Name: Irresistible Cheesy Garlic Cruffin Recipe: Easy & Delicious!
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 115 min
Ingredients: 3 cups All-purpose flour (Substitute with gluten-free flour if needed.); 1 tsp Salt (Essential for dough.); 2 tbsp Sugar (Can replace with honey if preferred.); 1 tbsp Instant yeast (Active dry yeast can be used by activating it in warm milk.); 1 cup Warm milk (Almond or oat milk can substitute.); 1/2 cup Unsalted butter (Substitute with margarine for dairy-free.); 1 large Egg (Flax egg can replace for vegan diets.); 1 cup Shredded cheese (Blend of cheddar and mozzarella recommended.); 3 cloves Garlic (Use roasted garlic for milder taste.); 1/4 cup Parsley (Optional, can be substituted with chives.); 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (Nutritional yeast can substitute for vegan.)

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

When life gets busy and takeout starts to lose its charm, I find myself craving something warm, cheesy, and utterly comforting. Enter the Cheesy Garlic Cruffin—a delightful union of flaky croissant and tender muffin that I stumbled upon during a lazy Sunday in the kitchen. The moment you layer the buttery dough with rich garlic and gooey cheese, the irresistible aroma fills the house, beckoning everyone to the table. Perfect for breakfast, a midday snack, or served warm alongside a bowl of soup, this recipe is as versatile as it is delicious. Let me show you how to create these flaky gems that are sure to impress friends and family alike!

Why You’ll Love This Irresistible Cheesy Garlic Cruffin Recipe

Easy to Make: These cruffins come together with minimal effort, perfect for home cooks of all levels.

Irresistible Aroma: As they bake, the heavenly scent of garlic and cheese fills your kitchen, making it hard to resist nibbling before they’re even cool!

Ultimate Comfort Food: Combining the best of a croissant and a muffin, each bite is a harmonious blend of flaky, buttery goodness with a gooey center.

Versatile Delight: Enjoy them warm for breakfast, as a snack, or pair with a fresh salad or a warm bowl of soup for lunch.

Meal Prep Friendly: Make ahead and freeze to enjoy this delightful treat anytime you crave comfort food. You may also love these Savory Cheesy Sausage for another delicious twist!

Irresistible Cheesy Garlic Cruffin Ingredients

For the Dough

All-purpose flour – Provides structure and body; substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend if needed.
Salt – Enhances flavor and strengthens gluten structure; essential for dough.
Sugar – Adds slight sweetness for balance and helps with browning; can replace with honey if preferred.
Instant yeast – Leavens the dough, giving it that light and airy texture; active dry yeast can be used by activating it in warm milk first.
Warm milk – Hydrates the dough and activates the yeast; almond or oat milk can substitute for a dairy-free version.
Unsalted butter – Adds richness and moisture; substitute with margarine for a dairy-free option.
Egg – Aids in binding and adds richness; a flax egg can replace for vegan diets.

For the Filling

Shredded cheese – Provides flavor and gooey texture inside the cruffins; use a blend of cheddar and mozzarella for diversity.
Garlic – Adds a robust flavor to the filling; for a milder taste, use roasted garlic.
Parsley – Optional fresh herb for garnish and flavor; can be omitted or substituted with chives.

For the Topping

Parmesan cheese – Sprinkled on top for added flavor and a slightly crunchy texture; nutritional yeast can substitute for a vegan option.

This Irresistible Cheesy Garlic Cruffin Recipe is bound to become a beloved staple in your kitchen—let’s get started on making these flaky, cheesy wonders!

How to Make Cheesy Garlic Cruffins

Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, mix together all-purpose flour, salt, sugar, and instant yeast. In a separate bowl, whisk warm milk, melted butter, and egg, then combine with the dry ingredients to form a dough.
Knead the dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it for 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic, ensuring a tender texture in your cruffins.
First rise: Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl, cover it with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size—this is the key to fluffy cruffins!
Prepare the filling: In a medium bowl, mix shredded cheese, minced garlic, softened butter, optional parsley, and a pinch of salt and pepper, creating a deliciously savory mixture.
Shape the cruffins: After punching down the risen dough, roll it into a rectangle. Evenly spread the cheese filling over the dough, then tightly roll it into a log and seal the seam.
Cut and second rise: Slice the log into 12 equal pieces and place the cut sides up in a greased muffin tin. Cover and let rise for an additional 30 minutes while you preheat your oven.
Preheat oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C), preparing for the cruffins to bake to perfection.
Top and bake: Brush the tops of the cruffins with melted butter, sprinkle Parmesan cheese over them, and bake for 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown and irresistible.
Cool and serve: Once baked, allow the cruffins to cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Garnish with parsley if desired and serve warm.

Optional: Serve with a side of marinara sauce for a delightful twist!

