Garlic Parmesan Herb Cruffins

Introduction

Garlic Parmesan Herb Cruffins are a savory and indulgent twist on the classic croissant, blending buttery, flaky layers with aromatic garlic, fresh herbs, and sharp Parmesan cheese. These cruffins are a perfect fusion of a muffin and a croissant, creating a deliciously fluffy interior with a golden, crispy exterior.

I first made these cruffins when I wanted something flavorful and unique to serve at a gathering, and they were an instant hit. The rich, savory aroma of garlic and herbs fills the kitchen as they bake, making them impossible to resist. The Parmesan adds just the right amount of sharpness, balancing the buttery, soft texture of the dough.

Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, a side dish, or a snack, these cruffins are sure to impress with their rich flavor and satisfying texture. Perfect for any gathering or as a comforting treat, they will quickly become a favorite!

Perfect for:

• Breakfast or brunch
• Party appetizers
• Holiday gatherings
• Snack time
• Cheese and garlic lovers

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Parmesan Herb Cruffins

Here’s why Garlic Parmesan Herb Cruffins will become your new favorite:

• Flaky and Buttery Layers: Thanks to the laminated dough technique, these cruffins have the perfect combination of crispiness and tenderness with every bite.
• Garlic and Parmesan Flavor: The savory filling of garlic, Parmesan cheese, and fresh herbs infuses each layer, making these cruffins burst with flavor.
• Versatile: These cruffins can be served as a snack, side dish, or appetizer, and pair wonderfully with soups, salads, or pasta dishes.
• Satisfying Texture: The cruffins have a deliciously light, airy crumb with a crispy exterior, offering a perfect contrast in every bite.
• Easy to Make: While they may seem fancy, these cruffins are simple to prepare and don’t require any special skills or equipment.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
• Servings: 12 cruffins
• Calories per serving: Approximately 200-250 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 5g, Carbs: 25g, Fat: 10g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Garlic Parmesan Herb Cruffins:

• 1 can (16 oz) refrigerated crescent dough sheets (or puff pastry)
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Ingredient Highlights

• Refrigerated Crescent Dough Sheets: These dough sheets create the perfect flaky layers needed for cruffins. If you prefer, you can use puff pastry for an extra indulgent result.
• Garlic and Parmesan: Garlic and Parmesan are a classic flavor pairing, and the sharpness of the cheese contrasts beautifully with the fragrant garlic.
• Herbs: Fresh parsley and thyme add a fresh, aromatic touch that enhances the savory flavor of the cruffins.
• Butter: The butter helps to crisp up the layers while adding richness and flavor to the dough.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Garlic Parmesan Herb Cruffins:

Prepare the Dough:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a standard muffin tin or line it with muffin liners.
2. Prepare the Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, melt the butter in the microwave or over low heat. Add the minced garlic, chopped parsley, chopped thyme, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to the melted butter. Stir to combine.
3. Roll Out the Dough: Unroll the crescent dough sheets or puff pastry on a clean, flat surface. Brush the dough with the garlic herb butter mixture, making sure to coat it evenly.
4. Sprinkle with Parmesan: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the buttered dough, ensuring each sheet is generously covered.
5. Cut and Stack the Dough: Cut the dough into strips (about 1-1.5 inches wide). Then, stack the strips on top of each other, slightly overlapping to form a tower of dough layers.

Shape and Bake the Cruffins:

6. Form the Cruffins: Carefully cut the stacked dough into 12 pieces. Arrange each piece into a muffin cup, standing the layers up so they form a spiral shape. The dough should fill the muffin cups and slightly puff up.
7. Bake: Bake the cruffins in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy on top. If using puff pastry, keep an eye on them as they may brown faster.
8. Cool: Allow the cruffins to cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Herb Cruffins

Garlic Parmesan Herb Cruffins are a versatile treat that can be served in various ways:

• As an Appetizer: Serve these cruffins as an appetizer at your next gathering or party. They pair beautifully with marinara sauce or a creamy dipping sauce.
• For Brunch or Breakfast: Serve them alongside eggs, bacon, or a salad for a satisfying meal.
• With Soup or Salad: These cruffins are a perfect side to a bowl of soup or a fresh green salad.
• As a Snack: Enjoy them on their own as a savory snack throughout the day.

