This recipe is my little secret weapon. It came into my life when I wanted to impress my in-laws. I remember searching the internet for something special, and that was when I stumbled upon this gem. The first time I made it, there was a little apprehension. What if it didn’t turn out right? But when twelve perfect, golden cruffins came out of the oven, I knew I was onto something. From that day, Cheesy Garlic Cruffins became a family favorite, making their appearance at every gathering, comforting us with their warm, cheesy goodness.
What I love about this recipe is the simplicity of the ingredients. We start with ready-made crescent dough sheets, adding some homemade flair with a little garlic butter and a generous amount of cheese. It’s one of those recipes where you can simply roll things out, spread the ingredients, roll them back up, and voila! You’re done. And the best part? You don’t need to be a master chef to get these just right.
So, if you’re looking for a dish that will have your family and friends rushing to the table, this Cheesy Garlic Cruffin is it. A delightful mix of textures and flavors awaits. Go ahead, give it a try, and who knows, maybe it’ll make its way into your family tradition too!
How to Make Cheesy Garlic Cruffin
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Ingredients:
- 3 tubes (8 ounces each) refrigerated crescent dough sheets
- ½ cup (1 stick / 113 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 3 cups (339 g) shredded mild cheddar cheese, divided
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh chives, finely chopped
Directions:
- Set your oven to a temperature of 350°F and lightly coat a 12-cup muffin tin with nonstick spray.
- On a surface dusted with flour, roll out each crescent dough tube into a 12×16-inch rectangle. If dough seams are visible, press them together firmly.
- Blend softened butter, chopped chives, and minced garlic in a bowl to form a garlic butter mixture.
- Spread one-third of the garlic butter on a sheet of dough, then evenly cover with 1 cup of cheddar cheese.
- Roll the dough tightly, start from the long side to form a log; cut this log in half.
- Cut each half log lengthwise into two, resulting in four strips; repeat for the remaining dough, creating 12 in total.
- Roll each strip into a cinnamon-bun shape, with layers visible and ends tucked in.
- Place rolled pieces into the muffin tin and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- While cruffins bake, combine melted butter, garlic, chives, and salt to make garlic butter.
- Once baked, brush the cruffins with garlic butter generously.
Storing Suggestion:
Keep your Cheesy Garlic Cruffins fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, place them in the refrigerator, where they’ll be good for about a week. Reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to maintain their crispiness before serving.
Cooking Tips:
If you’re out of unsalted butter, salted butter works just fine. You can also add a dash of paprika to the garlic butter mixture for a hint of spice, or even mix different cheeses for a richer flavor. If you enjoy a bit of heat, a sprinkle of chili flakes before baking can add a nice kick.
Serving Suggestions:
These Cheesy Garlic Cruffins are perfect as a brunch centerpiece. Pair them with a fresh mixed salad or steam some green veggies on the side. For drinks, a zesty lemonade or a glass of light white wine complements the cheesy flavors beautifully.
Ingredient Substitutions:
If crescent dough isn’t available, puff pastry sheets can be a quick replacement. For a different cheese profile, substitutes like mozzarella or Parmesan work excellently. Fresh herbs can include parsley or basil if chives aren’t handy.
Seasonal Variations:
In the spring, try adding some freshly grated carrots for sweetness, or in the fall, mix in some pumpkin spices for a seasonal twist. During summer, a few cherry tomato halves in the dough add freshness, while in winter, some crushed dried rosemary offers a comforting aroma.
FAQs
Can I freeze Cheesy Garlic Cruffins?
Yes, you can freeze Cheesy Garlic Cruffins. Once they have completely cooled, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can stay frozen for up to 2 months. Just thaw and reheat them in the oven before serving.
Can I make the dough from scratch?
Absolutely! Making crescent dough from scratch will give you more control over the ingredients, and potentially a more authentic taste. There are many simple recipes online for homemade crescent roll dough if you prefer to go the extra mile.
What can I do if I don’t have chives?
If chives aren’t available, you can use any fresh herb like parsley or green onions for a flavor twist. Each brings its own unique taste to the dish, adding variety and a fresh note to the cruffins.
Are there any whole grain alternatives?
If you’re looking for a healthier version, whole wheat dough sheets can be used instead of regular crescent dough. This would provide additional fiber and nutrients, making it a guilt-free indulgence without compromising on taste.
What occasions are suitable for serving Cheesy Garlic Cruffins?
Cheesy Garlic Cruffins are versatile and fit right into any casual brunch, a family dinner, holiday gathering, or even as a tea-time snack. Their cheesy and garlicky flavor makes them a universal favorite at any table setting.
Can I use vegan ingredients?
Certainly. You can swap the regular butter for plant-based butter and opt for dairy-free cheese alternatives. Just ensure the crescent dough you choose is also vegan, and you’ll have a delicious vegan-friendly cruffin in no time.
Cheesy Garlic Cruffin
Ingredients
- 3 tubes refrigerated crescent dough sheets (8 ounces each)
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives (finely chopped)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon garlic (minced)
- 3 cups shredded mild cheddar cheese (divided)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 teaspoon garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon fresh chives (finely chopped)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly spray a standard 12-cup muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
- On a floured surface, roll each tube of crescent dough into a rectangle measuring about 12x16 inches. If using perforated dough, pinch the seams to seal them.
- In a medium bowl, mix softened butter, chopped chives, and minced garlic to create a garlic butter mixture.
- Spread roughly a third of this garlic butter over one dough sheet. Then, sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly across the butter.
- Roll the dough tightly from the long side to form a log. Cut this log in half, giving you two shorter logs.
- Cut each of those shorter logs in half lengthwise, resulting in four pieces of dough. Repeat this process with the remaining dough sheets until you have a total of 12 pieces.
- Taking one section at a time with the layered side facing out, roll it into a tight cinnamon-bun shape, tucking the ends in.
- Place each rolled section into the prepared muffin tin. Once all 12 pieces are in, bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they turn a lovely golden brown.
- While the cruffins are baking, prepare the garlic butter by whisking together melted butter, minced garlic, chopped chives, and salt in a small bowl.
- Once the cruffins are done, brush this delicious garlic butter generously over the warm rolls.
