Cheesy Garlic Cruffin Recipe
If you are on the hunt for a delightful treat that perfectly combines the comforting richness of cheese with the aromatic warmth of garlic wrapped in a flaky, buttery crust, then you absolutely must try the Cheesy Garlic Cruffin. This scrumptious hybrid pastry marries the allure of a croissant with the convenience of a muffin, delivering layers of tender dough bursting with gooey mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, highlighted by an irresistible garlic kick. Every bite offers a joyous symphony of textures and flavors that makes the Cheesy Garlic Cruffin an instant favorite for breakfast, snack time, or even a casual dinner that feels special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is key to creating an unforgettable Cheesy Garlic Cruffin. Each component brings something unique to the table, from the rich creaminess of the cheeses to the fragrant garlic punch that elevates this dish beyond ordinary pastry.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: This forms the soft, tender base of the cruffin dough, essential for a perfect flaky texture.
- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks, melted): Butter adds richness and helps create those beautiful flaky layers in the pastry.
- 1/2 cup warm milk (110°F or 45°C): Warm milk activates the yeast and keeps the dough soft and pliable.
- 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons): Yeast is the magical ingredient that makes the dough rise and develop airy layers.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: A hint of sweetness balances the savory flavors and aids yeast activation.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Salt enhances all the flavors and strengthens the dough’s structure.
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle underlying garlic essence, boosting the savory profile.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella delivers luscious, melty cheese pull in every bite.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Parmesan contributes a sharp, nutty flavor that deepens the cheesy experience.
- 4 cloves garlic (minced): Fresh garlic brings vibrant pungency, defining the heart of the Cheesy Garlic Cruffin.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish): Parsley adds a refreshing pop of color and a herbal brightness to finish the dish beautifully.
How to Make Cheesy Garlic Cruffin
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by combining the warm milk with active dry yeast in a small bowl. Let this sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy on top. This foam means the yeast is alive and ready to puff up your dough, so don’t rush this step—it’s crucial for that perfect rise!
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Next, whisk together all-purpose flour, sugar, salt, and garlic powder in a large mixing bowl. This mixture forms the flavorful foundation of the dough and the garlic powder infuses a gentle aroma right from the start.
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry
Pour in the yeast mixture and melted butter to the dry ingredients, stirring everything together until a rough dough begins to form. This stage is where the dough starts to come alive and show promise for that tender texture we’re aiming for.
Step 4: Knead Until Smooth
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 5 to 7 minutes. This kneading step is vital to develop the gluten structure, creating that lovely elasticity you’ll notice when rolling it out later.
Step 5: Let the Dough Rise
Place your kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rest in a warm spot for about an hour. You want it to double in size — this proofing phase allows the yeast to work its magic, giving your Cruffin a light, airy crumb.
Step 6: Prepare the Cheese and Garlic Filling
While the dough rises, mix shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, and if you like, fresh parsley in a bowl. This luscious blend is the soul of your Cheesy Garlic Cruffin, so make sure everything is well combined for a harmonious taste in every bite.
Step 7: Roll Out the Dough
After the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle approximately 1/4 inch thick. This even thickness ensures your layers will bake beautifully and hold the stuffing in place without leaking.
Step 8: Add Butter and Cheese Filling
Brush the dough generously with melted butter, then sprinkle the cheese and garlic mixture evenly across the surface. The butter adds extra richness and helps the filling meld seamlessly with the dough.
Step 9: Shape the Cruffins
Carefully roll the dough tightly from the long edge to form a log. Slice this log into 12 equal pieces. Each roll transforms into an individual Cheesy Garlic Cruffin that looks as delightful as it tastes.
Step 10: Bake to Golden Perfection
Place each slice cut-side up in a muffin tin, gently pressing down so they fit snugly. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20 to 25 minutes, until the tops are beautifully golden brown and irresistibly aromatic.
Step 11: Cool and Garnish
Once out of the oven, let your Cheesy Garlic Cruffins cool for 5 minutes in the tin before transferring them to a wire rack. For a final touch, brush the tops with a bit more melted butter and sprinkle chopped parsley to make them look as good as they taste.
How to Serve Cheesy Garlic Cruffin
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkling of fresh parsley or a light dusting of grated Parmesan after baking boosts the Cheesy Garlic Cruffin’s visual appeal and adds a fresh herbal note that complements the rich cheese and garlic flavors perfectly.
