If you love buttery pastries and cheesy garlic bread, you’re about to discover your new obsession: Cheesy Garlic Cruffins. Imagine irresistibly flaky layers of golden puff pastry embracing a rich, gooey cheese filling with savory garlic and herbs, all baked into a handheld treat. These cruffins are the ultimate way to upgrade snack hour, brunch, or just about any gathering with friends. Trust me, one bite of these Cheesy Garlic Cruffins, and you’ll understand why I can never make just one batch!
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about Cheesy Garlic Cruffins is how simple the ingredient list is. Each component has a clear purpose, from the rich butter to the stretchy mozzarella, and together they create a savory pastry you’ll want to make on repeat.
- Puff pastry sheet (thawed): Using store-bought puff pastry keeps this recipe fuss-free, while providing those signature flaky layers.
- Unsalted butter (melted): The foundation for rich flavor and helps that luscious garlic stick to every layer.
- Garlic (minced): Fresh garlic is essential for infusing each bite with irresistible aroma and taste.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for a perfectly gooey center with a mild, creamy flavor.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, sharp punch and that golden crust you crave.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of Mediterranean herbs for a fragrant, savory lift in every cruffin.
- Garlic powder: Deepens the garlic flavor and guarantees it runs through every bite.
- Salt: Enhances all the cheesy, buttery goodness while rounding out the flavors.
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish): Finishes each cruffin with a burst of color and freshness.
How to Make Cheesy Garlic Cruffins
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Tools
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Give your muffin tin a light coating of nonstick spray or a swipe of melted butter. This ensures each Cheesy Garlic Cruffin slides out easily and bakes up with crispy golden edges.
Step 2: Mix the Garlic Butter
In a small bowl, mix the melted unsalted butter and minced garlic. Stir until well combined. This fragrant mixture will infuse the puff pastry with bold, irresistible flavor, making every layer sing with savory goodness.
Step 3: Prepare and Fill the Puff Pastry
Unroll or roll out your thawed puff pastry sheet into a rectangle on a lightly floured surface. Brush the entire surface with your fresh garlic butter mixture. Make sure to coat those corners! Evenly sprinkle the mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and salt over the buttery pastry, ensuring every bite gets packed with flavor.
Step 4: Shape the Cruffins
Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the filled puff pastry vertically into three equal strips. Roll each strip into a snug log, keeping the filling inside. Then, using a gentle hand, slice each log lengthwise to reveal all those beautiful cheese-studded layers. Twist each half into a spiral and roll it into a cruffin shape, tucking the ends underneath.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Arrange each twisted cruffin in a muffin tin cavity, cut sides facing up to showcase the swirly layers. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until your Cheesy Garlic Cruffins are puffed and deeply golden. Let them cool slightly before carefully removing them from the tin.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Just before serving, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over each warm cruffin. This little touch adds a pop of color and a hint of brightness, making your Cheesy Garlic Cruffins look as amazing as they taste.
How to Serve Cheesy Garlic Cruffins
Garnishes
Cheesy Garlic Cruffins look stunning with a crown of fresh parsley. If you want to crank up the flavor, add a dusting of extra Parmesan or even a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. For a more dramatic finish, drizzle with a touch of garlic-infused olive oil just before serving.
Side Dishes
These cruffins are wonderfully versatile. Pair them with a bowl of tomato soup or a fresh green salad for a lighter meal. Or, serve alongside a platter of antipasto—think marinated olives, roasted peppers, and cured meats—for a true party spread. They’re perfect for soaking up sauces or scooping up dips, making them an all-day winner.
Creative Ways to Present
You can build a beautiful brunch centerpiece by piling your Cheesy Garlic Cruffins high on a rustic wooden board, surrounded by clusters of grapes, sliced fruit, or even small bowls of dipping sauces. Serve them warm from a bread basket lined with a cheerful napkin for a homemade touch your guests will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any Cheesy Garlic Cruffins left (I’ll be surprised!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one day, or in the refrigerator for up to three days. They stay delicious, but like most pastries, are best enjoyed fresh from the oven.
Freezing
These cruffins freeze like a dream! Once cooled completely, wrap each Cheesy Garlic Cruffin tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to a month. Thaw at room temperature or in the fridge before reheating for a quick treat anytime.
Reheating
Bring your Cheesy Garlic Cruffins back to life by popping them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes. For an even speedier option, use an air fryer for a crisp exterior and gooey cheese center—just heat for 2 to 3 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use a different cheese in Cheesy Garlic Cruffins?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap the mozzarella for cheddar, provolone, or a blend of your favorites. Keep in mind that softer, meltier cheeses work best for that signature gooey texture.
Why is my puff pastry not rising properly?
Make sure your puff pastry is well-chilled before baking, and avoid over-handling. A hot oven and cold pastry are key to getting those dramatic, flaky layers in your Cheesy Garlic Cruffins.
Can I make these ahead for a party?
Yes! You can assemble the cruffins in the muffin tin, cover tightly, and refrigerate for a few hours before baking. Pop them in the oven just before guests arrive for that unbeatable fresh-baked aroma.
What’s the best way to thaw puff pastry?
Let your puff pastry thaw in the refrigerator overnight for best results. If you’re in a hurry, leave it on the counter for 30 to 40 minutes until pliable but still cold to the touch.
Can I add extra flavors to the filling?
Without a doubt! Play with sun-dried tomatoes, caramelized onions, or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper to make your Cheesy Garlic Cruffins uniquely yours. Don’t be afraid to experiment and have fun.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about pulling a batch of Cheesy Garlic Cruffins from the oven—watching the cheese bubble, the pastry puff, and the golden spirals come to life. Whether you’re making these for your family or your next party, I can’t wait for you to try these and see just how quickly they disappear. Give Cheesy Garlic Cruffins a go, and let yourself fall in love with every bite!
Print
Cheesy Garlic Cruffins Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 cruffins 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cheesy Garlic Cruffins are a delightful fusion of savory flavors wrapped in a flaky, buttery puff pastry. Perfect as a snack or appetizer, these cheesy treats are easy to make and even easier to enjoy.
Ingredients
Puff Pastry:
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)
Garlic Butter:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
Cheese Filling:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Garnish:
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare the tin: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a muffin tin.
- Prepare the garlic butter: Mix the melted butter with minced garlic in a small bowl.
- Assemble the cruffins: Roll out the puff pastry, brush with garlic butter, sprinkle with cheeses and seasonings. Cut, twist, and shape the pastry into cruffins.
- Bake: Place the cruffins in the muffin tin and bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve: Let cool slightly, garnish with parsley, and serve warm.
Notes
- Best served fresh out of the oven.
- Can be reheated in an oven or air fryer.
- Options: Substitute cheeses or add red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cruffin
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 270mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0.2g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
