Cheesy Garlic Cruffins

Cheesy Garlic Cruffins are a delightful combination of croissant and muffin with a savory twist. If you’re a fan of buttery, flaky pastries with a touch of indulgent cheese and a hint of garlic, these cruffins will quickly become your new favorite baked good. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a savory snack, they offer the best of both worlds: the flaky layers of a croissant and the convenience of a muffin shape.

These cruffins are filled with melty cheese and infused with garlic butter, then baked to golden perfection. The end result is a pastry that’s beautifully layered, crisp on the outside, soft and cheesy on the inside, and bursting with garlicky goodness. The spiral shape creates stunning layers, making them not only delicious but also visually appealing.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced baker, this recipe walks you through all the steps to create bakery-quality Cheesy Garlic Cruffins at home. Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love Cheesy Garlic Cruffins

1. Perfectly Savory and Cheesy: The combination of cheese and garlic creates a rich, savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the flaky pastry.
2. Stunning Layers: The laminated dough creates beautiful, crisp layers that are both visually appealing and delicious.
3. Easy to Eat: The muffin shape makes these cruffins easy to handle and serve, perfect for parties, gatherings, or quick breakfasts.
4. Customizable Fillings: You can experiment with different cheeses, herbs, or add-ins to suit your taste.
5. Great for All Occasions: Serve these cruffins for brunch, alongside soups, or as a snack with coffee or tea.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep time: 45 minutes (including dough rest time)
• Cook time: 25 minutes
• Resting time: 2 hours (for homemade dough)
• Total time: 3 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: Makes 12 cruffins
• Serving Size: 1 cruffin

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 300 kcal
• Carbs: 28g
• Protein: 8g
• Fat: 18g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 3g

(These values are approximate and will vary depending on the exact ingredients used and portion sizes.)

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make Cheesy Garlic Cruffins:

For the Dough (If Making from Scratch):

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup warm water (110°F/43°C)
• 1/2 cup warm milk (110°F/43°C)
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (for laminating the dough)

For the Cheesy Garlic Filling:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or a mix of mozzarella and cheddar)
• 1/2 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

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough (If Making from Scratch)

1. Activate the Yeast:

In a small bowl, combine the 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. This step activates the yeast and ensures the dough will rise properly.

2. Mix the Dough:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the melted butter, egg, and the activated yeast mixture. Stir everything together until a dough forms.

3. Knead the Dough:

Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little more flour, but be careful not to add too much.

4. Let the Dough Rest:

Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

Step 2: Laminate the Dough (Creating the Layers)

1. Prepare the Butter for Laminating:

While the dough is rising, 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 1/4 inch thick. Place it in the refrigerator to chill while you finish preparing the dough. The butter should be firm but pliable when you’re ready to laminate.

2. Roll Out the Dough:

Once the dough has doubled in size, transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough out into a large rectangle, about 12×18 inches. Try to keep the edges as straight as possible, and make sure the thickness is even throughout.

3. Add the Butter:

Place the chilled butter rectangle in the center of the dough. Fold the dough over the butter like a letter—fold the top third of the dough down, then fold the bottom third up over the top. This is your first “fold” in the lamination process.

4. Roll and Fold the Dough:

Turn the dough 90 degrees, then roll it out again into a large rectangle, being careful not to let the butter escape. Fold the dough into thirds again, just like before. Repeat this process 2-3 more times, turning the dough 90 degrees after each fold. This creates the flaky layers characteristic of croissant dough.

5. Chill the Dough:

After the final fold, wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes, or up to 1 hour. This allows the butter to firm up again and makes the dough easier to work with.

Step 3: Roll and Shape the Cruffins

1. Roll the Dough into Thin Sheets:

Once the dough has chilled, remove it from the refrigerator and roll it out one last time into a large rectangle about 12×18 inches. The dough should be quite thin at this point, about 1/8 inch thick.

2. Brush with Garlic Butter:

Brush the entire surface of the rolled-out dough with melted butter and sprinkle the minced garlic evenly over it. Next, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of Italian seasoning evenly across the dough.

3. Roll the Dough into a Log:

Starting from one of the longer sides, carefully roll the dough into a tight log, like you would for cinnamon rolls. Make sure the roll is even and tight to create the distinct spiral layers.

4. Cut the Dough into Rounds:

Using a sharp knife, cut the rolled log into 12 equal rounds. You can also cut it into thicker or thinner slices depending on your preference and the size of your muffin tin.

5. Place in Muffin Tin:

Place each round into a greased muffin tin cavity, with the cut side facing up. This will allow the layers to open up and create that beautiful cruffin shape as they bake.

Step 4: Bake the Cruffins

1. Preheat the Oven:

While the cruffins are resting for a final proof, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Let the cruffins rise in the muffin tin for another 20-30 minutes until they puff up slightly.

2. Bake the Cruffins:

Bake the cruffins in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. You’ll know they’re done when they sound hollow when tapped on the top.

Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches

1. Brush with Garlic Butter (Optional):

As soon as the cruffins come out of the oven, brush them with melted garlic butter for an extra layer of richness and garlic flavor. You can also sprinkle them with additional Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy Your Cheesy Garlic Cruffins

These cruffins are best enjoyed warm, straight from the oven. Serve them alongside soups, salads, or as a savory breakfast treat. The combination of melty cheese, buttery layers, and garlic is simply irresistible!

