If you’re searching for an appetizer or side dish that absolutely wows at any gathering, look no further than the Cheesy Garlic Cruffin. This delightful creation marries flaky, golden crescent roll dough with a luscious chive and garlic-studded cheese filling, then spirals it all into muffin tins for the crispiest edges imaginable. Each bite is warm, savory, and decadent, making these cheesy, garlicky pinwheels nearly impossible to resist—whether you serve them as a party-starter, a bread basket treat, or simply sneak one straight from the pan. Once you try making Cheesy Garlic Cruffin, you’ll want them on repeat for every occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
You won’t believe how simple yet game-changing the ingredients are for Cheesy Garlic Cruffin! Each one brings a special personality, helping create layers of texture, flavor, and that signature melty-cheese pull. Here’s what you’ll need and how each piece earns its place.
- Refrigerated crescent roll sheets (3 tubes, 8 ounces each): The backbone for our cruffins—giving flakiness, convenience, and a golden finish without the fuss of homemade dough.
- Unsalted butter (½ cup, softened, plus 3 tablespoons, melted): The creamy base for both our filling and finishing glaze, ensuring richness and that all-important buttery flavor.
- Chives (1 tablespoon finely chopped, plus 1 teaspoon): Fresh, mild, oniony bites scattered through both layers, brightening every mouthful and adding a pop of color.
- Garlic (1 tablespoon minced, plus 1 teaspoon): The star player for aromatic depth and savory intensity—don’t be tempted to use garlic powder here; fresh is best!
- Mild cheddar cheese (3 cups shredded, divided): The heart of every Cheesy Garlic Cruffin, getting gooey and caramelized for ultimate cheese satisfaction in each spiral.
- Kosher salt (1 teaspoon): Rounds out the buttery topping and enhances every single flavor in these craveable cruffins.
- Nonstick cooking spray: A kitchen essential to make sure your cruffins pop out in perfect swirled shapes with zero sticking.
- All-purpose flour (for rolling): Just a dusting to make handling and rolling the dough a breeze—it keeps things neat but doesn’t add density.
How to Make Cheesy Garlic Cruffin
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Muffin Tin
Fire up your oven to 350°F and let it get nice and hot. Give a standard 12-cup muffin tin a good coating with nonstick baking spray—this will help every Cheesy Garlic Cruffin pop out beautifully golden and intact, ready for swooning over that first cheesy whiff.
Step 2: Roll Out the Crescent Dough
Unroll your crescent dough sheets onto a lightly floured work surface. If your sheets have perforations, pinch the seams closed first so you have one seamless rectangle per tube. Gently roll each out to about 12×16 inches. Thin and even is what you’re after for the ultimate tender, flakey bite.
Step 3: Mix the Cheesy Garlic Butter Filling
In a medium bowl, grab your softened butter and mash it together with the minced garlic and finely chopped chives. This mixture is about to become the flavor bomb inside every Cheesy Garlic Cruffin.
Step 4: Fill and Roll
Spread a third of the buttery mixture over the first dough rectangle, covering every corner. Sprinkle a cup of shredded cheddar evenly atop the butter, then, starting with the long edge, roll it up tightly into a log. This will give the frilled look and pull-apart layers we know and love.
Step 5: Shape and Slice
Slice each log in half crosswise, then split those two pieces lengthwise (so you see all the swirled filling). You’ll end up with four strips per log—repeat with the remaining dough so you have 12 in total. With the layered sides facing out, carefully coil each section, cinnamon-roll style, tucking in any loose ends.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Nestle each swirled cruffin into the prepared muffin tin. Slide the tin onto the center oven rack and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until puffed and deeply golden. Your kitchen will smell like a magical bakery—this is the hardest step, because the anticipation only builds!
Step 7: Brush with Garlic Butter
While the Cheesy Garlic Cruffin are baking, whisk together the melted butter, extra garlic, chives, and salt. As soon as the cruffins emerge hot from the oven, generously brush this infused butter over the tops. It’s the finishing touch that locks in moisture, scent, and a glossy sheen.
How to Serve Cheesy Garlic Cruffin
Garnishes
A final flourish can take your Cheesy Garlic Cruffin from irresistible to unforgettable. Sprinkle them with a pinch of flaky sea salt, a little extra chopped chive, or a dusting of parmesan for added sophistication and bite. Pile them up in a basket and let the aroma entice every guest to take one… or three!
