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
Scale
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