Cheesy Garlic Cruffin: Prepare to meet your new obsession! Imagine the flaky, buttery layers of a croissant, perfectly intertwined and baked into a muffin shape, then generously infused with savory garlic and gooey, melted cheese. Sounds divine, right? This isn’t just a recipe; it’s an experience.

While the cruffin itself is a relatively modern invention, born from the creative minds of bakers seeking to elevate the humble croissant, the combination of cheese and garlic boasts a history as rich and comforting as the flavors themselves. From ancient civilizations using garlic for its medicinal properties to the widespread love of cheese across cultures, these ingredients have been staples for centuries. Combining them in a pastry like the cruffin is a delightful fusion of tradition and innovation.

What makes the cheesy garlic cruffin so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of textures the crisp, golden exterior gives way to a soft, yielding interior. The garlic adds a pungent, aromatic kick that complements the richness of the cheese. And let’s be honest, who can resist warm, cheesy bread? Whether you’re serving it as a sophisticated appetizer, a comforting side dish, or simply indulging in a weekend treat, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. Get ready to bake your way to cheesy, garlicky bliss!

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

500g strong bread flour, plus extra for dusting
10g instant dried yeast
10g salt
300ml lukewarm water
50g unsalted butter, melted

For the Garlic Butter:

200g unsalted butter, softened
6 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Cheese Filling:

200g Gruyere cheese, grated
100g Parmesan cheese, grated
50g Mozzarella cheese, grated (optional, for extra stretch)

For Brushing:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 clove garlic, minced (optional, for extra garlic flavor)

Preparing the Dough:

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the bread flour, instant dried yeast, and salt. Make sure the yeast is well distributed throughout the flour. This helps it activate evenly.
Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in the lukewarm water and melted butter. Use a wooden spoon or your hands to bring the mixture together until a shaggy dough forms.
Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 8-10 minutes, or until the dough is smooth, elastic, and no longer sticky. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time. Be careful not to add too much, as this can make the cruffins tough. I like to use the windowpane test to check if the dough is ready. To do this, stretch a small piece of dough between your fingers. If you can stretch it thin enough to see light through it without tearing, it’s ready.
First Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat all sides. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. This is crucial for developing the flavor and texture of the cruffins. A warm environment helps the yeast work its magic.

Making the Garlic Butter:

Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper.
Mix Well: Use a fork or a rubber spatula to thoroughly mix all the ingredients together until well combined and the garlic and parsley are evenly distributed throughout the butter. The butter should be soft enough to spread easily. If it’s too cold, you can microwave it for a few seconds, but be careful not to melt it.
Set Aside: Set the garlic butter aside at room temperature until ready to use.

Shaping and Filling the Cruffins:

Punch Down the Dough: Once the dough has doubled in size, gently punch it down to release the air. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface.
Divide the Dough: Divide the dough into two equal pieces. This makes it easier to work with and ensures that the cruffins are a manageable size.
Roll Out the First Piece: Roll out one piece of dough into a large rectangle, about 12×18 inches and very thin, about 1/8 inch thick. The thinner the dough, the more layers your cruffins will have.
Spread with Garlic Butter: Spread half of the garlic butter evenly over the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border along one of the long edges. This border will help seal the cruffin.
Sprinkle with Cheese: Sprinkle half of the grated Gruyere, Parmesan, and Mozzarella (if using) evenly over the garlic butter.
Roll Up the Dough: Starting from the long edge opposite the border, tightly roll up the dough into a log. Pinch the seam to seal it tightly.
Slice the Log: Use a sharp knife or a dough scraper to cut the log into 12 equal slices. Each slice will become a cruffin.
Place in Muffin Tin: Grease a 12-cup muffin tin. Place each slice, cut-side up, into a muffin cup. The layers should be visible and facing upwards.
Repeat with Second Piece: Repeat steps 3-8 with the second piece of dough, the remaining garlic butter, and the remaining cheese.
Second Rise: Cover the muffin tin with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let the cruffins rise in a warm place for 30-45 minutes, or until they have puffed up slightly.

Baking the Cruffins:

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Prepare Garlic Butter Brush: In a small bowl, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and mix in the minced garlic (if using).
Brush with Garlic Butter: Brush the tops of the risen cruffins with the melted garlic butter. This will give them a beautiful golden-brown color and extra garlic flavor.
Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cruffins are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on them, as baking times may vary depending on your oven.
Cool Slightly: Let the cruffins cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from sticking to the tin.

Serving:

Serve the cheesy garlic cruffins warm. They are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, when the cheese is still melted and gooey. These are perfect as a savory breakfast treat, a side dish for dinner, or a delicious snack any time of day. Enjoy!

Conclusion:

And there you have it! This Cheesy Garlic Cruffin recipe is truly a game-changer, and I genuinely believe it’s a must-try for anyone who appreciates the simple pleasures of life: warm, flaky pastry, gooey cheese, and the irresistible aroma of garlic. It’s not just a recipe; it’s an experience, a delightful journey for your taste buds that will leave you craving more. Why is it a must-try? Well, beyond the obvious deliciousness, it’s surprisingly simple to make. You don’t need to be a seasoned baker to achieve cruffin perfection. The steps are straightforward, and the results are incredibly rewarding. Imagine the look on your family’s or friends’ faces when you present them with these golden-brown beauties, oozing with cheesy, garlicky goodness. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! Plus, it’s a fantastic way to elevate your brunch game, impress at a potluck, or simply treat yourself to something special on a cozy weekend morning. But the best part? The versatility! While the recipe as written is pure perfection, there’s plenty of room for experimentation. Feeling adventurous? Try adding some crispy bacon bits or diced ham to the cheese mixture for an extra layer of savory flavor. For a vegetarian twist, consider incorporating some sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add a touch of heat for those who like a little kick. Serving Suggestions and Variations: * Serve these Cheesy Garlic Cruffins warm, straight from the oven, for the ultimate melt-in-your-mouth experience. * Pair them with a simple green salad for a light and satisfying lunch. * They make a fantastic accompaniment to soups and stews, perfect for dipping and soaking up all the delicious flavors. * For a truly decadent treat, serve them with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. * Consider using different types of cheese! Gruyere, mozzarella, or even a sharp cheddar would all work beautifully. * Experiment with different herbs! Fresh rosemary, thyme, or oregano would add a unique and aromatic touch. I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and discover the magic of homemade Cheesy Garlic Cruffins. I truly believe you’ll fall in love with them just as much as I have. Don’t be intimidated by the word “cruffin”; it’s much easier to make than you might think. Just follow the instructions carefully, and you’ll be rewarded with a batch of incredibly delicious and impressive pastries. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to embark on a culinary adventure. I’m confident that this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen, a go-to for special occasions and everyday indulgences alike. And most importantly, I’d love to hear about your experience! Once you’ve tried the recipe, please share your photos and comments. Let me know what variations you tried, what you loved, and any tips or tricks you discovered along the way. Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps me continue to create and share recipes that you’ll love. So, go ahead, give this Cheesy Garlic Cruffin recipe a try, and let’s spread the joy of delicious homemade baking together! Happy baking! Print