in your mouth. They were gone in minutes, and I immediately had requests to make them again. If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing recipe that’s surprisingly easy to make and delivers big on flavor and texture, look no further. These Cheesy Garlic Cruffins are about to become your new go-to savory indulgence.

Ingredients

This recipe relies on simple, readily available ingredients to create an incredibly flavorful and satisfying result. Let’s break down each component:

Dough:

• 3 tubes (8 ounces each) refrigerated crescent roll sheets: The foundation of our cruffins! Crescent roll sheets offer convenience and that signature flaky texture we’re after. Using sheets, as opposed to pre-cut crescent rolls, gives you a smoother, more uniform dough to work with, crucial for creating those beautiful layers in the cruffin. Look for the seamless crescent dough sheets in the refrigerated section of your grocery store. If you only have access to perforated crescent roll dough, don’t worry! Just make sure to pinch the seams together firmly to seal them and prevent the filling from leaking out during baking. The slight tang from the crescent roll dough complements the savory filling perfectly, creating a balanced and delectable flavor profile. You could even experiment with different brands of crescent roll sheets; some might be slightly thicker or thinner, which can subtly affect the final texture of your cruffin.

Filling:

• ½ cup (1 stick / 113 g) unsalted butter, softened: Butter is the heart of flavor and richness in this recipe. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the overall saltiness of the cruffins, especially since we’ll be adding salt later in the garlic butter topping. Softened butter is essential for creating a smooth, spreadable filling that will evenly coat the dough sheets. Make sure your butter is truly softened – easily spreadable but not melted – for the best results. If you forget to take it out in advance, you can gently soften butter in the microwave in short intervals, being careful not to melt it. The butter not only adds flavor but also contributes to the flaky layers of the cruffin as it melts during baking, creating pockets of air and tenderness.
• 1 tablespoon chives, finely chopped: Fresh chives bring a delicate oniony flavor and a pop of fresh green color to the filling. Finely chopping them ensures they distribute evenly throughout the butter mixture and don’t overpower the other flavors. If you don’t have fresh chives, you could substitute with finely chopped scallions (green onions), but chives have a milder, more refined flavor that works beautifully in this recipe. Dried chives can also be used in a pinch, but fresh is always preferred for the best flavor and visual appeal. Consider snipping the chives with kitchen shears directly into the bowl for easy preparation.
• 1 tablespoon garlic, minced: Garlic is the star of the savory show! Minced garlic infuses the butter filling with that unmistakable pungent and aromatic flavor that pairs so well with cheese and butter. Freshly minced garlic is always recommended for the most potent and vibrant garlic flavor. You can use a garlic press or finely chop cloves with a knife. If you’re short on time, pre-minced garlic from a jar can be used, but the flavor might be slightly less intense. Roasting the garlic before mincing can add a sweeter, more mellow garlic flavor if you prefer a less sharp taste.
• 3 cups (339 g) mild cheddar cheese, shredded, divided: Cheddar cheese provides the cheesy goodness that makes these cruffins irresistible. Mild cheddar is a great choice because it melts beautifully and has a balanced flavor that complements the garlic and chives without being too overpowering. Shredding the cheese ensures it melts evenly and distributes throughout the filling. Pre-shredded cheese is convenient, but for the freshest flavor and best melting quality, consider shredding your own cheese from a block. We divide the cheese, using some in the filling and potentially reserving a little extra for sprinkling on top before baking for an extra cheesy crust (optional). You can experiment with other types of cheese as well, like Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even a blend of cheeses for a more complex flavor.

Garlic Butter Topping:

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: More butter! This time, melted and brushed over the baked cruffins for extra richness, flavor, and a beautiful glossy finish. Melted butter soaks into the warm cruffins, adding moisture and enhancing the buttery notes. Again, unsalted butter is used to control the salt level. You can melt the butter in the microwave or in a small saucepan on the stovetop.
• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced: Another dose of garlic to boost the flavor even further! Minced garlic in the topping adds a final layer of garlicky goodness that complements the filling and creates an irresistible aroma. As with the filling, freshly minced garlic is recommended for the best flavor.
• 1 teaspoon chives, finely chopped: Adding chives to the topping mirrors the filling and adds a fresh, herbaceous note that balances the richness of the butter and garlic. Finely chopped chives distribute evenly and add a visual appeal to the finished cruffins.
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Salt is crucial for enhancing all the flavors in the garlic butter topping and balancing the richness. Kosher salt is preferred by many cooks because of its coarser texture and pure flavor. You can adjust the amount of salt to your preference, but don’t skip it altogether, as it plays a vital role in bringing out the best in the other ingredients.

