If you have a soft spot for buttery, flaky pastries infused with bold flavors, then the Garlic Parmesan Herb Cruffins Recipe is about to become your new favorite indulgence. These delightful cruffins, a genius mashup of croissants and muffins, are packed with rich garlic butter, fresh parsley, and sharp Parmesan cheese that come together in a golden, crispy treat. Each bite delivers an irresistible combination of tender layers and mouthwatering savory herbs, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an anytime snack that feels both fancy and homey.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its straightforward, high-quality ingredients. Each element is carefully chosen to build layers of flavor and texture, making the cruffins wonderfully flaky and savory without any fuss.
- Crescent roll dough: The flaky base that creates those signature layers and buttery texture.
- Butter: Softened to blend easily, it’s the essential carrier of flavor and moisture.
- Garlic cloves: Freshly minced to add a bold, aromatic punch.
- Fresh parsley: Chopped finely to lighten and brighten each bite with herby freshness.
- Parmesan cheese: Grated finely for a nutty, salty richness that complements the garlic perfectly.
- Kosher salt: Just a pinch to enhance all the flavors without overpowering.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Herb Cruffins Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This steady temperature ensures even baking so your cruffins turn out golden and flaky. Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin pan with non-stick spray—this simple step prevents sticking and helps the cruffins release cleanly after baking.
Step 2: Mix the Garlic Herb Butter
In a small bowl, blend the softened butter with minced garlic, chopped parsley, and kosher salt. Reserve about 1/4 cup of this butter mixture to brush over the tops of the cruffins later, guaranteeing a glossy, flavorful finish.
Step 3: Prepare the Crescent Dough Sheets
Roll each crescent roll dough sheet into larger rectangles, smoothing over the perforation lines to create continuous sheets. This makes rolling and layering the filling easier and ensures even baking.
Step 4: Spread Butter and Parmesan
Brush a thin, even layer of the garlic-herb butter over each dough rectangle, then sprinkle on about 3 tablespoons of grated Parmesan. The combination seeps into the dough, creating those rich pockets of flavor in every layer.
Step 5: Roll and Slice the Dough
Roll each rectangle up tightly from the long edge into a log. Then, cut each log in half and slice those pieces lengthwise to reveal the cruffin’s beautiful layered inside. Repeat until you have 12 sections ready to shape.
Step 6: Shape the Cruffins
Wrap each dough piece around your finger, twisting slightly so the layers face outward for that iconic cruffin look. Place each shaped piece upright in the prepared muffin pan, setting the stage for golden layering during baking.
Step 7: Add Final Layers and Bake
Melt the reserved butter mixture and generously brush it over the tops of the cruffins. Sprinkle with remaining Parmesan cheese for an extra kick of flavor and crunch. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, rotating halfway through to ensure even browning, until the cruffins are beautifully golden.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Once baked, transfer the cruffins to a cooling rack. Let them cool slightly to set, but these are best enjoyed warm or at room temperature when the flavors are at their peak.
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Herb Cruffins Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your Garlic Parmesan Herb Cruffins Recipe by garnishing with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a light dusting of Parmesan cheese just before serving. This adds a fresh pop of color and an inviting burst of herbiness that complements the rich layers.
Side Dishes
These cruffins are surprisingly versatile. Pair them with a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or a bowl of warm tomato soup for a comforting meal. Their rich, savory nature balances beautifully with lighter, fresher sides.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special brunch or party, arrange the Garlic Parmesan Herb Cruffins Recipe on a wooden board with small bowls of marinara, olive oil for dipping, or even a spicy aioli. You can also slice each cruffin in half and use them like a sandwich base with creamy cheeses and fresh vegetables inside.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover cruffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They maintain their flaky texture best when enjoyed fresh, but you can also refrigerate them if you want to keep them longer.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap cooled cruffins individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They will keep well for up to one month without losing flavor or texture, making them a great make-ahead treat.
Reheating
Reheat frozen or refrigerated cruffins in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 8 to 10 minutes until warm and crisp. Avoid microwaving if possible to preserve that delightful flakiness and crunch.
FAQs
Can I use another type of dough instead of crescent rolls?
While crescent roll dough is ideal due to its flakiness and easy handling, puff pastry dough could be an alternative. Keep in mind the final texture might vary slightly but the flavors will still shine.
How do I prevent the cruffins from sticking to the pan?
Greasing the muffin pan thoroughly with non-stick spray or butter is key. You can also use silicone muffin liners, which make removal much easier and cleanup faster.
Can I make these cruffins gluten-free?
Unfortunately, traditional crescent dough contains gluten, so to keep this recipe gluten-free, you would need to find a gluten-free crescent roll alternative or make your own dough from scratch.
Is the Garlic Parmesan Herb Cruffins Recipe suitable for freezing and reheating?
Absolutely! One of the best parts about this recipe is how well the cruffins freeze and reheat while still maintaining much of their original flavor and texture. Just be sure to store and reheat properly.
Can I add other herbs or spices to the butter mixture?
Definitely. Feel free to experiment by adding rosemary, thyme, or even a touch of chili flakes for heat. These variations can bring exciting new layers of flavor to your Garlic Parmesan Herb Cruffins Recipe.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the Garlic Parmesan Herb Cruffins Recipe—its perfect balance of buttery flakiness, garlic goodness, and cheesy depth makes every bite a little celebration. Whether you’re making them for a casual brunch or a festive gathering, these cruffins are bound to bring smiles around the table. I can’t encourage you enough to try this recipe soon and discover your new favorite savory pastry!
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Garlic Parmesan Herb Cruffins Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 cruffins 1x
Description
Garlic Parmesan Herb Cruffins are flaky, buttery crescent roll pastries layered with a savory garlic herb butter and Parmesan cheese. These easy-to-make treats are shaped into muffin-like cups, baked until golden and crisp on the outside, with a soft, flavorful interior. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a savory snack.
Ingredients
Primary Ingredients
- 3 (8-ounce) tubes of crescent roll dough
- 3/4 cup butter, softened
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin pan with non-stick cooking spray and set aside to prevent sticking during baking.
- Make Garlic Herb Butter: In a small mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and kosher salt. Reserve 1/4 cup of this mixture to use later for brushing the cruffins’ tops.
- Roll Out Dough: Roll out each crescent roll dough sheet with a rolling pin to form three larger rectangles per tube, blending the perforated lines into a smooth, continuous sheet for easier rolling.
- Spread Butter and Cheese: Evenly spread a thin layer of the garlic herb butter mixture over each flattened dough rectangle. Then sprinkle approximately 3 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese over each sheet for flavor layering.
- Shape Logs and Slice: Starting from the long side, roll each sheet tightly into a log. Cut each log in half to make shorter logs, then slice each short log lengthwise to reveal the layered interior.
- Form Muffin Shapes: Wrap each sliced piece of dough around your finger, shaping it into a muffin-like cup, with the exposed layers facing outward. Place each shaped cruffin into the prepared muffin pan cups.
- Brush with Butter and Top: Melt the reserved garlic herb butter mixture and generously brush over the tops of the cruffins. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese evenly on top to create a crispy, flavorful crust.
- Bake: Bake the cruffins in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through baking to ensure even browning. Bake until the cruffins are golden brown and cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the pan from the oven and transfer the cruffins to a cooling rack. Serve warm or at room temperature for the best texture and flavor experience.
Notes
- To ensure even cooking, rotate the muffin pan halfway through baking.
- Use fresh garlic and parsley for the best flavor in the garlic herb butter.
- Allow the crescent dough to come to room temperature before rolling for easier handling.
- Store leftover cruffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Reheat cruffins in a warm oven to restore crispiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