How to Serve Cheesy Garlic Cruffins

• As a Savory Breakfast or Brunch: Serve the cruffins warm with a side of scrambled eggs, bacon, or a fresh green salad.
• With Soup or Stew: These cruffins pair beautifully with soups like tomato basil, broccoli cheddar, or French onion soup. Their flaky, cheesy layers are perfect for dipping.
• For a Party or Gathering: Cheesy garlic cruffins make an excellent party snack or appetizer. Arrange them on a platter and serve with a dipping sauce like marinara or ranch.
• As a Side Dish: Serve them as a side dish to main courses like roast chicken, steak, or pasta for a complete meal.

Additional Tips for Success

1. Use Cold Butter for Laminating: When laminating the dough, make sure the butter is cold but still pliable. If it’s too hard, it won’t spread evenly between the layers of dough. If it’s too soft, it will melt and leak out of the dough.
2. Rest the Dough: Don’t skip the resting periods! Chilling the dough in between folds allows the butter to firm up and helps develop the flaky layers.
3. Cut the Dough Evenly: Use a ruler or other straight edge to make sure your dough strips are even. This ensures that your cruffins bake evenly and rise to the same height.
4. Don’t Overfill the Muffin Tin: The dough will expand as it bakes, so be careful not to overfill the muffin tin. You want the cruffins to have enough space to rise and puff up without overflowing.
5. Experiment with Cheese and Herbs: Don’t be afraid to get creative with your cruffins! Try different cheese combinations like cheddar and gouda or add extra herbs like rosemary or basil.

Recipe Variations

Cheesy Garlic Cruffins are incredibly versatile and can be customized in many different ways. Here are a few ideas to inspire you:

1. Cheddar and Chive Cruffins:

Replace the mozzarella cheese with sharp cheddar and add chopped fresh chives to the filling for a more savory, cheesy flavor.

2. Pesto and Mozzarella Cruffins:

Instead of garlic butter, spread a layer of pesto over the dough before adding the cheese. This adds a fresh, herby flavor that pairs beautifully with the flaky pastry.

3. Sun-Dried Tomato and Parmesan Cruffins:

Add finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the filling along with the cheese. The sweetness of the sun-dried tomatoes complements the savory flavors of the cheese and garlic.

4. Herb and Cream Cheese Cruffins:

Spread a thin layer of herbed cream cheese on the dough before rolling it up. This variation creates a creamy, flavorful center that melts beautifully as the cruffins bake.

5. Spicy Jalapeño Cheddar Cruffins:

Add diced jalapeños and shredded cheddar cheese to the filling for a spicy kick. Top with extra cheddar for a gooey, melty finish.

Freezing and Storage

Storing Leftovers:

Store any leftover cruffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5-10 minutes to restore their crispiness.

Freezing:

You can freeze baked cruffins for up to 2 months. Allow them to cool completely, then wrap each cruffin tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to serve, thaw at room temperature and reheat in the oven to crisp up the layers.

Freezing Unbaked Cruffins:

If you want to prepare cruffins ahead of time, you can freeze the unbaked, shaped dough. Place the unbaked cruffins in a muffin tin, freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, let them thaw and rise at room temperature for 1-2 hours before baking as directed.

Special Equipment

• Rolling Pin: To roll out the dough into thin, even layers for laminating.
• Muffin Tin: A standard 12-cup muffin tin is perfect for shaping and baking the cruffins.
• Pastry Brush: For brushing the dough with melted butter or applying a glaze.
• Sharp Knife or Pizza Cutter: To cut the dough into even strips for shaping the cruffins.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use store-bought puff pastry?

Yes! If you’re short on time, using store-bought puff pastry is a great option. Simply roll out the puff pastry, cut it into strips, and proceed with the recipe as directed.

2. What can I do if my butter melts during lamination?

If your butter melts while laminating the dough, pop the dough back into the fridge for about 10-15 minutes before continuing. This will help firm up the butter and prevent it from leaking out of the dough.

3. Can I make cruffins ahead of time?

Yes, cruffins can be made ahead of time and stored in the freezer, either baked or unbaked. You can also make the dough in advance and refrigerate it overnight before shaping and baking the next day.

4. Can I make a gluten-free version?

Yes, you can make cruffins gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour. Just be sure to choose a blend that’s suitable for making laminated dough.

5. Can I add fillings before baking?

Yes, you can add fillings like sun-dried tomatoes or herbs before baking by spreading a thin layer on each dough strip before rolling them up. For liquid fillings like cream cheese, it’s best to fill the cruffins after baking to avoid leaks.

Conclusion

Cheesy Garlic Cruffins are the perfect fusion of croissant and muffin, bringing together the best of both worlds in a single, delicious pastry. With their flaky, buttery layers and cheesy, garlicky filling, cruffins are sure to become a favorite in your home. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, brunch, or a savory snack, these pastries are sure to impress.

What’s even better is that they’re versatile and can be customized to suit your preferences, whether you’re craving something cheesy or herby. Whether you use store-bought puff pastry for a quick fix or tackle the laminated dough from scratch, the end result is always worth the effort.

Enjoy your homemade Cheesy Garlic Cruffins, and don’t forget to experiment with different fillings, toppings, and flavors to make them truly your own!

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