Cheesy Garlic Cruffin

The moment you pull these cheesy garlic cruffins out of the oven, your kitchen will be filled with the most irresistible aroma. That rich, warm scent of garlic butter mixed with melting cheese—it’s enough to make your stomach rumble before the first bite. The beauty of cruffins is in their layers, which create the perfect combination of crispy, golden edges and soft, pillowy centers. As you tear into one, the cheese stretches ever so slightly, and that burst of garlic hits your taste buds, making every bite feel like a comforting hug. It’s a symphony of flavors that dance together effortlessly, each element shining through in its own way.

I always find myself making these on lazy weekends when I’m craving something indulgent but not too complicated. You don’t need to be a pastry expert to get these just right, and trust me, they’ll disappear faster than you can say “cheesy garlic goodness.” The buttery garlic sauce that coats the layers gives them an extra richness that makes them a crowd-pleaser every time. They’re great on their own or paired with a fresh salad for a balanced meal, but let’s be real—they’re perfect for snacking straight out of the pan, hot and fresh. So go ahead, embrace that cheesy, garlicky magic and let these cruffins bring a little joy to your day.

Key Ingredients for Cheesy Garlic Cruffin

The magic behind cheesy garlic cruffins lies in the carefully chosen ingredients that work together to create the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and aroma. Each one plays a unique role in bringing these cruffins to life, whether it’s adding richness, structure, or that signature garlicky punch.

• All-purpose flour: The backbone of the dough, giving it structure and that soft, fluffy texture we all love. It forms the base that holds all the delicious layers together.
• Granulated sugar: Just a touch of sweetness to balance out the richness of the garlic butter and cheese. It also helps activate the yeast, making the dough rise beautifully.
• Salt: A small but mighty ingredient that enhances the overall flavor, ensuring the dough is perfectly seasoned. It helps bring out the savory notes in the cheese and garlic.
• Instant yeast: The key to those light, airy layers! This little powerhouse helps the dough rise quickly and creates that perfect, pillowy texture in every bite.
• Warm milk: It adds moisture to the dough, contributing to a soft and tender crumb. The warmth also helps activate the yeast, ensuring a nice, even rise.
• Unsalted butter, melted: This buttery goodness adds richness to the dough and helps create those crispy, golden edges as the cruffins bake. It’s the secret ingredient for that irresistible, flaky texture.
• Warm water: Works in harmony with the milk to provide the necessary moisture for the dough. The warm temperature also aids in activating the yeast for a light, fluffy result.
• Large egg: The egg is essential for binding everything together, giving the dough structure and a soft, tender crumb. It also adds a bit of richness to the flavor.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the gooey mozzarella. It gives each cruffin an extra layer of savory goodness that will have you reaching for more.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: The star of the cheesy filling. It melts beautifully, creating that signature gooey texture and flavor that stretches as you pull apart each cruffin.
• Garlic, minced: The true flavor hero of this recipe. Garlic brings that bold, aromatic kick that pairs so perfectly with the buttery, cheesy goodness in each bite.
• Unsalted butter, softened: This is the base for the garlicky butter that coats the dough. It imparts a rich, velvety texture and helps ensure the layers are as buttery as they are delicious.
• Fresh parsley, chopped: Adds a pop of freshness and color to the finished cruffins. The parsley balances out the richness of the garlic butter with a hint of herbaceous brightness.

How to Make Cheesy Garlic Cruffin

Serving Suggestions for Cheesy Garlic Cruffin

1. Pair with a Crisp Salad: These cruffins are rich and indulgent, so a fresh, zesty salad is the perfect counterpart. Think a tangy lemon vinaigrette with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a sprinkle of feta. The coolness of the salad cuts through the richness of the cheese and garlic, balancing out every bite.

2. Serve with a Warm Bowl of Soup: Picture this: a bowl of creamy tomato soup and a cheesy garlic cruffin to dip. The cruffin’s layers soak up the soup just perfectly, creating a comforting bite every time. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, try pairing it with a hearty butternut squash soup—pure cozy magic.