Instructions

Making these Cheesy Garlic Cruffins is surprisingly simple, especially with the help of refrigerated crescent roll sheets. Follow these step-by-step instructions for perfect results every time:

Dough Preparation:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Starting with a properly preheated oven is essential for even baking and achieving that golden-brown color. Make sure your oven has reached the correct temperature before placing the cruffins inside. Using an oven thermometer can help ensure accuracy. Baking at 350°F allows the cruffins to cook through without browning too quickly on the outside.
2. Lightly spray a standard 12-cup muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside. Preventing sticking is key to easy removal of the baked cruffins. Nonstick cooking spray creates a barrier between the muffin tin and the dough, ensuring they release cleanly without tearing or sticking. Make sure to spray all crevices of the muffin tin, including the sides and bottoms of each cup. Setting the prepared muffin tin aside keeps it ready for when you need to assemble the cruffins.
3. Working on a lightly floured work surface, roll out each tube of dough to a 12×16-inch rectangle. A lightly floured surface prevents the crescent roll dough from sticking and makes it easier to roll out. Use a rolling pin to gently roll each tube of dough into a 12×16 inch rectangle. Rolling the dough thinner helps create more layers in the cruffins and ensures they bake through evenly. If you’re using perforated crescent roll dough, remember to pinch the seams together firmly before rolling to seal them. Aim for a consistent thickness across the rectangle for even baking.

Filling and Assembly:

4. In a medium bowl, combine softened butter, chives, and minced garlic. This is where we create the flavorful filling that will infuse every layer of our cruffins. Ensure your butter is softened for easy mixing. Use a fork or a spatula to thoroughly combine the softened butter, finely chopped chives, and minced garlic until well blended. The mixture should be smooth and spreadable. Taste the filling at this stage and adjust the garlic or chive amounts to your preference if needed.
5. Spread about ⅓ of the butter mixture over the top of one sheet of dough. Evenly distribute the butter mixture over the entire surface of the rolled-out dough sheet, leaving a small border if desired. Using ⅓ of the filling for each sheet ensures you have enough for all three tubes of dough. Spreading the butter evenly is crucial for consistent flavor and flakiness in each cruffin.
6. Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the butter mixture. Distribute the shredded cheddar cheese uniformly over the butter mixture, covering the entire surface of the dough sheet. Using 1 cup of cheese per sheet ensures a generous cheesy filling in each cruffin. Press the cheese lightly into the butter mixture to help it adhere to the dough. You can add a little more cheese if you are a cheese lover, but be careful not to overfill, as it might leak out during baking.
7. Starting on the long end of the dough sheet, tightly roll it up into a log. This step is key to creating the layered structure of the cruffins. Starting from one of the long edges of the dough rectangle, tightly roll the dough up like a jelly roll. Rolling tightly helps create defined layers and prevents air pockets. Keep the roll snug as you go, ensuring a tight log.
8. Cut the log in half, creating two shorter logs. Using a sharp knife or a bench scraper, cut the dough log in half crosswise. This makes the dough logs more manageable and easier to work with in the next steps. Cutting in half also helps create the swirled shape of the cruffin.
9. Cut each of those shorter logs in half lengthwise, giving you four sections of dough. Now, take each of the shorter logs and cut them in half lengthwise, slicing through the layers you just created. This will give you four sections of dough with the layered edges exposed. These sections will form the individual cruffins. You should now have four sections from each tube of dough, totaling 12 sections from the three tubes.
10. Repeat steps 4-9 with the remaining two sheets of dough. You will have 12 sections of dough. Follow the same process with the remaining two tubes of crescent roll dough, butter filling, and cheese, until you have a total of 12 sections of dough ready to be shaped into cruffins.
11. Working one section of dough at a time with the layered side facing out, roll it tightly into a cinnamon roll shape, tucking in the end piece of dough. This is where the magic happens! Take one section of dough, holding it with the layered cut side facing outwards. Starting from one end, roll the dough tightly inwards to form a swirl, similar to a cinnamon roll. As you roll, tuck the end piece of dough underneath the cruffin to secure it. Rolling tightly helps create the characteristic cruffin shape and prevents them from unraveling during baking.
12. Place into the prepared muffin tin. Repeat with the remaining 11 sections. Place each shaped cruffin into a cup of the prepared muffin tin. They should fit snugly but not be overcrowded. Repeat with the remaining 11 sections of dough, distributing them evenly in the muffin tin. If you have any leftover cheese, you can sprinkle a little on top of each cruffin for an extra cheesy crust before baking (optional).
13. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown. Bake the cruffins in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. The baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven. The cruffins should be puffed up, golden brown on top, and sound hollow when tapped lightly. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time to prevent them from over-browning. While the cruffins are baking, prepare the garlic butter topping.