Side Dishes
Serve these beauties alongside a crisp green salad, a summery tomato soup, or even as the ultimate companion to a pasta dinner. The cheesy, garlicky punch of each Cheesy Garlic Cruffin pairs perfectly with just about anything needing a little extra flavor and comfort.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging the cruffins pyramid-style on a board with dipping sauces (think marinara, ranch, or a zippy pesto). Or, for brunch parties, serve them in mini baskets lined with wax paper for finger-friendly grazing. These versatile cruffins can even star as the base for an epic breakfast sandwich—simply slice and stuff with eggs and bacon!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you didn’t devour every last Cheesy Garlic Cruffin (impressive restraint!), store any extras in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or in the fridge for up to four. Just be sure they’re cool before packing to keep the texture ideal.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze these! Wrap cooled cruffins individually in foil or plastic wrap, then stash in a resealable freezer bag for up to one month. Pull out as many as you need, whenever the craving for a Cheesy Garlic Cruffin strikes.
Reheating
For warm, bakery-fresh results, pop cruffins in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes, or until heated through and re-crisped. Microwave works in a pinch—just use a damp paper towel over the top to keep them from drying out. Either way, that stretchy-cheese magic will return!
FAQs
Can I use homemade dough instead of crescent rolls?
Absolutely! While refrigerated crescent dough makes this recipe weeknight-easy, your favorite homemade yeasted dough (like for dinner rolls) works too. Just roll it thin and proceed as directed for the same signature Cheesy Garlic Cruffin look and feel.
What type of cheese is best for Cheesy Garlic Cruffin?
Mild cheddar melts beautifully and gives a lovely flavor balance, but you can experiment with mozzarella for extra stretch, or even a bit of sharp cheddar for more tang. The recipe is flexible—just stick with a melt-friendly cheese.
Can I prep Cheesy Garlic Cruffin ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the cruffins, cover the muffin tin, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, just brush with garlic butter and bake as directed (adding a few extra minutes if needed). Perfect for brunch gatherings or advance-side prep.
How do I prevent the cruffins from sticking?
Liberal use of nonstick spray is your best friend! Also, if you let them cool for about 5 to 10 minutes after baking, they’ll loosen up nicely and pop right out when gently twisted.
Can these be made vegan or gluten-free?
With a few swaps (vegan butter, plant-based cheese, and gluten-free crescent-style dough), you can absolutely enjoy a dairy-free or gluten-free variation. The process is the same—just make sure your substitutions melt and bake like their traditional counterparts.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to impress friends, family, or honestly just yourself, there’s nothing quite like the aroma and flavor explosion of homemade Cheesy Garlic Cruffin. Once you see those golden, cheesy spirals puff up in your oven, you’ll know they’re destined to become a go-to favorite. Grab your ingredients and treat yourself to the magic of these savory, pull-apart delights—there’s a new star in your baking routine!
PrintCheesy Garlic Cruffin Recipe
Indulge in the delightful combination of cheesy chive garlic butter encased in flaky crescent roll dough with these Cheesy Garlic Cruffins. These savory treats are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a side dish that’s sure to impress.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 cruffins
- Category: Appetizer, Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Dough
- 3 tubes (8 ounces each) refrigerated crescent roll sheets
Filling
- 1/2 cup (1 stick / 113 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon chives, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 3 cups (339 g) mild cheddar cheese, shredded, divided
Garlic Butter
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chives, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Dough – Preheat oven to 350°F. Roll out each tube of dough on a floured surface, spread butter mixture, sprinkle cheese, roll up, cut into sections, roll each section into a cinnamon roll shape, and place in muffin tin. Bake for 20-25 minutes.
- Garlic Butter – Whisk together melted butter, garlic, chives, and salt. Brush over warm cruffins.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cruffin
- Calories: 403 kcal
- Sugar: 1.3g
- Sodium: 673mg
- Fat: 28.2g
- Saturated Fat: 15.2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10.1g
- Trans Fat: 0.7g
- Carbohydrates: 29.7g
- Fiber: 0.7g
- Protein: 9.6g
- Cholesterol: 59mg