Side Dishes
Cheesy Garlic Cruffin pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad to balance the richness or a warm bowl of tomato soup for dipping. These sides bring contrast and variety, making your meal feel cozy and complete.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Cheesy Garlic Cruffins in a rustic wooden board alongside bowls of marinara or a spicy pesto sauce for dipping. Wrapping them individually in parchment paper tied with twine also makes a charming presentation for brunch guests or gifting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover Cheesy Garlic Cruffins, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps the pastry tender and the cheese flavorful without drying out.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the unbaked sliced rolls arranged on a tray until solid, then transfer them to a sealed freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, thaw them in the fridge overnight and bake as directed. You can also freeze fully baked cruffins, wrapped tightly, for up to one month.
Reheating
Reheat leftover cruffins in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to regain that fresh-baked crispiness and to melt the cheese back to ooey-gooey perfection. Avoid microwaving as it can make the dough soggy.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese in the Cheesy Garlic Cruffin?
Absolutely! While mozzarella and Parmesan are perfect for melt and flavor balance, you can experiment with cheddar, Gruyère, or even a spicy pepper jack for a different twist.
Is it possible to make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise slowly in the refrigerator. This slow fermentation deepens the flavor and gives you a head start the next day.
Can I make Cheesy Garlic Cruffin dairy-free?
Definitely. Swap the butter for a dairy-free alternative and choose plant-based cheeses. Just keep in mind that the texture and flavor might vary slightly, but you’ll still get a tasty result.
How can I add more garlic flavor without overpowering the dish?
Using garlic powder in the dough and fresh minced garlic in the filling strikes a nice balance, but you can reduce the fresh garlic if you prefer a milder taste or roast the garlic beforehand for a sweeter, mellower flavor.
What is the best way to store leftover Cheesy Garlic Cruffins?
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or freeze them wrapped tightly to enjoy later. Reheating in the oven brings back their freshly baked charm.
Final Thoughts
The Cheesy Garlic Cruffin is one of those magical recipes that manages to feel decadent and homey all at once. It’s perfect for sharing with family and friends or treating yourself to a special moment of indulgence. Once you try making these flaky, cheesy delights, you’ll find they quickly become a staple everyone looks forward to. So roll up your sleeves, get the ingredients ready, and dive into making this irresistibly delicious Cheesy Garlic Cruffin—you won’t regret it!
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Cheesy Garlic Cruffin Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 cruffins 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cheesy Garlic Cruffin is a decadent hybrid treat combining the flaky, buttery layers of a croissant with the soft, comforting texture of a muffin. Infused with aromatic garlic and loaded with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, this savory pastry is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a savory snack. Garnished with fresh parsley, it delivers a perfect blend of rich flavors and an irresistible aroma that will delight cheese and garlic lovers alike.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 cup warm milk (110°F or 45°C)
- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks, melted)
Cheese Filling
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish)
- Additional melted butter for brushing (optional)
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk with the active dry yeast and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active and ready.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, salt, and garlic powder until evenly combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the foamy yeast mixture and the melted unsalted butter to the dry ingredient bowl. Stir the mixture until a rough dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 5 to 7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic, which ensures proper gluten development.
- First Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl. Cover it with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
- Prepare Cheese Filling: In a separate bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, and chopped fresh parsley (if using). Set aside.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking.
- Roll Out Dough: On a floured surface, roll the risen dough into a rectangle approximately 1/4 inch thick to create layers for the cruffin.
- Add Filling: Brush the dough rectangle with melted butter, then evenly sprinkle the cheese and garlic mixture over the top.
- Form Log: Starting from one long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log shape to encase the filling inside.
- Slice Log: Cut the log into 12 equal pieces to create individual cruffins.
- Prepare Muffin Tin: Place each sliced piece cut-side up into a greased muffin tin, gently pressing each piece down to fit snugly in the cups.
- Bake: Bake the cruffins in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they turn golden brown on top and cooked through.
- Cool: Remove from the oven and let them cool in the muffin tin for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optional Garnish: Brush the tops with extra melted butter and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over each cruffin before serving for an extra touch of flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Ensure the milk is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast; 110°F is ideal.
- You can substitute the mozzarella and Parmesan with other cheeses like cheddar or Gruyère for different flavor profiles.
- For a stronger garlic flavor, increase the amount of garlic or add garlic-infused butter when brushing the dough.
- The cheese filling mixture can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator.
- If you prefer less salt, reduce the added salt or choose low-sodium cheeses.
- Store leftover cruffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for up to 1 month.
- Reheat by warming in a toaster oven or microwave briefly before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snack, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Fusion (French-inspired pastry with Italian flavors)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cruffin
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 360 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
Keywords: cheesy cruffin, garlic pastry, croissant muffin, savory pastry, breakfast recipe, brunch ideas, mozzarella Parmesan garlic, homemade cruffin
