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Cheesy Garlic Cruffins | Flaky, Buttery & Irresistibly Savory Rolls

When buttery crescent roll dough meets the rich flavors of garlic, chives, and melty cheddar cheese, something magical happens—Cheesy Garlic Cruffins are born. These savory, muffin-shaped rolls are flaky, cheesy, and fragrant with fresh herbs, making them the perfect side dish for everything from hearty soups to holiday feasts. A cruffin is the delightful hybrid of a croissant and a muffin, but here, we’re keeping it easy by using refrigerated crescent roll sheets. You get the signature flaky layers without the time-consuming process of making laminated dough from scratch. Each bite delivers a buttery crunch on the outside and cheesy, garlicky goodness on the inside. Whether you serve them warm out of the oven, pack them for a picnic, or pair them with a salad for a light lunch, these cruffins will quickly become a household favorite.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
bake time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 12 cruffins
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Fruits & Vegetables:
  • 1 ⅓ tablespoons chives finely chopped
  • 1 ⅓ tablespoons garlic minced
Culinary Aids & Spices:
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Breads & Pastries:
  • 3 tubes 8 ounces each refrigerated crescent roll sheets, chilled
Dairy Products:
  • 11/16 cup unsalted butter melted (about 11 tablespoons)
  • 3 cups mild cheddar cheese shredded

Equipment

  • Muffin tin (12-cup standard size)
  • Mixing bowls (medium)
  • Measuring cups & spoons
  • Pastry brush
  • Rolling pin (optional)
  • Sharp knife or pizza cutter
  • Cooling rack

Method
 

Step 1: Prep Your Muffin Tin
  1. Lightly grease each muffin cup or line with parchment liners to prevent sticking. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Mixture
  1. In a small bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, and kosher salt.
  2. Stir in chopped chives and set aside.
Step 3: Assemble the Cruffins
  1. Roll out one crescent roll sheet on a lightly floured surface.
  2. Brush evenly with garlic butter mixture.
  3. Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
  4. Roll the sheet into a tight log, then slice it lengthwise to expose the layers.
  5. Twist each half and coil into a muffin cup.
Step 4: Repeat & Fill the Pan
  1. Repeat the process with remaining crescent roll sheets until all muffin cups are filled.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden
  1. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until cruffins are puffed and golden brown, with cheese bubbling on top.
Step 6: Serve Warm
  1. Let cool for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack. Serve warm to enjoy the melty cheese at its best.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Room Temperature:
Store in an airtight container for up to 1 day.
Refrigerator:
Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer:
Freeze baked cruffins for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen.
Reheating:
Warm in a 350°F oven for 5–8 minutes, or in an air fryer for 3–4 minutes.
🥄 Variations
Herb Lovers’ Cruffins: Add parsley, thyme, or rosemary along with chives.
Spicy Kick: Sprinkle red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños with the cheese.
Cheese Blend: Mix cheddar with mozzarella or gouda for extra gooeyness.
Everything Bagel Cruffins: Sprinkle everything bagel seasoning before baking.
Garlic Parmesan Cruffins: Swap cheddar for parmesan and add extra garlic.
Sun-Dried Tomato Twist: Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy burst.
Mini Cruffins: Use a mini muffin tin for bite-sized versions.
❓ 10 FAQs
1. Can I use homemade dough instead of crescent rolls?
Yes—any laminated or croissant-style dough will work.
2. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes—assemble, refrigerate, and bake just before serving.
3. Can I make them without cheese?
Yes—they’ll still be flavorful thanks to the garlic butter.
4. Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Yes, but freshly shredded melts more smoothly.
5. Can I bake them in silicone muffin molds?
Yes—they release easily and require less greasing.
6. Can I freeze unbaked cruffins?
Yes—freeze assembled cruffins and bake from frozen, adding 3–5 minutes to bake time.
7. Can I add meat?
Yes—try diced chicken or turkey sausage for extra protein.
8. How do I make them extra flaky?
Keep dough cold until baking for the best layers.
9. Can I brush with butter after baking?
Yes—for extra shine and flavor.
10. What can I serve them with?
They pair beautifully with soups, salads, pasta, or holiday roasts.
🏁 Conclusion
Cheesy Garlic Cruffins are a fun, flavorful twist on traditional bread rolls. With flaky crescent layers, rich garlic butter, and gooey cheddar cheese, they’re a perfect side for almost any meal—or a snack all on their own. Simple enough for weeknights yet impressive enough for guests, they’re a recipe you’ll want to bake again and again.