Cheesy Garlic Cruffins

Name: Cheesy Garlic Cruffins
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: ½ cup butter (softened (120 g), unsalted); 4 garlic cloves (finely chopped or minced); 2¼ cups mozzarella cheese (250 g, grated); ½ cup parmesan cheese (50 g, grated); 1 tbsp parsley (chopped, fresh); Salt and pepper (to taste); 1 sheet ready-made puff pastry (chilled—not frozen); 2 tbsp melted butter (30 g); parsley (for garnish, chopped)

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These Cheesy Garlic Cruffins are everything you love about garlic bread and gooey cheese-wrapped up in soft, flaky pastry and baked to golden perfection. They're easy to prep, wildly satisfying, and look way fancier than they actually are. Whether you're serving them for brunch, as a side for dinner, or just because you want a warm, cheesy snack, they're always a hit.

Close-up of sliced cheesy garlic bread showing melted cheese inside.

These cheesy garlic cruffins are especially popular in fall and winter, when cozy comfort food is a must. They're perfect for holiday dinners like Thanksgiving or Christmas and also work great as a quick side for soups or brunch. Made with store-bought puff pastry, they're easy, flavorful, and always a crowd-pleaser.

This recipe was inspired by your Savory Burrata Toast with Roasted Tomatoes & Basil Drizzle-a fan favorite that's all about simple ingredients and bold flavor.

It pairs wonderfully with your Creamy Baked Goat Cheese Dip, which brings melty, garlic-speckled goodness and crunchy nuts-perfect for dunking alongside buttery, flaky cruffins.

A single cheesy garlic bread being sliced to reveal its cheesy filling.

Ingredients

Unsalted butter is softened so it blends smoothly with the garlic and cheese.
Garlic cloves are minced fresh for a bold, savory punch.
Mozzarella cheese melts beautifully for stretchy, cheesy layers.
Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty flavor that balances the mozzarella.
Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and brightness.
Salt and pepper bring out all the flavors.
Ready-made puff pastry should be chilled (not frozen) for easy rolling and flaky layers.
Melted butter is brushed on top for a golden finish.
Extra parsley is sprinkled over the finished cruffins for a final touch.

See recipe card for quantities.

How to Make Cheesy Garlic Cruffins

Rolled-out puff pastry dough on a floured surface beside a small bowl of cheesy garlic butter filling.

In a bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, mozzarella, parmesan, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well blended.

Cheesy garlic butter mixture being spread over flattened puff pastry dough on a floured surface.

Lightly flour your surface, then roll out the puff pastry sheet until it's about 3-4 mm (roughly 0.12-0.16 inches) thick.

Spread the cheesy garlic butter mixture evenly over the entire surface of the pastry.

Flattened puff pastry dough being rolled up tightly with cheesy garlic filling spread inside, on a floured surface.

Starting from one edge, roll the pastry up tightly-just like you would a jelly roll.

Rolled puff pastry sliced into even pieces.

Slice the rolled pastry into 6 to 8 equal pieces.

Cheesy garlic dough mixture being scooped into a muffin tin for baking cruffins.

Place each piece into a greased or lined muffin tin, making sure the cut side is facing up.

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C), then bake the cruffins for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they've puffed up and turned golden brown.

Freshly baked cheesy garlic cruffins served on a plate under a wooden board, garnished with chopped parsley.

Once out of the oven, brush the hot cruffins with melted butter and sprinkle extra chopped parsley on top.

Hint: For best flavor, make sure your garlic is minced super fine so it mixes evenly into the butter. If you want a milder garlic taste, sauté it for a minute in a bit of butter before mixing it in.

Substitutions & Variations

Gluten-Free - Use a gluten-free puff pastry to make these gluten-friendly.
Herb Twist - Swap parsley for chopped chives, basil, or rosemary.
Spicy - Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the butter mixture for a little heat.
Deluxe - Add a spoonful of cream cheese to the filling for a richer texture.
Kid-Friendly - Mix in a little shredded cheddar for a milder, cheesier bite.

💭Crucial Success Tips

Use cold puff pastry, not frozen or warm. If it gets too soft while working, pop it back in the fridge for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps keep the layers flaky and well-defined.

FAQ

Can I freeze them?

Baked cruffins freeze well. Let them cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven until warmed through.

What's the best way to serve them?

Warm, right out of the oven! But they're also great reheated in the toaster oven the next day.

📖 Recipe

Tina

Cheesy Garlic Cruffins

Cheesy garlic bread is a savory and indulgent side dish made with crusty bread layered with a buttery garlic spread and generous amounts of melted cheese. Often served warm and golden, it's a crowd-favorite starter or accompaniment to pasta, soups, or salads.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 25

Total Time 40

Servings: 8 cruffins

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

For the Filling:

½ cup butter softened (120 g), unsalted
4 garlic cloves finely chopped or minced
2¼ cups mozzarella cheese 250 g, grated
½ cup parmesan cheese 50 g, grated
1 tablespoon parsley chopped, fresh
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Dough:

1 sheet ready-made puff pastry chilled-not frozen

For the Topping:

2 tablespoon melted butter 30 g
parsley for garnish, chopped

Method

In a bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, mozzarella, parmesan, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well blended.
Lightly flour your surface, then roll out the puff pastry sheet until it's about 3-4 mm (roughly 0.12-0.16 inches) thick.
Spread the cheesy garlic butter mixture evenly over the entire surface of the pastry.
Starting from one edge, roll the pastry up tightly-just like you would a jelly roll.
Slice the rolled pastry into 6 to 8 equal pieces.
Place each piece into a greased or lined muffin tin, making sure the cut side is facing up.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C), then bake the cruffins for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they've puffed up and turned golden brown.
Once out of the oven, brush the hot cruffins with melted butter and sprinkle extra chopped parsley on top.
Serve them warm and enjoy those gooey, garlicky cheese layers in every bite!

How to Store Cheesy Garlic Cruffins

Let them cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container and keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or toaster oven to restore their crispness. Baked cruffins can be frozen for up to 2 months-just thaw and reheat before serving.