Cheesy Garlic Cruffin

Cheesy Garlic Cruffins are the perfect fusion of crispy crescent roll dough, melted cheddar cheese, and savory garlic butter. These baked goods are shaped like muffins, making them both visually appealing and fun to eat. With each bite, you get a delicious combination of a garlicky, buttery crust and a soft, cheesy interior. Whether you serve these cruffins as a side dish to complement your favorite soup or pasta or enjoy them on their own as a snack, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Brushed with a generous amount of garlic butter once baked, these cruffins are packed with flavor from start to finish.

Cheesy Garlic Cruffins are the perfect blend of crisp, golden pastry and melted cheese, all wrapped up in a delightful muffin form. These savory cruffins are filled with rich garlic butter and cheddar cheese, making them a hit at any dinner table. Whether served as a side dish or enjoyed as a snack, their soft interior and garlicky crust are sure to impress.

INGREDIENTS

• 3 crescent roll sheets: The base for these cruffins, providing a flaky, buttery pastry that crisps up perfectly in the oven.
• 1/2 cup butter, softened: Infuses the dough with a rich, buttery flavor and helps carry the garlic and chive flavors.
• 1 tablespoon chives, finely chopped: Adds a fresh, mild onion-like flavor that complements the garlic and cheese.
• 1 tablespoon garlic, minced: The star flavor of the cruffins, giving them their signature garlicky goodness.
• 3 cups cheddar cheese, shredded (divided): Melts into the dough, creating a gooey, cheesy interior.
• 3 tablespoons butter, melted: Brushed on after baking, enhancing the garlicky crust and keeping the cruffins moist.
• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced: Adds even more garlic flavor to the buttery topping.
• 1 teaspoon chives, finely chopped: For garnish and an extra pop of freshness.
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the savory flavors and balances the richness of the butter and cheese.

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1:

Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly spray a 12-cup muffin tin with nonstick spray.

Step 2:

On a lightly floured surface, roll out each crescent roll dough into a 12x16 inch sheet. Ensure the dough is thin and even for the best texture.

Step 3:

In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, chopped chives, and minced garlic. Spread one-third of this butter mixture over the first sheet of dough.

Step 4:

Evenly sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the buttered dough, ensuring it is well distributed for maximum cheesiness.

Step 5:

Roll the dough tightly from the long edge, creating a log. Cut the log in half, then slice each half lengthwise, creating four dough sections.

Step 6:

Repeat this process with the remaining two sheets of dough, butter mixture, and cheese. You should end up with 12 dough sections in total.

Step 7:

Take each dough section, twist it into a spiral shape with the cut sides facing outward, and place it into the prepared muffin tin. This allows the cruffins to have a flaky, layered look.

Step 8:

Bake the cruffins for 20-25 minutes or until they turn golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.

Step 9:

While the cruffins bake, melt the remaining butter and mix it with the minced garlic, chopped chives, and kosher salt to create a flavorful garlic butter.

Step 10:

Once baked, remove the cruffins from the oven and immediately brush them with the garlic butter mixture. Serve warm for the best experience.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Cheesy Garlic Cruffins are best enjoyed warm, straight out of the oven when the cheese is gooey, and the pastry is crispy. Serve them as a side dish to pasta, soups, or salads.
• If you have leftovers, store the cruffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 300°F for 5-10 minutes to restore their crispness.
• For extra indulgence, pair the cruffins with a marinara or garlic dipping sauce to complement their rich, garlicky flavor.

Helpful Notes

• If you prefer a stronger garlic flavor, you can increase the amount of garlic in the butter mixture. Roasted garlic also works beautifully for a milder, sweeter taste.
• Mozzarella or a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan can be used in place of cheddar for a different flavor profile.
• Feel free to experiment with adding herbs like rosemary or thyme to the butter mixture for extra depth of flavor.

Tips from well-known chefs

• Chef Gordon Ramsay: “For perfectly crispy cruffins, make sure your oven is fully preheated before baking, and avoid overcrowding the muffin tin to ensure even cooking.”
• Chef Ina Garten: “Adding fresh herbs like chives or parsley to the garlic butter gives the cruffins a vibrant pop of flavor and color.”
• Chef Giada De Laurentiis: “Always use good-quality butter and cheese for the richest flavor. These simple ingredients make all the difference.”