If you’re a fan of buttery croissants and love the soft, pillowy texture of muffins, then these Cheesy Garlic Cruffins are about to become your new favorite treat! Combining the flaky layers of croissants with the fun, handheld shape of a muffin, these cruffins are stuffed with gooey, melted cheese and packed with savory garlic flavor. Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or side to your favorite meal, these cheesy garlic cruffins are a hit with both kids and adults alike. Plus, they’re easy to make and taste like they came straight from a bakery!
With minimal ingredients and a simple process, you’ll be surprised at how quickly these golden, cheesy delights come together. Whether you’re serving them at a family dinner or whipping up a batch for a cozy weekend brunch, cruffins offer a delightful twist on traditional garlic bread or rolls. Let’s get started!
Ingredients:
For the Cruffins:
- 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin with butter or non-stick cooking spray to ensure easy removal of the cruffins once baked.
2. Prepare the Puff Pastry:
Roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Use a rolling pin to gently flatten the sheet, ensuring it’s smooth and evenly spread out. If your puff pastry sheet is square, try to stretch it slightly to form a rectangle for easier rolling later on.
3. Make the Garlic Butter:
In a small bowl, mix the melted butter and minced garlic together. If you love garlic (who doesn’t?), feel free to add an extra clove for even more flavor. Brush the garlic butter generously over the puff pastry sheet, making sure to cover the entire surface.
4. Add the Cheese:
Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese over the buttered puff pastry. If you’re adding parsley for a pop of color and freshness, sprinkle it on top of the cheese now. Don’t forget to season with salt, pepper, and a touch of oregano or Italian seasoning for that perfect savory balance.
5. Roll the Pastry:
Carefully roll the puff pastry sheet from one long side to the other, forming a tight log. Once rolled, use a sharp knife to slice the log into 12 even pieces (each piece should be about 1 inch wide).
6. Shape the Cruffins:
Take each pastry roll and gently place it, spiral side up, into the prepared muffin tin. This will give the cruffins their classic “swirled” appearance as they bake. If you want, you can sprinkle a little extra cheese on top of each cruffin for added cheesy goodness.
7. Bake:
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the cruffins are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted. The tops should be crisp, while the inside remains soft and cheesy.
8. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the cruffins from the oven and let them cool in the tin for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This brief cooling period helps the cruffins maintain their shape. Serve warm and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Cheesy Garlic Cruffins:
- Use Cold Puff Pastry: Make sure your puff pastry is thawed but still cold when working with it. If the pastry gets too warm, it can become sticky and hard to handle. If needed, place the rolled-up pastry in the fridge for a few minutes before slicing.
- Cheese Variations: While mozzarella and cheddar create a wonderful balance of flavor and gooeyness, you can experiment with other cheeses. Gruyère, Parmesan, or Monterey Jack all work well for different flavor profiles.
- Herbs for Extra Flavor: Fresh parsley adds a pop of color, but you could also use fresh basil, thyme, or rosemary for an herby twist.
- Don’t Overfill the Muffin Cups: While it’s tempting to stuff as much cheese as possible, avoid overfilling the muffin cups to prevent any cheese from spilling over and burning.
Variations:
- Spicy Cruffins: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or finely chopped jalapeños to the cheese mixture for a spicy kick.
- Pizza Cruffins: Add a few slices of pepperoni or diced cooked sausage between the layers of cheese before rolling the pastry for a pizza-inspired twist.
- Garlic Herb Butter Cruffins: Make a garlic herb butter by mixing softened butter with garlic, parsley, basil, and rosemary. Spread this mixture over the puff pastry for a fragrant, buttery cruffin with more herbal notes.
- Sweet Cruffins: If you’re in the mood for something sweet, swap the savory ingredients for cinnamon sugar and bake a batch of cinnamon sugar cruffins. Drizzle with a cream cheese glaze for a decadent treat.
Serving Suggestions:
These cheesy garlic cruffins are incredibly versatile! Here are some ways to serve them:
- With Soup: Serve alongside a warm bowl of tomato or vegetable soup for the perfect cozy pairing.
- As a Side Dish: They make a great side for Italian dishes like pasta, lasagna, or even grilled chicken.
- Appetizers: Perfect as an appetizer for a dinner party or holiday gathering. Serve them with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
- Brunch: These cruffins would be a delightful addition to any brunch spread, alongside scrambled eggs and fresh fruit.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
- Storage: Once completely cooled, store the cruffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge, where they’ll last up to 4 days.
- Freezing: To freeze, let the cruffins cool completely and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
- Reheating: To keep the cruffins crispy, reheat them in the oven or toaster oven rather than the microwave, which can make them soggy.
Nutrition Information (Per Cruffin):
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 320mg
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 7g
(Note: These values are approximate and can vary depending on specific ingredients used.)
History and Origin of Cruffins:
The cruffin is a relatively modern creation, said to have originated in San Francisco at a bakery called Mr. Holmes Bakehouse around 2013. The idea was to combine the flaky, buttery layers of a croissant with the shape and portability of a muffin. Since then, cruffins have become a bakery trend around the world, appearing in both sweet and savory varieties. They’re celebrated for their fun shape, flaky texture, and ability to be customized with countless fillings and toppings.
These Cheesy Garlic Cruffins are a savory take on the original, blending the best of croissants and muffins with a touch of classic garlic bread flavors. While the sweet versions often steal the spotlight, savory cruffins have become a favorite, offering a buttery, cheesy delight in every bite.
Wine and Beverage Pairing:
Pair these cheesy garlic cruffins with a glass of Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc. Both wines have crisp, fresh notes that cut through the richness of the cheese and butter, complementing the garlic flavor. If you’re not in the mood for wine, these cruffins also pair beautifully with a cold glass of sparkling water or a light herbal tea like mint or chamomile.