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Tips for the Best Cheesy Garlic Cruffins

Perfect Dough Temperature: Ensure your warm milk is around 110°F (43°C) to activate the yeast without killing it, which can result in flat cruffins.
Knead Thoroughly: Knead the dough for a full 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic; this step is crucial for that flaky texture.
Seal the Filling: Roll the dough tightly and seal the seams to prevent the cheesy filling from leaking out during baking, ensuring a delightful burst of flavor in each bite.
Evenly Cut Portions: When slicing the log into pieces, make sure they are equal in size to guarantee even baking and perfect presentation.
Cooling Time: Allow the baked cruffins to cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack; this prevents them from becoming soggy and enhances their flaky texture.

Embrace these expert tips for a perfect batch of Irresistible Cheesy Garlic Cruffin delights!

How to Store and Freeze Cheesy Garlic Cruffins

Room Temperature: Store baked Cheesy Garlic Cruffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain their freshness.

Fridge: For longer storage, refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 1 week; just warm them in the microwave or oven before serving.

Freezer: Wrap each cruffin tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag or airtight container; they freeze well for up to 1 month.

Reheating: When ready to enjoy, reheat from frozen in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through, restoring their flaky goodness.

Make Ahead Options

Cheesy Garlic Cruffins are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy their flaky goodness without the last-minute rush! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours, which gives it a chance to develop even more flavor. Simply knead and let it rise, then shape the cruffins, placing them in the muffin tin before covering and refrigerating. When you’re ready to bake, let them come to room temperature for about 30 minutes, then brush with melted butter, sprinkle with Parmesan, and bake as directed. To maintain quality, store any baked cruffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for up to 1 month—they’ll still taste just as delicious!

Cheesy Garlic Variations

Let’s get creative and make this recipe your own with delightful twists and swaps!

Different Cheeses: Swap in different cheeses like feta or gouda for a unique flavor profile.
Add Vegetables: Incorporate caramelized onions or sautéed spinach to the filling for added nutrition and taste.
Spice it Up: For a kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the cheese mixture.
Meaty Version: Mix in cooked bacon or diced ham with the filling for a heartier cruffin that satisfies meat lovers.
Herb Infusion: Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to elevate the aroma and taste of your cruffins.
Sweet Twist: For a sweet take, mix cinnamon and sugar into the filling and top with a drizzle of honey.
Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour to accommodate gluten-free friends.
Dairy-Free: Replace butter with vegan margarine and opt for dairy-free cheese to keep it plant-based.

Indulge in these variations to create a version of the Cheesy Garlic Cruffin that resonates with your taste buds!

What to Serve with Cheesy Garlic Cruffin?

Indulging in warm, cheesy goodness is a sensation you’ll want to build a meal around.

Fresh Garden Salad: Crisp greens and vibrant veggies provide a refreshing contrast to the rich, cheesy cruffins.
Tomato Basil Soup: This classic pairing adds a comforting warmth, perfect for dipping those flaky cruffins into.
Savory Spinach Quiche: The creamy quiche complements the garlic notes in the cruffins, enhancing your brunch spread.
Roasted Vegetable Medley: Sweet and smoky roasted veggies add a delightful texture and depth, rounding out the meal perfectly.
Honey Butter: Drizzling a touch of honey butter on your warm cruffins brings a unique sweet balance to their savory flavor.
Gourmet Latte or Cappuccino: A rich coffee beverage elevates the entire experience, making every bite even more enjoyable.
Fruit Compote: A tangy fruit compote introduces a burst of sweetness that harmonizes beautifully with the cruffins’ savory element.
Sparkling Lemonade: Refreshing and zesty, this drink provides a bright contrast that enhances your snacking experience.

Irresistible Cheesy Garlic Cruffin Recipe FAQs

How do I select the best garlic for my cruffins?
Absolutely! Look for firm, plump garlic bulbs with tight, dry skin. Avoid bulbs with dark spots or sprouting, as these can have a bitter taste. Fresh garlic will offer the robust flavor that makes these Cheesy Garlic Cruffins truly shine!

How should I store the baked cruffins?
Baked Cheesy Garlic Cruffins should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer freshness, refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Just pop them in the microwave or oven to warm before serving for that fresh-baked experience!

Can I freeze the cruffins for later?
Absolutely! To freeze, wrap each cooled cruffin tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag or airtight container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to enjoy, reheat from frozen in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until they’re lovely and warm.

What if my cruffins aren’t rising properly?
If they aren’t rising, check your yeast—make sure it’s fresh and active! The warmth of your milk is crucial; it should be around 110°F (43°C). If the dough isn’t rising in the first rise, place it in a warm spot (like an oven with just the light on) for about 1 hour. Just remember, patience is key for that delightful fluffiness!

Can I make these cruffins dairy-free?
Very much so! You can substitute the unsalted butter with margarine or a dairy-free butter alternative. Use almond or oat milk instead of regular milk, and for the cheese, try dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. These adjustments will still give you that rich and delicious Cheesy Garlic Cruffin experience!