Garlic Parmesan Herb Cruffins

Introduction

The first time I made these Garlic Parmesan Herb Cruffins, they disappeared in record time. My family couldn’t get enough of the crispy, buttery layers filled with savory garlic and Parmesan. The texture is a wonderful combination of flaky and chewy, and the smell wafting from the oven as they bake is absolutely irresistible. These cruffins make the perfect accompaniment to any meal, whether it’s brunch, dinner, or just as a snack to enjoy with friends. They’re so easy to make yet impressively flavorful, and they’ve quickly become a favorite in our home.

Why You’ll Love Garlic Parmesan Herb Cruffins

Garlic Parmesan Herb Cruffins are a delightful twist on traditional muffins, bringing a savory kick that’s hard to resist. These cruffins combine the light, buttery texture of crescent roll dough with the fragrant richness of garlic, fresh herbs, and Parmesan cheese. They’re packed with flavor and perfect for any occasion, whether you’re serving them alongside a comforting soup, using them as a side to a hearty salad, or indulging in them on their own.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Made with crescent roll dough, you can skip the time-consuming process of making dough from scratch while still achieving a gourmet result. The garlic herb butter adds a fragrant richness, and the melted Parmesan cheese provides a salty, savory depth of flavor. These cruffins are golden, crispy on the outside, soft and cheesy on the inside, and packed with bold flavors in every bite.

Ingredients

To make these delectable Garlic Parmesan Herb Cruffins, you’ll need the following 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

Follow these easy steps to create your own batch of these irresistible Garlic Parmesan Herb Cruffins.

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin pan with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.
2. Prepare the Garlic Herb Butter:
   In a small mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and salt. Mix until well combined. Set aside 1/4 cup of this butter mixture to brush over the tops of the cruffins later.
3. Prepare the Dough:
   Roll out each crescent roll dough sheet with a rolling pin to create three larger rectangles. Press the perforated lines together to form smooth sheets.
4. Add Butter and Cheese:
   Spread a thin layer of the butter mixture evenly over each rectangle of dough. Sprinkle about 3 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese on top of each sheet, ensuring it’s evenly distributed.
5. Roll and Cut the Dough:
   Starting from the long edge, roll each sheet into a log. Once rolled, cut each log in half to create two shorter logs. Slice each shorter log in half lengthwise to expose the layered interior.
6. Form the Cruffins:
   Take each piece of dough and wrap it around your finger, forming a muffin shape with the layered side facing outward. Place each shaped cruffin into the prepared muffin pan.
7. Top and Bake:
   Melt the reserved butter mixture and brush it generously over the tops of the cruffins. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese on top for an extra cheesy touch. Bake for 20-25 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through, until the cruffins are golden brown and crispy.
8. Cool and Serve:
   Remove the cruffins from the oven and transfer them to a cooling rack. Allow them to cool slightly before serving. These cruffins are best served warm, though they are still delicious at room temperature.

Nutrition Facts (Servings and Calories per Serving)

• Serving Size: 1 cruffin
• Calories: 210 kcal
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 16g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 3g
• Protein: 6g
• Sodium: 400mg
• Cholesterol: 45mg

Preparation Time:
10 minutes

Cook Time:
25 minutes

Total Time:
35 minutes

Yield:
12 cruffins

How to Serve
These Garlic Parmesan Herb Cruffins are incredibly versatile. Here are a few ideas for how to serve them:

• Serve them as a savory side dish with pasta or a fresh green salad.
• Pair them with a bowl of creamy soup, such as tomato basil or potato leek.
• Serve them at brunch with scrambled eggs, bacon, or sausage.
• Enjoy them as an appetizer at your next dinner party.
• Serve them alongside grilled chicken or steak for a flavorful touch.

Additional Tips

1. Use fresh herbs: Fresh parsley really brings a burst of flavor to these cruffins, but feel free to experiment with other herbs like thyme or rosemary.
2. Customize the cheese: While Parmesan is delicious, you can mix in some mozzarella or Asiago cheese for a different twist.
3. Make them ahead: You can prepare the garlic herb butter in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just assemble and bake the cruffins when you’re ready.
4. Air fryer option: If you prefer to make these in an air fryer, cook them at 350°F for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
5. Add a little spice: If you like a bit of heat, consider adding red pepper flakes to the garlic butter mixture for a spicy kick.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use refrigerated biscuit dough instead of crescent roll dough?
   Yes, you can substitute biscuit dough, but the texture may be slightly different. Crescent roll dough gives a flakier, more buttery texture.
2. Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
   Yes, if you don’t have fresh garlic, you can use garlic powder. Use about 1/2 teaspoon for every garlic clove.
3. How can I store leftover cruffins?
   Store leftover cruffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They’re best reheated in the oven for a few minutes to regain their crispiness.
4. Can I freeze these cruffins?
   Yes, you can freeze them before baking. Simply shape them and freeze on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
5. Can I make these without the cheese?
   Absolutely! You can omit the Parmesan cheese for a lighter version or substitute with your favorite cheese, like mozzarella or Gruyere.
6. Do I have to use fresh parsley?
   While fresh parsley adds great flavor, you can use dried parsley if that’s what you have on hand. Just use 1/4 teaspoon of dried parsley for every tablespoon of fresh.
7. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
   Yes, margarine can be used, though butter gives the cruffins a richer flavor.
8. Can I make these cruffins gluten-free?
   You can try using gluten-free crescent roll dough, but be sure to check the label to ensure it’s suitable for your dietary needs.
9. What can I serve these cruffins with?
   They go great with soups, salads, pasta, or even as a standalone snack with dipping sauces like marinara or ranch.
10. Can I use a mini muffin pan for smaller cruffins?
    Yes, you can use a mini muffin pan. Just reduce the baking time to about 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.

These Garlic Parmesan Herb Cruffins are bound to become a hit in your kitchen. Easy to make yet full of flavor, they’re a perfect savory treat for any occasion. Give them a try and watch them disappear in no time!

Print