Cheesy Garlic Cruffins

Introduction

Cheesy Garlic Cruffins are a revelation! When I made these for the first time, my family couldn’t get enough of them. The combination of buttery crescent roll dough, cheesy filling, and garlicky aroma filled the house, making them impossible to resist. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or as an indulgent snack, these cruffins deliver a restaurant-quality experience with minimal effort. Even my picky eaters were asking for seconds, and now these cruffins are a staple in our household!

Why You’ll Love Cheesy Garlic Cruffins

• Flaky and Buttery: The crescent roll dough bakes into perfectly flaky, golden layers.
• Cheesy Goodness: Loaded with melty cheddar cheese, these cruffins are irresistibly rich.
• Garlic Flavor Explosion: Fresh garlic and chives elevate the flavor, making every bite savory and satisfying.
• Easy to Make: Using pre-made crescent roll sheets simplifies the process without sacrificing flavor.
• Versatile: These cruffins work as a snack, appetizer, or side dish, pairing well with a variety of meals.

Ingredients

Dough:

• 3 tubes (8 oz each) refrigerated crescent roll sheets

Filling:

• ½ cup (1 stick / 113 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 tbsp chives, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp garlic, minced
• 3 cups (339 g) mild cheddar cheese, shredded, divided

Garlic Butter Topping:

• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tsp garlic, minced
• 1 tsp chives, finely chopped
• 1 tsp kosher salt

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spray a 12-cup muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray.
   • On a lightly floured surface, roll each crescent roll sheet into a 12×16-inch rectangle. If the dough is perforated, pinch the seams to seal.
2. Make the Filling
   • In a bowl, mix softened butter, chopped chives, and minced garlic until well combined.
   • Spread ⅓ of the butter mixture evenly over one dough sheet. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top.
3. Roll and Cut
   • Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Cut the log in half, then slice each half lengthwise to create four sections.
   • Repeat the process with the remaining dough sheets.
4. Shape the Cruffins
   • With the layered side facing outward, roll each section into a cinnamon roll shape, tucking the ends under.
   • Place each cruffin into the prepared muffin tin.
5. Bake the Cruffins
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.
6. Prepare the Garlic Butter Topping
   • In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, minced garlic, chives, and salt.
   • Brush the topping generously over the warm cruffins right after they come out of the oven.
7. Serve
   • Enjoy warm for the best flavor and texture.

Nutrition Facts (Per Cruffin)

• Serving Size: 1 cruffin
• Calories: 270 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 310 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

How to Serve

• Serve as an appetizer with marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping.
• Pair with a bowl of warm soup, such as tomato basil or chicken noodle, for a comforting meal.
• Add to your holiday dinner table as a crowd-pleasing side dish.
• Enjoy as a snack with a glass of iced tea or lemonade.
• Include in a brunch spread alongside eggs, bacon, and fresh fruit.

Additional Tips

1. Seal the Dough Seams: If your crescent roll dough is perforated, make sure to pinch and seal the seams well to prevent leaking during baking.
2. Use Cold Dough: Keep the crescent roll dough chilled until you’re ready to work with it to make it easier to handle.
3. Customize the Cheese: Substitute cheddar with mozzarella, Parmesan, or a cheese blend for different flavors.
4. Brush Generously: Don’t skimp on the garlic butter topping; it adds a lot of flavor and enhances the presentation.
5. Check Doneness Early: Since oven temperatures can vary, start checking the cruffins at the 20-minute mark to avoid overbaking.

FAQ Section

1. What are cruffins?
   Cruffins are a hybrid of croissants and muffins, made by baking layered dough in a muffin tin.
2. Can I make these ahead of time?
   Yes! Prepare the cruffins up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate for up to 12 hours. Bake when ready.
3. Can I freeze cruffins?
   Absolutely! Once baked and cooled, freeze them in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven before serving.
4. Can I use other types of cheese?
   Yes! Mozzarella, Gouda, or even a spicy pepper jack cheese would work wonderfully.
5. Do I have to use chives?
   No, you can substitute parsley, scallions, or omit them entirely if preferred.
6. What can I serve these with?
   Cruffins pair well with soups, salads, or roasted meats. They also make a great snack on their own.
7. Why are my cruffins not flaky?
   Ensure the dough is rolled out evenly and tightly rolled into logs to create proper layers.
8. Can I add additional seasonings?
   Absolutely! Try adding Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, or paprika to the butter mixture.
9. Do I need a muffin tin?
   Yes, a muffin tin is essential to hold the cruffin shape during baking.
10. Can I make a sweet version of cruffins?
    Definitely! Replace the garlic and cheese filling with cinnamon sugar or chocolate spread for a sweet treat.

These Cheesy Garlic Cruffins are sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. With their flaky layers, cheesy centers, and rich garlic butter topping, they’re as satisfying as they are delicious.