Go Back
Golden Cheesy Garlic Cruffins brushed with roasted garlic confit and smoked paprika in a muffin tin.

Easy Cheesy Garlic Cruffins

Rebecca Blumer
Enjoy bakery-style pastry at home with these Easy Cheesy Garlic Cruffins. Made with refrigerated dough and a roasted garlic twist, they are the perfect flaky, savory snack for any occasion.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Resting time 5 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 8 cruffins
Calories 185 kcal

Equipment

  • Muffin Tin
  • Serrated Knife
  • Wire rack

Ingredients
 

  • 1 8 oz. can refrigerated crescent roll dough
  • 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 Tbsp. fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Seasoning:

  • 2 Tbsp. Lee Kum Kee Chili Garlic Sauce

Instructions
 

Prep the Oven and Dough

  • Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a muffin tin very well with butter or cooking spray, including the top surface around the cups to prevent sticking.
  • Open the crescent roll dough and unroll it on a cool work surface. Separate it into 4 rectangles, using 2 triangles for each, and press the perforations firmly to seal the seams.

Build the Flavor and Roll the Cruffins

  • Mix the melted butter with mashed roasted garlic and a pinch of smoked paprika. Brush this mixture generously over each dough rectangle, reaching all the way to the edges.
  • Spread about 1/2 tablespoon of chili garlic sauce over each rectangle. Scatter the shredded mozzarella on top, keeping it even so the centers bake properly.
  • Starting from the short side, roll each rectangle into a tight, snug log to help the layers rise upward during baking.

Cut, Assemble, and Bake

  • Using a serrated knife, cut each log in half with a gentle sawing motion to create 8 shorter rolls while preserving the spiral layers.
  • Place each roll into the prepared muffin tin with the cut side facing up. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the tops.
  • Bake for 15 to 18 minutes until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly. Let the cruffins rest in the tin for 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack.

Notes

Dough Temperature: Keep the dough as cold as possible until you are ready to roll it to ensure the butter doesn't soften, which keeps the layers distinct and flaky.
Cutting Technique: Always use a serrated knife with a sawing motion rather than a straight chop to protect the delicate spiral shape of the dough.
Storage Tip: Let leftovers cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the fridge to prevent the pastry from becoming soggy.
Reheating: Skip the microwave and use a 350°F oven or air fryer for a few minutes to restore the original crisp texture.
Nutrition information is estimated based on common ingredients and serving sizes and may vary.
Keyword Cheesy Garlic Cruffins, crescent roll dough, Garlic Butter, savory pastry