Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Savory Delight – The combination of garlic and cheese creates a rich, savory flavor that complements the flaky pastry perfectly.
- Impressive Layers – The laminated dough results in beautiful, crisp layers that are both visually appealing and delicious.
- Convenient Shape – The muffin-like form makes these cruffins easy to serve and enjoy, ideal for gatherings or on-the-go snacking.
- Customizable – You can experiment with different cheeses, herbs, or add-ins to suit your taste preferences.
- Versatile Occasion – Suitable for various occasions, from casual breakfasts to elegant brunches or as a side for soups and salads.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Dough (if making from scratch):
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ cup warm water (110°F/43°C)
- ½ cup warm milk (110°F/43°C)
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (for laminating the dough)
For the Cheesy Garlic Filling:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or a mix of mozzarella and cheddar)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
For Topping and Garnish (Optional):
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Extra grated Parmesan cheese
- Garlic butter for brushing
Directions
- Prepare the Dough (if making from scratch):
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water, warm milk, and granulated sugar. Sprinkle the yeast on top and let it sit for about 5–10 minutes until it becomes foamy.
- Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Add melted butter, egg, and the activated yeast mixture. Stir until a dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Let the Dough Rest: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1–1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Laminate the Dough:
- Prepare the Butter Block: Soften 1 cup of unsalted butter and spread it between two sheets of parchment paper. Use a rolling pin to flatten the butter into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick. Chill in the refrigerator until firm but pliable.
- Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough has risen, transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Roll it into a large rectangle, approximately 12×18 inches.
- Incorporate the Butter: Place the chilled butter block in the center of the dough rectangle. Fold the dough over the butter from each side, encasing the butter completely.
- First Fold: Roll the dough into a long rectangle, then fold it into thirds, like a letter. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Second Fold: Rotate the dough 90 degrees, roll it out again into a long rectangle, and fold into thirds. Refrigerate for another 30 minutes.
- Third Fold: Repeat the rolling and folding process one more time, then refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Prepare the Cheesy Garlic Filling:
- In a bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, shredded cheeses, chopped parsley, and Italian seasoning. Mix until well combined.
- Assemble the Cruffins:
- Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll the laminated dough into a large rectangle, about 12×18 inches.
- Spread the Filling: Evenly spread the cheesy garlic filling over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Shape the Cruffins: Starting from the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Using a sharp knife, cut the log into 12 equal pieces.
- Prepare the Muffin Tin: Grease a 12-cup muffin tin. Place each piece of dough, cut side up, into the muffin cups.
- Final Rise: Cover the muffin tin with a clean kitchen towel and let the cruffins rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes.
- Bake:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake Cruffins: Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed
Cheesy Garlic Cruffins
Cheesy Garlic Cruffins are a flaky, buttery fusion of croissants and muffins, packed with rich garlic flavor and melted cheese. These savory pastries are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a delicious snack. With crisp, golden layers and a cheesy, garlicky filling, they’re irresistible!
- Prep Time: 30 minutes (plus rising & chilling)
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: About 3 hours
- Yield: 12 cruffins
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
-
For the Dough (if making from scratch):
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ cup warm water (110°F/43°C)
- ½ cup warm milk (110°F/43°C)
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (for laminating)
For the Cheesy Garlic Filling:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella (or a mozzarella-cheddar mix)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
For Topping (Optional):
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Extra grated Parmesan cheese
- Garlic butter for brushing
Instructions
Prepare the Dough:
- Activate the Yeast:
- In a small bowl, combine warm water, warm milk, and sugar.
- Sprinkle yeast over the top and let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Mix the Dough:
- In a large bowl, combine flour and salt.
- Add melted butter, egg, and yeast mixture. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the Dough:
- Transfer to a floured surface and knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth.
- First Rise:
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1–1.5 hours until doubled.
Laminate the Dough:
- Prepare Butter Block:
- Flatten softened butter between parchment paper into a ¼-inch thick rectangle.
- Chill until firm but pliable.
- Roll Out Dough:
- Roll dough into a 12×18-inch rectangle.
- Incorporate Butter:
- Place butter block in the center, fold dough over it, and seal the edges.
- First Fold:
- Roll dough into a long rectangle and fold into thirds like a letter.
- Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Repeat:
- Rotate dough 90°, roll, and fold into thirds again. Refrigerate for another 30 minutes.
- Repeat once more, then chill for 30 minutes.
Prepare the Filling & Assemble:
- Make the Filling:
- Mix melted butter, garlic, cheeses, parsley, and Italian seasoning.
- Roll & Fill:
- Roll laminated dough into a 12×18-inch rectangle.
- Spread the cheesy garlic filling evenly, leaving a small border.
- Shape Cruffins:
- Roll dough tightly from the long edge into a log.
- Slice into 12 equal pieces and place cut-side up in a greased muffin tin.
- Second Rise:
- Cover and let rise for 30 minutes.
Bake & Serve:
- Preheat Oven:
- Set oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake:
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown and puffed.
- Cool & Serve:
- Brush with garlic butter, sprinkle with Parmesan and parsley.
- Enjoy warm!
Notes
- Shortcut Version: Use store-bought croissant dough for a quicker method.
- Flavor Boost: Add red pepper flakes or extra herbs.
- Make-Ahead: Dough can be prepared a day in advance and refrigerated overnight.