Cheesy Garlic Cruffin

I discovered these cheesy garlic cruffins when I was trying to jazz up our regular dinner rolls. Who knew using crescent dough could create something so fancy looking! They're like a cross between a croissant and a muffin, all swirled up with garlicky butter and cheese. My kids now beg for these instead of regular bread with dinner. They're crispy on the outside but so soft and pull-apart tender inside. The best part? They look like they came from a fancy bakery but they're actually super easy to make.

Why These Are Always A Hit

Let me tell you why these cruffins have become my go-to side dish. First off, they're almost impossible to mess up, which is perfect for busy nights. They've got that amazing cheesy garlic smell while they're baking that brings everyone to the kitchen. I made them for Thanksgiving last year and my mother-in-law actually asked for the recipe – that's when you know they're good! Plus, they're fancy enough for company but easy enough for a regular weeknight dinner.

Grab These Ingredients

• Crescent Dough: Get the sheets without perforations makes life so much easier
• Butter: Half a cup nice and soft so it spreads easily
• Garlic Powder: Just a teaspoon but feel free to add more if you're a garlic lover
• Fresh Chives: I grow these in my kitchen window or grab scallions if you can't find chives
• Cheese: A cup of mild cheddar but any cheese works really
• Extra Butter: For brushing on top while they're warm trust me don't skip this part

Let's Make Some Cruffins

Starting With The Dough

Roll out those crescent sheets on your counter with a little flour. Spread that softened butter all over like you're buttering toast. Then sprinkle on your garlic powder chives and cheese my favorite part!

The Rolling Part

Roll each sheet up nice and tight like a cinnamon roll. Then here's where the magic happens cut it in half then slice each piece down the middle. You'll see all those pretty layers!

Making Them Pretty

Twist those pieces together like you're braiding hair then roll them up into a spiral. Pop each one into your muffin tin.

Time To Bake

They need about 18 minutes in the oven until they're golden brown. The smell is absolutely amazing! Don't forget to brush them with more garlic butter while they're hot.

Mix It Up

There are so many ways to make these your own. Sometimes I use sharp cheddar for extra punch, or mix in some mozzarella for those amazing cheese pulls. Last week I added some fresh minced garlic instead of powder and wow what a difference! When I'm feeling spicy I throw in some red pepper flakes. My friend tried them with puff pastry instead of crescent dough and said they were super flaky and delicious.

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Make Them Your Own

For parties I make mini versions in my little muffin tin they're just too cute! Everyone loves a two-bite cruffin. Just cut the dough into smaller pieces and reduce the baking time a bit. The kids love helping with these they say it's like playing with Play-Doh. Just keep that garlic butter brush handy it's the secret to making them extra delicious.

Tips For Success

Make sure you roll that dough nice and tight or it'll come undone while baking. I learned that the hard way! Sharp scissors work better than a knife for cutting through the rolled dough. And please please grease your muffin tin really well these little guys love to stick. I usually spritz a little cooking spray even in my non-stick pan just to be safe.

Putting Them Together

When you're assembling these beauties take your time with the twisting part that's what gives them their pretty look. Don't worry if they're not perfect they'll still taste amazing. I like to tuck the end underneath when I put them in the tin keeps everything neat. Make sure they're snug in there but don't squish them too much they need a little room to puff up.

Getting The Perfect Cruffin

If your kitchen is warm pop the dough in the fridge for a few minutes before cutting it helps make cleaner slices. That garlic butter brush at the end isn't just for flavor it gives them a beautiful shine too. I always bake one pan at a time right in the middle of the oven they brown more evenly that way. And let them cool just a few minutes in the pan before taking them out helps them hold their shape better.

Keeping Them Fresh

These cruffins are best fresh out of the oven but they'll keep for a few days in a container on your counter. Just pop them in a warm oven for a few minutes to crisp them up again. I wouldn't recommend freezing them they're just not the same after. But honestly we never have leftovers anyway they disappear too fast! If you want to make them ahead just prep everything and bake them right before dinner.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What's a cruffin?

Cross between croissant and muffin - shaped like muffin but layered like croissant. Made easier with crescent dough.

→ Regular crescent rolls work?

Yes, just pinch seams together well. Sheets are easier but either works fine.

→ Tips for rolling tight?

Keep layers facing out when making final spiral. Tighter rolls mean better layers.

→ Make ahead?

Best fresh and warm, but can reheat briefly. Add final garlic butter just before serving.

→ Different cheese options?

Any good melting cheese works. Sharp cheddar adds more flavor but mild melts smoothest.

Conclusion

These cheesy garlic cruffins combine the flaky layers of a croissant with the shape of a muffin, creating a delightful twist on traditional rolls. Using crescent dough makes this recipe quick and easy, perfect for home cooks looking for a tasty side dish or appetizer.