Additional Tips for Garlic Parmesan Herb Cruffins

Here are some tips to ensure your Garlic Parmesan Herb Cruffins are perfect every time:

• Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley and thyme provide the best flavor, but dried herbs can be used as a substitute if necessary.
• Watch the Baking Time: Keep an eye on the cruffins toward the end of baking to prevent them from overbaking and becoming too crispy.
• Customize the Filling: Feel free to add other ingredients to the filling, such as minced onions, sun-dried tomatoes, or bacon bits, to create your own unique flavor profile.
• Reheat the Cruffins: If you have leftover cruffins, they can be reheated in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes to restore their crispiness.

Recipe Variations for Garlic Parmesan Herb Cruffins

Here are 10 variations you can try for Garlic Parmesan Herb Cruffins:

• Cheddar and Chive Cruffins: Replace the Parmesan with shredded cheddar cheese and add fresh chives to the garlic butter mixture.
• Bacon and Cheddar Cruffins: Add crispy bacon bits to the garlic butter mixture and sprinkle additional shredded cheddar on top.
• Spinach and Feta Cruffins: Add sautéed spinach and crumbled feta cheese for a Mediterranean-inspired cruffin.
• Garlic Herb Cream Cheese Cruffins: Mix garlic, herbs, and cream cheese into the filling for a creamy, savory twist.
• Spicy Jalapeño and Cheddar Cruffins: Add finely chopped jalapeños to the garlic butter and top with shredded cheddar for a spicy kick.
• Tomato Basil Cruffins: Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil to the filling for an Italian-inspired flavor.
• Mushroom and Swiss Cruffins: Sautéed mushrooms and Swiss cheese are perfect for a savory, earthy cruffin.
• Blue Cheese and Pear Cruffins: Add crumbled blue cheese and sliced pears for a sweet and savory flavor combination.
• Garlic Herb Parmesan Cruffins with Balsamic Glaze: Drizzle a balsamic glaze over the cruffins after baking for an extra touch of flavor.
• Vegan Garlic Parmesan Herb Cruffins: Use vegan butter and dairy-free cheese for a plant-based version of these cruffins.

Freezing and Storage for Garlic Parmesan Herb Cruffins

• Freezing: These cruffins freeze well! Let them cool completely, then place them in a zip-top bag or airtight container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven to restore the flakiness.
• Storage: Store any leftover cruffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They can also be refrigerated for up to a week.

Special Equipment for Garlic Parmesan Herb Cruffins

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing your Garlic Parmesan Herb Cruffins easier:

• Muffin Tin: A standard muffin tin is essential for baking the cruffins in individual portions.
• Rolling Pin: Use a rolling pin to flatten the dough before applying the butter and filling.
• Pastry Brush: A pastry brush is helpful for evenly spreading the garlic butter mixture over the dough.
• Wire Rack: A wire rack is important for cooling the cruffins evenly after baking.
• Sharp Knife: Use a sharp knife to cut the dough into strips and create the cruffin layers.

Frequently Asked Questions for Garlic Parmesan Herb Cruffins

1. Can I use regular crescent rolls instead of dough sheets?
   Yes, you can use regular crescent rolls, but dough sheets will give you more uniform layers.
2. Can I use frozen puff pastry for this recipe?
   Yes, frozen puff pastry works perfectly for these cruffins, giving them an even flakier texture.
3. Can I make these ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the dough and filling the night before, then assemble and bake them the next day.
4. Can I make these cruffins without garlic?
   Yes, simply omit the garlic and you’ll still have delicious Parmesan herb cruffins.
5. Can I substitute the butter for olive oil?
   While butter is best for flavor, you can use olive oil if you prefer.

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Conclusion

Garlic Parmesan Herb Cruffins are a perfect blend of savory flavors and flaky texture, making them a crowd-pleasing addition to any meal. With their buttery layers, garlicky filling, and cheesy goodness, they’re the ideal treat for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them at a party, as part of a brunch spread, or simply enjoying them on their own, these cruffins are guaranteed to be a hit.

This recipe is as delightful to prepare as it is to eat, making it a great choice for everything from casual gatherings to special celebrations. Whether you’re sharing them with friends or treating yourself, these cruffins will bring joy with every bite.

I’d love to see how your Garlic Parmesan Herb Cruffins turn out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Happy baking!