3. Enjoy as a Snack with a Cold Drink: If you’re in the mood for something a little simpler, grab one (or two) of these cruffins and pair them with your favorite cold beverage. Whether it’s an iced tea, a sparkling lemonade, or even a chilled glass of white wine, they’re the perfect snack to satisfy those savory cravings.

And remember, no matter how you serve them, these cruffins will be the star of the show—guaranteed to disappear faster than you can say “yum!”

How to Store Cheesy Garlic Cruffin

To keep your cheesy garlic cruffins as fresh as possible, it’s important to store them properly. If you have any leftovers (though I’m not sure how that happens!), let them cool completely before storing. If you plan to eat them within a day or two, simply place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and delicious, with the perfect amount of garlicky goodness.

For longer storage, you can wrap the cruffins tightly in plastic wrap or foil and pop them into the fridge. Just make sure they’re wrapped well to avoid them drying out. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, a quick reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes will bring back that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste, with crispy edges and gooey cheese.

If you’re looking to store them for even longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap each cruffin individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re craving one, just pop it straight from the freezer into a preheated oven to warm up. They’ll taste as good as new, and you’ll have a cheesy, garlicky treat ready to go whenever the mood strikes!

Conclusion

And there you have it—the ultimate recipe for cheesy garlic cruffins that are sure to become your new favorite treat! From the buttery, garlicky filling to the gooey, melty cheese, these cruffins are the perfect combination of savory goodness and indulgence. Whether you’re enjoying them as a snack, serving them with a comforting soup, or sharing them with friends and family, they’re bound to bring smiles and satisfied bellies all around.

I hope this recipe inspires you to get in the kitchen and start baking—because nothing beats the smell of fresh, warm cruffins filling your home! If you give this a try, I’d absolutely love to hear what you think. Got any questions along the way? Or maybe you’ve got a twist on the recipe that you’d like to share? Drop a comment or reach out anytime—I’m always here for a chat. Happy baking, and enjoy every cheesy, garlicky bite!

Print Recipe

Cheesy Garlic Cruffin

Author: Emily Roberts Courses: Lunch

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 25 mins Rest Time 1 hr Total Time 1 hr 40 mins

Calories: 350

Description

A warm, golden, flaky cruffin filled with rich, gooey melted cheese and a punch of garlicky goodness. Its buttery layers give way to a savory explosion of flavor in every bite—crispy on the outside, irresistibly soft on the inside.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 2 teaspoons instant yeast

• ¹⁄₂ cup warm milk

• ¹⁄₄ cup unsalted butter, melted

• ¹⁄₂ cup warm water

• 1 large egg

• ¹⁄₂ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• ¹⁄₄ cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, salt, and instant yeast.
2. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the warm milk, melted butter, and warm water.
3. Crack the egg into the bowl and begin to mix the ingredients together with a wooden spoon or your hands.
4. Knead the dough for about 8 to 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
5. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and allow the dough to rise for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
6. While the dough is rising, prepare the filling by mixing the minced garlic, softened butter, and chopped fresh parsley in a small bowl.
7. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a muffin tin with butter or cooking spray.
8. Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a floured surface and roll it into a large rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.
9. Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over the surface of the dough.
10. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the garlic butter, followed by the shredded mozzarella cheese.
11. Carefully roll the dough into a log, starting from one of the long edges.
12. Slice the log into 8 to 10 equal portions, depending on the size of your muffin tin.
13. Place each slice into a muffin cup, stacking them vertically to create a layered effect.
14. Cover the muffin tin with a kitchen towel and let the dough rest for another 20 minutes to rise slightly.
15. Once the dough has risen, place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cruffins are golden brown on top.
16. Remove the cruffins from the oven and let them cool slightly before removing them from the muffin tin.
17. Serve the cheesy garlic cruffins warm, garnished with additional chopped parsley if desired.

Note

• Make sure the warm milk and water are not too hot, as high temperatures can kill the yeast.
• Kneading the dough thoroughly ensures a light, fluffy texture in the final cruffins.
• For a richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of garlic powder or Italian seasoning to the dough.
• If you prefer a stronger cheese flavor, use a mix of Parmesan and sharp cheddar.
• Allow the cruffins to cool slightly before serving to ensure the cheese filling sets properly.

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