Garlic Parmesan Herb Cruffins Recipe
If you’ve never experienced the irresistible pull of freshly baked Garlic Parmesan Herb Cruffins, prepare for your next obsession! Each golden swirl is a dreamy union of pillowy crescent dough, savory parmesan, fresh herbs, and just the right hit of garlicky butter, all coiled into a muffin-sized pastry that’s sky-high in crispiness and flavor. Whether served as an appetizer, alongside your favorite soup, or simply as a treat fresh from the oven, these cruffins will have everyone coming back for seconds (and thirds!).
Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need
The secret to unforgettable Garlic Parmesan Herb Cruffins lies in a handful of everyday ingredients that come together to create something extraordinary. Each element plays a role—flaky dough for structure, melty butter for richness, herbs and cheese for punchy flavor. Let’s break down the essentials:
- Crescent roll dough (or puff pastry, thawed): Provides a quick, buttery base with dramatic bakery-style layers.
- Unsalted butter, melted: Infuses the cruffins with a rich, luscious mouthfeel and helps those edges crisp beautifully.
- Garlic, minced: Fresh garlic wakes up every bite with its unmistakable aroma.
- Finely grated Parmesan cheese: Imparts plenty of savory, cheesy depth and that craveable golden topping.
- Chopped fresh parsley: Adds a fresh pop of color and a clean, herby balance.
- Dried Italian herbs: Give a well-rounded, aromatic blend that echoes classic Italian bread flavors.
- Salt: Enhances all the other flavors so nothing falls flat.
- Fresh cracked black pepper: Offers an energizing bite and the tiniest bit of warmth.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Herb Cruffins
Step 1: Prep Your Muffin Tin and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 6-cup muffin tin—this guarantees your Garlic Parmesan Herb Cruffins will pop out without a fight and keeps those gorgeous spiral edges intact. A quick spritz of non-stick spray or a swipe of butter works perfectly.
Step 2: Roll Out the Dough
On a lightly floured surface, lay out your crescent dough (or puff pastry). If you’re using crescent dough sheets, pinch any seams together to create a single, uniform sheet. This ensures even rolling and picture-perfect swirls every time.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Herb Butter
In a small bowl, stir together the melted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, dried Italian herbs, salt, and a generous grind of black pepper. This fragrant mixture is about to become the flavor backbone of your cruffins!
Step 4: Brush, Sprinkle, and Roll
Generously brush your garlic herb butter all over the dough surface, reaching all the edges for even coverage. Scatter the grated Parmesan evenly on top. Roll the dough up tightly from the long edge into a log—this tightness ensures plenty of flaky layers later on.
Step 5: Slice, Twist, and Shape
Using a sharp knife, carefully slice the dough log in half lengthwise so you expose all those gorgeous layers. Take each half, twist it into a spiral with the cut side facing out, and then coil it into a muffin cup—cut side up for maximum flakiness and golden color.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Slide your muffin tin into the oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes. You’re looking for puffed, deeply golden cruffins that make your kitchen smell like an Italian bakery. Let them cool for about 5 minutes to set the structure—then gently lift them from the tin.
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Herb Cruffins
Garnishes
For eye-catching, restaurant-worthy Garlic Parmesan Herb Cruffins, finish with a shower of fresh parsley, an extra sprinkle of Parmesan, or even a dusting of red pepper flakes for a little kick. The bright green and snowy cheese make these pastries look as fresh as they taste.
Side Dishes
These versatile cruffins shine next to hearty soups (think tomato basil or vegetable minestrone), crisp salads, or a robust marinara for dipping. Their buttery, herby, cheesy character makes them the perfect complement to both simple weeknight meals and special occasions.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your Garlic Parmesan Herb Cruffins in a bread basket lined with a linen napkin for a casual gathering, or display them upright on a rustic wooden board surrounded by small bowls of flavored butters and spreads. For parties, try mini versions baked in a mini muffin tin—adorable and just as delicious!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow manage to have leftovers, store your Garlic Parmesan Herb Cruffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They’ll keep their flaky texture best if kept away from excess moisture.
Freezing
Want to stash some cruffins for later? Let them cool completely, then wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap and pop them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Garlic Parmesan Herb Cruffins freeze beautifully for up to a month—just thaw at room temperature before reheating.
Reheating
To recapture their fresh-baked glory, reheat cruffins in a preheated 350°F oven for about five minutes. This brings back their golden crispness and melts the cheese all over again. Microwave reheating works in a pinch, but the oven is really where the magic happens!
FAQs
Can I use puff pastry instead of crescent roll dough?
Absolutely! Puff pastry gives the cruffins even more dramatic flaky layers and a slightly richer taste. Just make sure it’s fully thawed and rolled out evenly before adding your toppings and assembling.
How do I prevent the cruffins from sticking to the muffin tin?
Generous greasing is the key—use butter, non-stick spray, or even parchment paper rounds at the bottom of each cup. Letting the cruffins cool for a few minutes before removing also helps them release easily.
Can I add extra cheese or other fillings?
You bet! Shredded mozzarella makes them gooier, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds heat. Experiment with sun-dried tomatoes or chopped olives for your own signature Garlic Parmesan Herb Cruffins twist.
What’s the best way to reheat cruffins without drying them out?
Pop them in a 350°F oven for just a few minutes. The gentle heat revives the crisp buttery layers without overbaking. Place a piece of foil on top if you’re worried about browning.
Are Garlic Parmesan Herb Cruffins vegetarian?
Yes! As written, these cruffins are vegetarian-friendly because they contain no meat. Just check your crescent dough or pastry ingredients to be sure they align with your dietary preferences.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about pairing flaky pastry with bold, herby flavors, and Garlic Parmesan Herb Cruffins deliver on every front. If you’re craving a savory treat that’s simple to make but bound to impress, don’t wait—give these a try and watch them disappear faster than you can say “seconds, please!”
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Garlic Parmesan Herb Cruffins Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 cruffins 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Garlic Parmesan Herb Cruffins are a delightful savory pastry that combines the flavors of garlic, Parmesan cheese, and herbs in a flaky, golden-brown roll. Perfect as a side dish or appetizer, these cruffins are sure to impress your guests with their delicious taste and beautiful presentation.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 1 can refrigerated crescent roll dough (or puff pastry, thawed)
Garlic Herb Butter:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Fresh cracked black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 6-cup muffin tin.
- Prepare the dough: Roll out the crescent dough on a lightly floured surface and pinch the seams together to form a single sheet.
- Make the garlic herb butter: In a small bowl, mix melted butter with garlic, parsley, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble the cruffins: Brush the garlic herb butter mixture evenly over the dough. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Roll the dough tightly into a log, slice it in half lengthwise, twist each half into a spiral, and coil into a muffin cup, cut-side up.
- Bake: Bake for 18–22 minutes or until golden brown and puffed.
- Serve: Let cool for 5 minutes before removing from the tin. Serve warm.
Notes
- These cruffins are best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated in the oven for a few minutes.
- For variety, try adding shredded mozzarella or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- These cruffins pair well with marinara sauce or served alongside a warm soup.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cruffin
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 340mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 10mg