Wondering what a cruffin is? It’s the delicious hybrid of a croissant and muffin, and this cheesy garlic version combines flaky layers with savory cheese and aromatic garlic butter.
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Why You’ll Love Homemade Soft Pretzels
These soft pretzels require minimal ingredients, take only 30 minutes from start to finish, and taste better than any mall pretzel shop! Perfect for beginners and budget-friendly.
Cheesy Garlic Cruffins Ingredients
- 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1½ cups shredded cheese blend (mozzarella, cheddar, and parmesan)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Extra parmesan for topping
Tools Used to Make Cheesy Garlic Cruffins
- Standard muffin tin
- Rolling pin
- Pastry brush
- Small mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Sharp knife or pizza cutter
- Microplane or garlic press
- Cutting board
How to Make Cheesy Garlic Cruffins
- Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray or butter.
- Make garlic butter: In a small bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir well and set aside.
- Roll out pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll each puff pastry sheet into a 12×14 inch rectangle. Brush generously with the garlic butter mixture, leaving a ½-inch border.
- Add cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the garlic butter on both pastry sheets.
- Cut and roll: Cut each sheet into 6 equal strips. Roll each strip starting from the short end to create a spiral-shaped roll.
- Shape cruffins: Place each roll, spiral side up, into the prepared muffin tin. The spiral should be visible from the top.
- Finishing touches: Brush the tops with beaten egg and sprinkle with additional parmesan cheese.
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cruffins are puffed up and golden brown.
- Cool briefly: Allow to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before carefully removing to a wire rack. Serve warm for the best experience!
Variations of Homemade Soft Pretzels
- Cinnamon Sugar: Skip the salt topping and dip baked pretzels in melted butter, then roll in cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Cheese-Stuffed: Roll dough flat, add shredded cheese, then fold and shape as normal.
- Everything Bagel: Top with everything bagel seasoning instead of coarse salt.
- Pretzel Bites: Cut rope into 1-inch pieces before baking for perfect snack-sized bites.
- Garlic Parmesan: Brush with melted butter mixed with garlic powder and sprinkle with parmesan.
Serving Cheesy Garlic Cruffins
These cheesy garlic cruffins make an excellent side dish to serve alongside your favorite pasta dishes or a bowl of hearty homemade soup. They’re also perfect as an appetizer for gatherings or as part of a brunch spread.
For an extra special touch, serve them with a side of marinara sauce or garlic aioli for dipping. The cruffins are best enjoyed warm from the oven, but you can reheat them in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes if needed.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I don’t recommend freezing them as the texture won’t be the same after thawing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is a cruffin? A cruffin is a hybrid pastry that combines the flaky layers of a croissant with the shape of a muffin. This savory version uses puff pastry for convenience.
Can I make these ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the cruffins up to the point of baking, then cover and refrigerate overnight. Add 2-3 minutes to the baking time when cooking from refrigerated.
What’s the best cheese to use? A combination works best – mozzarella for meltiness, cheddar for flavor, and parmesan for sharpness. But feel free to use your favorite cheeses!
Can I use homemade puff pastry? Absolutely! If you have a great homemade puff pastry recipe, it will work beautifully in this recipe.
My cruffins didn’t rise very well. What happened? Make sure your puff pastry is properly thawed but still cold when you work with it. Also, check that your oven is properly preheated to ensure good rise.
Final Thoughts
These cheesy garlic cruffins are a game-changer for your dinner table! Simple yet impressive, they’ll become your new go-to for elevating everyday meals. Try them tonight and watch them disappear in minutes!
More Recipes to Try!
- Cherry Hand Pies – Perfect for dessert lovers
- Crispy Buttermilk Fried Chicken – Southern comfort at its best
- Chicken Rice Casserole – Another family-friendly option
- Elegant Goat Cheese Puff Pastry Appetizers – For your next gathering
- Easy Mediterranean Steak Bowls – A healthy weeknight option