Introduction

Flaky Cheesy Garlic Cruffins combine the buttery layers of a croissant with the savory goodness of garlic and cheddar cheese. These delightful baked treats are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a tasty snack any time of the day.

A close-up shows a group of golden brown spiral pastries arranged in a wooden box lined with light brown parchment paper. Each pastry reveals many thin, flaky layers swirled into a round shape with a textured surface. The tops are sprinkled with small bits of chopped green herbs and minced garlic, adding green and white accents on the warm, baked dough. The box has thick ropes tied to its sides, and the background surface is a white marbled texture, giving a clean contrast to the warm tones of the pastries. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

3 tubes (8 ounces each) refrigerated crescent roll sheets
½ 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
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon garlic, minced
1 teaspoon chives, finely chopped
1 teaspoon kosher salt

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly spray a standard 12-cup muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
Step 2: On a lightly floured surface, roll out each tube of crescent roll dough into a 12×16-inch rectangle. If using perforated dough, pinch seams to seal.
Step 3: In a medium bowl, combine ½ cup softened butter, 1 tablespoon chives, and 1 tablespoon minced garlic. Spread about one-third of this mixture evenly over one dough sheet.
Step 4: Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the buttered dough.
Step 5: Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Cut the log in half, then cut each half lengthwise into two sections, making four sections total.
Step 6: Repeat the spreading, sprinkling, rolling, and cutting with the remaining two dough sheets to yield a total of 12 dough sections.
Step 7: Take each dough section with the layered side facing out, roll tightly into a cinnamon roll shape, tucking in the end piece to seal.
Step 8: Place each rolled cruffin into the prepared muffin tin cups.
Step 9: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
Step 10: While baking, prepare the garlic butter by whisking together 3 tablespoons melted butter, 1 teaspoon minced garlic, 1 teaspoon chopped chives, and 1 teaspoon kosher salt.
Step 11: When the cruffins are warm from the oven, brush the garlic butter mixture generously over each one before serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or chili flakes to the garlic butter.
Try swapping cheddar for mozzarella or a sharp Parmesan for a different cheesy twist.
Make sure to pinch the crescent roll seams well to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking.
Use fresh garlic for the filling but feel free to use garlic powder in the butter brush if fresh is unavailable.

Storage

Store leftover cruffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in a warm oven at 300°F for about 5-7 minutes to restore crispness before serving.

How to Serve

The image shows nine golden brown swirled pastries arranged on a white marbled textured surface, each with multiple thin layers spiraled tightly in a round shape. The tops of the pastries have some white flaky salt and small green herb pieces scattered on them. Two pastries are cut open in the center, revealing soft, layered dough with melted orange cheese inside. To the upper left, there is a small white bowl filled with melted butter with some herb bits floating on top. The overall look is warm and inviting with a rustic wooden edge visible at the bottom. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other dough instead of crescent roll sheets?

Yes, puff pastry dough works well as a substitute and can enhance the flakiness, but adjust rolling and baking times accordingly.

Can I prepare these ahead of time?

You can assemble the cruffins and keep them covered in the fridge for a few hours before baking. Allow extra baking time if baking straight from the refrigerator.