Garlic Butter Topping:

14. In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, minced garlic, chives, and salt. While the cruffins are baking, prepare the garlic butter topping. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, finely chopped chives, and kosher salt. Whisk together until well combined and the salt is dissolved. The warmth of the melted butter will help infuse the garlic and chives, creating a flavorful topping.
15. Brush the butter topping over the warm rolls. As soon as the cruffins are out of the oven, immediately brush them generously with the garlic butter topping. The warmth of the cruffins will help the butter topping soak in and create a glossy, flavorful finish. Use a pastry brush to apply the topping evenly over the tops and sides of the cruffins. Don’t be shy with the topping – it adds a significant amount of flavor and moisture.

Let the Cheesy Garlic Cruffins cool slightly in the muffin tin before gently removing them and serving warm. Enjoy the flaky layers, cheesy filling, and irresistible garlic butter topping!

Nutrition Facts

(Please note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.)

Servings: 12 cruffins
Serving Size: 1 cruffin

Approximate Calories per serving: 280-350 calories

• Calories: 280-350
• Fat: 20-25g
• Saturated Fat: 12-15g
• Cholesterol: 60-70mg
• Sodium: 400-500mg
• Carbohydrates: 20-25g
• Sugar: 5-7g
• Protein: 8-10g

Important Considerations:

• These cruffins are relatively high in fat and calories due to the butter and cheese content.
• Sodium content can vary depending on the brand of crescent roll dough and cheese used.
• These are estimated values. For precise nutritional information, use a nutrition calculator with the specific brands and quantities of ingredients you use.

Preparation Time

This recipe is wonderfully quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • This includes time to preheat the oven, prepare the muffin tin, roll out the dough, make the filling, assemble the cruffins, and prepare the garlic butter topping. The use of pre-made crescent roll dough significantly reduces prep time.
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • This is the time it takes to bake the cruffins in the oven until they are golden brown and cooked through. Baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven.
• Total Time: 45 minutes
  • From start to finish, you can have these delicious Cheesy Garlic Cruffins ready in under an hour! This makes them a fantastic option when you need a flavorful and impressive dish without spending hours in the kitchen.

How to Serve

Cheesy Garlic Cruffins are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Here are some delicious serving suggestions:

• Warm Appetizer:
  • Serve them warm as a savory appetizer at parties, gatherings, or potlucks.
  • Arrange them on a platter and pair them with dipping sauces like marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or a creamy garlic aioli.
  • They are perfect for game day snacks, holiday appetizers, or any occasion where you want a crowd-pleasing savory bite.
• Brunch or Breakfast Side:
  • Add a savory element to your brunch or breakfast spread.
  • Serve them alongside eggs, bacon, sausage, or a fresh fruit salad for a balanced and satisfying meal.
  • They are a delightful alternative to sweet pastries and offer a welcome savory option.
• Lunch or Light Meal:
  • Enjoy them as a light lunch or snack with a simple side salad or a bowl of soup.
  • Pair them with a tomato soup, a creamy potato soup, or a light green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
  • They are perfect for a quick and easy lunch at home or on the go.
• Dinner Roll Alternative:
  • Serve them as a flavorful alternative to traditional dinner rolls with your favorite main courses.
  • They pair wonderfully with pasta dishes, roasted chicken, grilled meats, or hearty stews.
  • Their savory garlic and cheese flavor complements a wide range of dinner entrees.
• Elevated Snack:
  • Enjoy them as a delicious and elevated snack any time of day.
  • They are perfect for satisfying savory cravings and are much more exciting than ordinary crackers or chips.
  • Warm them up slightly for an extra indulgent treat.

