Ah, Cheesy Garlic Cruffins! Just the name alone makes my mouth water. I remember the first time I stumbled upon this delightful treat – I was scrolling through a food blog late one night, and there they were, all golden and fluffy. I couldn’t resist trying my hand at making them, and let me tell you, they practically flew off the plate!
These delightful little pastries are a perfect mix of crispy, gooey, and bursting with garlicky goodness. Whether you’re having them for breakfast, as a snack, or serving them at a gathering, they’re guaranteed to impress. With each bite, you get a wonderful combination of layers filled with cheese and that beautiful buttery garlic flavor. Trust me, these cruffins are going to be the star of whatever table they grace.
What’s in Cheesy Garlic Cruffins?
Puff Pastry Sheets: This is the magical base of our cruffins! When baked, these sheets become flaky and airy, creating that lovely pastry shell. I usually grab a package from the frozen section, and you can find many great brands!
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: We all know mozzarella for its meltiness, and that’s exactly what we want here. It will give the cruffins that gooey texture that pulls apart beautifully. I like to go for whole milk mozzarella – it adds extra creaminess!
Grated Parmesan Cheese: This cheese adds a sharp, nutty flavor that perfectly complements the mozzarella. Grated Parmesan is great for this recipe, and it’s best to use one that’s freshly grated if you can to enhance the taste.
Minced Garlic: The real star of the show! Four cloves may seem like a lot, but the more garlic, the better, I always say! It adds a robust flavor that’s simply irresistible.
Unsalted Butter: This is what binds all our flavors and creates that delicious richness. Unsalted butter allows us to control the saltiness of the dish.
Fresh Chives: The delicate onion-like flavor of chives adds a refreshing pop to our cruffins. They also bring a lovely green color, which is a feast for the eyes!
Salt and Black Pepper: Simple seasonings, but essential for bringing out all the other flavors. A little pinch does a lot!
Egg (for egg wash): This helps to give the cruffins that beautiful golden-brown finish.
Flaky Sea Salt (optional): Just a sprinkle on top right before serving elevates the flavor, adding a lovely crunch and contrast to these soft pastries.
Is Cheesy Garlic Cruffins Good for You?
Well, let’s not kid ourselves, these cruffins are definitely a treat! They’re not the everyday kind of food for a health kick. However, let’s look at the components:
Puff Pastry: While it’s incredibly delicious, puff pastry is made from refined flour and can be rich in calories and fat. Moderation is key!
Creamy Cheeses: Both mozzarella and Parmesan contain calcium and protein, so they do deliver some nutritional benefits. They’re also calorie-dense, so keep portion sizes in check if you’re watching your intake.
Garlic: Garlic is a boon to your health – it’s known for its antioxidant properties and can be beneficial for heart health.
Overall, these Cheesy Garlic Cruffins are best enjoyed as an indulgent treat rather than a regular part of your diet. They’re perfect for celebrations, gatherings, or when you just want to treat yourself!
Ingredients Needed for Cheesy Garlic Cruffins
– 1 package (1 lb) puff pastry sheets
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1/4 cup fresh chives, finely chopped
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 1 egg (for egg wash)
– Optional: Flaky sea salt for garnish
**Servings:** This recipe makes about 12 cruffins – perfect for sharing (or not!).
How to Make Cheesy Garlic Cruffins?
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a muffin tin.
2. Roll out the puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface to smooth out any creases. Cut each sheet into 6 equal rectangles.
3. In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, minced garlic, chopped chives, salt, and pepper.
4. Brush each rectangle of pastry with the garlic butter mixture, ensuring to cover the surface well.
5. Sprinkle an even amount of both mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over each rectangle.
6. Starting from one end, tightly roll each rectangle into a log. Then twist the log into a spiral and tuck the end beneath.
7. Place each cruffin spiral into the prepared muffin tin, continuing until all the dough is used.
8. Beat the egg and brush it over the tops of each cruffin for a golden color when baked.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and puffed.
10. Once done, remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Optionally, sprinkle flaky sea salt over the top before serving.
Delicious Tips for Your Cruffins
– Serve these warm for that melty cheese goodness. They make an irresistible appetizer that’s sure to please!
– Want to switch things up? Try adding a bit of cooked and crumbled bacon or spinach for a twist!
– Don’t forget to pair them with marinara sauce or your favorite dipping sauce—it’s heavenly!
– Make extra and freeze them before baking. You can bake them straight from frozen; just increase the baking time by a few minutes.
I really hope you give these Cheesy Garlic Cruffins a try! They are simple to make, yet each bite is packed with flavor and warmth. Share your own cruffin adventures with me, and let’s swap notes on this cheesy treasure! Happy baking!
