Cheesy Garlic Cruffin

This Cheesy Garlic Cruffin recipe transforms simple store-bought dough into an impressive savory pastry that looks fancy but requires minimal effort. The spiral layers create a beautiful presentation while trapping all the garlicky, cheesy goodness inside each bite.

I first made these cruffins for a weekend brunch when I needed something quick yet impressive. My family was absolutely blown away by how something so simple could taste so decadent. Now they've become our go to side for everything from pasta night to holiday dinners.

Ingredients

• Crescent roll sheets: refrigerated dough makes this recipe approachable for any home cook while creating beautiful layers
• Softened butter: creates the rich base that helps the filling stick to each layer
• Fresh chives: their bright color and mild onion flavor cut through the richness
• Minced garlic: fresh provides the most vibrant flavor but jarred works in a pinch
• Shredded cheddar cheese: opt for a sharp variety that you grate yourself for the best melting quality
• Kosher salt: the larger flakes create little bursts of flavor in each bite

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Your Space:

Preheat your oven to 350°F and spray your muffin tin thoroughly with nonstick spray. Make sure to get the sides well coated as the cheese will bubble and can stick. Lightly flour your work surface to prevent the dough from sticking when you roll it out.

Create The Butter Spread:

Mix the softened butter with minced garlic and chopped chives until completely incorporated. The butter should be very soft but not melted so it spreads easily without tearing the dough. This garlic butter base is what gives every layer its flavor.

Assemble The Layers:

Roll each crescent sheet into a 12x16 inch rectangle using light pressure. Spread one third of your garlic butter mixture over the entire surface leaving a small border around the edges. The thin even layer ensures flavor in every bite. Sprinkle cheese evenly across the buttered surface pressing it lightly to adhere.

Form The Rolls:

Starting from the long edge roll the dough tightly into a log shape. The tighter your roll the more distinct your spiral pattern will be in the finished cruffin. Cut each log in half then slice each half lengthwise to create four sections with beautiful striped edges exposed.

Shape And Bake:

Take each strip and twist it into a spiral shape keeping the cut sides facing outward to showcase the layers. Tuck each twisted piece into a muffin cup. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes watching carefully in the final minutes as the cheese can quickly go from golden to burnt.

Finish With Garlic Butter:

While the cruffins bake prepare the finishing butter by melting 3 tablespoons butter and stirring in garlic chives and salt. As soon as the cruffins come out of the oven brush this mixture generously over the tops allowing it to seep into all the nooks and crannies.

The absolute magic of this recipe happens in that final brush of garlic butter. I discovered this technique after making these several times the hot butter hitting the warm pastry creates this incredible aroma that fills your kitchen. My daughter now calls them "fancy garlic bread" and requests them for her birthday dinner every year.

Make Ahead Options

These cruffins can be prepared up to the shaping stage and refrigerated overnight. Simply cover the muffin tin tightly with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator. When ready to bake allow them to sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before putting them in the oven. This makes them perfect for holiday mornings or brunch entertaining when you want to minimize day of preparation.

Easy Substitutions

While cheddar is the classic choice for these cruffins the recipe works beautifully with other cheeses. Try gruyere for a more sophisticated flavor or pepper jack for a spicy kick. The herbs can also be switched up rosemary creates a more aromatic version while basil gives an Italian twist. For a breakfast version add a sprinkle of crumbled bacon between the cheese layers.

Serving Suggestions

These cheesy garlic cruffins are incredibly versatile. Serve them alongside a bowl of tomato soup for a comforting meal or with a green salad for a lighter lunch. They make excellent accompaniments to pasta dishes replacing traditional garlic bread. For entertaining place them in a bread basket lined with a cloth napkin to keep them warm longer. Their pull apart nature makes them perfect for sharing.