Additional Tips for Perfect Cheesy Garlic Cruffins

To ensure your Cheesy Garlic Cruffins are a resounding success, keep these helpful tips in mind:

1. Don’t Overmix the Filling: When combining the butter, chives, and garlic for the filling, mix just until combined. Overmixing can make the butter too soft and affect the texture of the cruffins. Gentle mixing is key to maintaining the right consistency.
2. Roll the Dough Tightly: Rolling the dough tightly into logs and then into cruffin shapes is crucial for creating defined layers and preventing air pockets. A tight roll will result in a more compact and flaky cruffin. Take your time and ensure each roll is snug.
3. Don’t Overbake: Keep a close eye on the cruffins while they are baking and remove them from the oven as soon as they are golden brown. Overbaking can make them dry and less tender. The ideal color is a beautiful golden brown, and they should sound hollow when tapped.
4. Use Quality Ingredients: While this recipe is simple, using good quality ingredients will enhance the flavor significantly. Fresh chives and garlic, and good quality cheddar cheese will make a noticeable difference. Using a good brand of crescent roll dough can also impact the texture.
5. Customize the Cheese: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese to customize the flavor of your cruffins. Monterey Jack, mozzarella, provolone, or a blend of cheeses would all work wonderfully. Consider using a sharper cheddar for a bolder cheese flavor or adding a touch of parmesan for nutty notes.

FAQ Section

Frequently Asked Questions about Cheesy Garlic Cruffin Ingredients:

Q1: Can I use a different type of cheese instead of cheddar?
A: Absolutely! Cheddar cheese is a great choice for its meltability and mild flavor, but you can definitely substitute with other cheeses. Monterey Jack, mozzarella, provolone, Colby Jack, or even a blend of cheeses would all work well. Consider the flavor profile you’re aiming for. For a sharper flavor, try sharp cheddar or a bit of parmesan. For a milder, meltier option, mozzarella or Monterey Jack are excellent choices.

Q2: Can I use dried chives instead of fresh?
A: While fresh chives are preferred for their vibrant flavor and color, you can use dried chives in a pinch. Use about 1 teaspoon of dried chives in place of 1 tablespoon of fresh chives, as dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor. Rehydrate the dried chives slightly by adding them to the softened butter a bit earlier to allow them to soften and release their flavor. Keep in mind that dried chives won’t provide the same fresh, bright flavor as fresh chives.

Q3: I don’t have crescent roll sheets, can I use regular crescent rolls?
A: Yes, you can use regular perforated crescent roll dough if you can’t find sheets. The key is to pinch the seams together very firmly to seal them completely before rolling out the dough. This will prevent the filling from leaking out during baking and create a more uniform dough sheet to work with. You might need to use a little extra flour when rolling out the sealed crescent roll dough to prevent sticking.

Q4: Can I add other herbs besides chives?
A: Definitely! Feel free to experiment with other herbs to customize the flavor of your cruffins. Fresh parsley, dill, thyme, or even a sprinkle of Italian seasoning would be delicious additions. Consider the flavor profile you want to achieve and choose herbs that complement the garlic and cheese. Finely chop any fresh herbs and add them to the butter filling along with the chives and garlic.

Q5: Can I use pre-minced garlic from a jar instead of fresh garlic?
A: Yes, you can use pre-minced garlic from a jar for convenience. However, fresh garlic will always provide a more potent and vibrant garlic flavor. If using jarred minced garlic, you may want to use slightly more than the recipe calls for to achieve the desired garlic intensity. For the best flavor, especially in the garlic butter topping, fresh garlic is highly recommended.

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