If you have ever dreamed of combining the flaky layers of a croissant with the hearty goodness of a muffin, then this Cheesy Garlic Cruffin Recipe is going to rock your world. This irresistibly gooey and buttery treat brings together soft crescent roll dough, a flavorful garlic butter, fresh chives, and a gooey cheddar cheese filling that bakes up golden and perfectly crisp on the outside. Whether you need an impressive brunch addition or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, these cheesy, garlicky cruffins hit every note of indulgence and comfort with ease.

Nine golden brown spiral rolls are arranged on a wooden board with a white marbled texture underneath. Each roll shows many thin, flaky layers that form a round shape, topped with chopped green herbs and a sprinkling of coarse salt. In the center, one roll is broken in half, revealing soft, yellow, melted cheese layered inside the flaky dough. To the top left, a small wooden bowl contains melted butter with bits of green herbs on the surface. The lighting highlights the warm tones and crisp texture of the rolls. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Cheesy Garlic Cruffin Recipe lies in its simple ingredients that come together to create layers of flavor and texture that’s both crispy and soft. Each ingredient plays an essential role, from the crescent roll dough creating airy layers, to the two types of butter infusing richness, and of course, the cheddar cheese delivering that unmistakable creamy punch.

Crescent roll sheets (3 tubes, 8 oz each): These refrigerated sheets provide the perfect flaky dough base that’s easy to work with and bakes beautifully.
Unsalted butter (½ cup, softened + 3 tablespoons melted): Using unsalted butter lets you control the salt level and brings luscious richness to both the dough and the final brush-on garlic butter.
Chives (1 tablespoon finely chopped + 1 teaspoon finely chopped): Fresh chives add a mild oniony brightness, balancing the richness and bringing a pop of green.
Garlic (1 tablespoon minced + 1 teaspoon minced): Garlic provides that aromatic punch that elevates every bite to full savory perfection.
Mild cheddar cheese (3 cups shredded): This meltable cheese fills the cruffins with gooey cheesiness and subtle sharpness—a perfect choice for this recipe.
Kosher salt (1 teaspoon): Adds just enough saltiness to enhance all the savory components without overpowering.

How to Make Cheesy Garlic Cruffin Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Workspace

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lightly spraying a 12-cup muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray. Preparing your pan ahead ensures those cruffins don’t stick and bake evenly into perfect golden beauties.

Step 2: Roll Out the Dough

On a lightly floured surface, unroll each tube of crescent roll dough to about a 12×16-inch rectangle. If your dough has perforations, pinch those seams carefully to seal so your cruffins bake without falling apart.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter

In a medium bowl, mix together softened butter, finely chopped chives, and minced garlic. This blend is going to infuse every bite with deep garlicky flavor and herbaceous freshness that’s simply irresistible.

Step 4: Spread Butter and Sprinkle Cheese

Spread about one-third of the garlic butter evenly over the entirety of one dough sheet. Then, generously sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mild cheddar cheese on top. The butter and cheese layers are what give the cruffins their characteristic melty, savory goodness.

Step 5: Roll and Cut the Dough

Starting at the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Cut each log in half, then cut each half lengthwise into two sections. Repeat this with all three dough sheets, resulting in 12 total sections ready to become cruffins.

Step 6: Form the Cruffin Shape

Take each layered dough section and roll it up like a cinnamon roll but keep the layered side facing outward. This rolling technique creates the signature flaky, layered effect that defines a cruffin.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Arrange each rolled cruffin into your prepared muffin tin and bake for 20-25 minutes. Look for a gorgeous golden brown crust that is crisp to the touch—this means your cheesy garlic cruffins are ready to be smothered in more butter.

Step 8: Prepare and Brush Garlic Butter Topping

While the cruffins bake, whisk together melted butter, minced garlic, chopped chives, and kosher salt. Once out of the oven, brush this luscious garlic butter all over the warm cruffins to add shine, flavor, and an extra layer of indulgence.

How to Serve Cheesy Garlic Cruffin Recipe

Cheesy Garlic Cruffin Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Top your cruffins with extra fresh chives or a light sprinkle of grated parmesan for a sophisticated touch. A dash of crushed red pepper flakes can add a subtle heat that complements the creamy cheesiness beautifully.

Side Dishes

These cruffins pair wonderfully with fresh green salads, tomato basil soup, or roasted vegetables to balance their richness. For brunch, serve alongside scrambled eggs or crispy bacon for an unforgettable meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Cheesy Garlic Cruffin Recipe on a rustic wooden board for a casual vibe or stack them on a tiered tray for a fun party presentation. You can also slice them horizontally and create mini sandwiches with ham or turkey for a savory handheld treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled completely, store leftover cruffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them tender while preventing them from drying out.

Freezing

Wrap individual cruffins tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing, where they keep well up to one month. This way, you can enjoy fresh-tasting cheesy goodness whenever the craving hits.

Reheating

To reheat, unwrap cruffins and place on a baking sheet in a 325°F oven for 8–10 minutes until warmed through and crisp outside. Avoid microwaving to maintain that perfect flaky texture.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese for this Cheesy Garlic Cruffin Recipe?

Absolutely! While mild cheddar melts nicely, feel free to experiment with mozzarella, gouda, or even pepper jack for different flavor profiles and melty textures.

Is crescent roll dough the best choice for cruffins?

Crescent roll dough works wonderfully because it’s flakey and easy to handle, but puff pastry is another great option if you want even more layers and buttery crispiness.

Can I prepare the cruffins ahead of time and bake later?

Yes, you can assemble the cruffins a few hours ahead and keep them refrigerated. Just bring them to room temperature before baking for the best rise and texture.

What if I don’t have chives? Can I skip them?

Chives add freshness but if you don’t have any, green onions or finely chopped parsley can be great substitutes to keep that herbaceous note.

How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

For a dairy-free version, use plant-based butter and a dairy-free cheese alternative that melts well. The garlic and herbs will still provide plenty of flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Garlic Cruffin Recipe is your new go-to when you want something comforting, impressive, and just downright delicious. By combining simple ingredients thoughtfully and baking them into golden perfection, you create a treat that’s both fun to make and impossible to resist. Give these cruffins a try—you’ll be amazed at how quickly they become a favorite in your kitchen and at your table.

Cheesy Garlic Cruffin Recipe