This Cheesy Garlic Cruffin is the perfect marriage of buttery, flaky pastry layers infused with aromatic garlic and oozing melted cheese. The golden crust shines with a glossy garlic butter glaze, making it irresistible both in appearance and flavor.
Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or an indulgent snack, these cruffins deliver a savory bite that pairs wonderfully with coffee or tea. Their unique twisted shape offers a delightful texture, showcasing crispy edges alongside tender, cheesy pockets that will have everyone coming back for more.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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1 tablespoon sugar
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1 teaspoon salt
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1 teaspoon instant yeast
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3/4 cup warm milk
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1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for garlic butter)
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1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional)
Directions:
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In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast.
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Slowly add warm milk and softened butter, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
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Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Roll the dough into a rectangle about 12×8 inches. Brush the entire surface with melted butter.
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Sprinkle minced garlic evenly over the dough, then evenly distribute shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
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Cut the dough lengthwise into 3 strips.
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Stack the strips on top of each other, then cut the stacked dough into 6 squares.
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Take each square and twist or fold it into a muffin tin to form a cruffin shape.
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Let the shaped dough rest for 15 minutes before baking.
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Bake for 18-22 minutes or until golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
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Remove from oven, brush with extra garlic butter, and sprinkle fresh parsley on top if desired.
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Serve warm and enjoy the cheesy, garlicky goodness!
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 22 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 42 minutes
Kcal: approx. 320 kcal per serving | Servings: 6 servings
The Cheesy Garlic Cruffin is a wonderful fusion pastry that brings together the best elements of a croissant and a muffin hence the name “cruffin.” It’s a delightful, flaky, buttery pastry shaped like a muffin but layered and textured like a croissant. What makes this recipe particularly irresistible is the addition of garlic and a blend of cheeses, creating a savory flavor profile that’s rich, aromatic, and utterly comforting.
At its core, the cruffin uses a laminated dough similar to croissant dough, which is rolled out and folded multiple times to create thin, buttery layers. These layers puff up beautifully when baked, giving the pastry a flaky, airy texture with crisp edges. The dough itself is tender, rich, and has a delicate crumb that contrasts perfectly with the crispy exterior. For this recipe, the dough is flavored generously with garlic butter and stuffed or topped with shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, which melt and brown as the cruffins bake, infusing each bite with creamy, savory goodness.
One of the biggest draws of the Cheesy Garlic Cruffin is how it elevates simple ingredients into a sophisticated snack or breakfast item. Garlic, a classic flavor enhancer, adds a pungent yet mellow depth that complements the mild, stretchy mozzarella and nutty Parmesan. The garlic butter brushed on the dough before baking also helps the crust turn a beautiful golden color, adding aroma and moisture. When pulled from the oven, the cheesy pockets melt in your mouth, with a slight chew from the mozzarella and a sharp, savory note from the Parmesan. This contrast of textures and flavors makes it a perfect indulgence for cheese lovers and garlic enthusiasts alike.
While it might sound like an elaborate bakery treat, the Cheesy Garlic Cruffin is surprisingly accessible to make at home. With some basic baking skills and a little patience, anyone can enjoy freshly baked cruffins that rival those found in artisan cafes. The recipe involves making a yeast dough that requires rising time to develop flavor and texture, then rolling it out and layering it with butter and garlic for that signature flakiness. The shaping process, folding strips of dough into a muffin tin, is fun and produces a beautiful presentation. This recipe is ideal for bakers wanting to challenge themselves or simply treat their family to something special.
Because of its rich, buttery nature and cheesy interior, the Cheesy Garlic Cruffin works well as a snack or part of a breakfast spread. Pair it with eggs, fresh fruit, or a cup of coffee or tea for a complete morning meal. It also makes a fantastic appetizer or side for dinner parties, especially when paired with soups or salads. The savory flavors satisfy cravings and offer comfort food vibes that work year-round.
Customization is another strong point of this recipe. While the base uses mozzarella and Parmesan, you can experiment with other cheeses like cheddar, Gruyère, or fontina for different taste profiles. Herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or chives can be added for an extra flavor dimension. For those who love spicy food, a sprinkle of chili flakes or a dash of smoked paprika mixed into the garlic butter would be fantastic. The dough can even be adapted to whole wheat or gluten-free flours if desired, though this requires slight adjustments to maintain the perfect texture.
Storing and reheating the Cheesy Garlic Cruffin is straightforward, making it a convenient make ahead option. Once baked and cooled, you can keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or freeze them for longer storage. To reheat, simply warm in an oven or toaster oven to restore the flaky crust and melty cheese experience. This means you can bake a batch ahead of time for busy mornings or unexpected guests.
For food bloggers and content creators, the Cheesy Garlic Cruffin offers plenty of visual appeal. Its golden, shiny crust with melted cheese bubbling on top looks stunning in photographs. The twisted layers peek through, inviting viewers to imagine the crispy texture. Shooting this recipe with natural light and minimal props can highlight the rustic beauty of homemade pastry. Sharing videos of the dough rolling, layering, and shaping processes can also engage your audience and encourage them to try baking at home.
From a nutritional standpoint, this recipe is indulgent but satisfying. It provides a good source of protein from the cheese and energy from the butter and flour. Because it’s made from scratch, you control the ingredients and can avoid preservatives and additives common in store-bought baked goods. However, because of its richness, it’s best enjoyed in moderation or balanced with fresh vegetables or salads.
In terms of culinary heritage, the cruffin is a relatively new pastry creation, believed to have been invented in the 2010s. It quickly gained popularity among bakers for its innovative hybrid appeal and endless possibilities for fillings and flavors. The addition of garlic and cheese here taps into classic European influences, reminiscent of garlic breads and cheesy pastries common in Italian and French cuisines. This fusion recipe celebrates that blend of tradition and creativity, making it a modern classic.
To conclude, the Cheesy Garlic Cruffin is much more than just a pastry it’s a celebration of flavors, textures, and baking artistry. It is perfect for anyone who loves savory, cheesy baked goods with a homemade touch. Whether you’re baking for family breakfasts, weekend brunches, or special gatherings, these cruffins bring warmth, flavor, and an irresistible aroma to the table. Their crispy, flaky layers paired with gooey cheese and fragrant garlic are sure to impress and delight. Once you try this recipe, it will quickly become a favorite to bake and share again and again.