If you love the irresistible combination of warm, buttery pastry, savory cheese, and fragrant herbs, these Garlic Parmesan Herb Cruffins are about to become your new obsession. Imagine a golden, flaky swirl of puff pastry, brushed with rich garlic butter, rolled with fresh parsley and Parmesan, and baked until gloriously crisp. Each bite delivers layers of flavor and texture, making these cruffins the perfect treat for brunch, as a fancy appetizer, or simply whenever you crave something special. Trust me, you’ll find yourself making Garlic Parmesan Herb Cruffins whenever you want to impress or indulge.

Garlic Parmesan Herb Cruffins Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Garlic Parmesan Herb Cruffins lies in their simplicity. Each ingredient plays a starring role, from the tender pastry to the vibrant herbs, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor, color, and that oh-so-delightful aroma.

Puff pastry (1 sheet, thawed): This is your shortcut to buttery, flaky perfection—make sure it’s fully thawed for easy handling.
Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons, melted): Adds richness and helps the herbs and garlic stick beautifully to the pastry.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Fresh garlic infuses every layer with bold, savory flavor—don’t skimp!
Parmesan cheese (1/3 cup, grated): The salty, nutty notes melt into the pastry and create that craveable cheesy finish.
Fresh parsley (1 tablespoon, chopped): Brings a pop of green and a fresh, herby brightness that lifts the whole cruffin.
Dried oregano (1/2 teaspoon): A pinch of oregano gives classic Mediterranean depth.
Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Just enough to enhance all the flavors.
Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Lends a gentle, peppery warmth that balances the richness.
Extra Parmesan and herbs for garnish (optional): For a final flourish and extra pop of flavor and color.
Nonstick cooking spray: Ensures your cruffins pop right out of the muffin tin, perfectly intact.

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Herb Cruffins

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Muffin Tin

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. While your oven is heating up, grab a standard muffin tin and lightly coat the cups with nonstick cooking spray. This is a vital step, as it keeps those beautiful cruffins from sticking and guarantees an easy release—no torn pastry or lost layers here!

Step 2: Make the Garlic Herb Butter

In a small bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir well until everything is evenly distributed. This aromatic mixture is going to infuse the cruffins with so much flavor, and just making it will have your kitchen smelling incredible.

Step 3: Roll Out and Flavor the Puff Pastry

Lay your thawed puff pastry sheet out on a lightly floured surface. Using a pastry brush, generously brush the entire surface with your garlic herb butter. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top. Don’t be shy—this is where all that cheesy goodness comes in!

Step 4: Slice and Roll the Cruffins

Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the pastry sheet lengthwise into 4 equal strips. Working with one strip at a time, roll it up tightly into a spiral, keeping the seam side down. Place each spiral upright into a prepared muffin cup, so the swirled layers are facing up. This is what gives Garlic Parmesan Herb Cruffins their signature look and texture.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the muffin tin into your preheated oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes. Keep an eye on them—the cruffins are ready when they’re puffed, deeply golden, and the cheese is bubbly. The smell alone is enough to draw everyone into the kitchen!

Step 6: Cool, Garnish, and Serve

Let your cruffins cool in the tin for a few minutes before gently removing them. If you like, sprinkle with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs for a restaurant-worthy finish. Serve them warm so every bite is soft, melty, and full of flavor.

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Herb Cruffins

Garnishes

To take your Garlic Parmesan Herb Cruffins to the next level, try adding a shower of freshly grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of chopped parsley or oregano right before serving. Not only does this add a burst of color, but it also amps up the aroma and gives your cruffins that irresistible cheesy-herb crust on top.

Side Dishes

These cruffins are delightfully versatile. Pair them with a bowl of creamy tomato soup for a cozy lunch, or serve alongside a crisp green salad with a zesty vinaigrette. They’re also a fantastic addition to a brunch spread, nestled next to scrambled eggs, roasted veggies, or even smoked salmon for a more decadent touch.

Creative Ways to Present

Show off your Garlic Parmesan Herb Cruffins by stacking them on a rustic wooden board or arranging them in a bread basket lined with a pretty napkin. For a dinner party, serve each cruffin in its own mini ramekin with a drizzle of garlic butter or a dip of herbed yogurt on the side. Their swirled, golden tops look so inviting that they’ll steal the show on any table!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you manage to have any Garlic Parmesan Herb Cruffins left over, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one day. For longer storage, pop them in the fridge—just make sure they’re well covered so they stay moist and flavorful.

Freezing

Garlic Parmesan Herb Cruffins freeze beautifully! Once they’re completely cooled, wrap each cruffin tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to one month. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or pop straight into the oven for a quick revival.

Reheating

To bring leftover cruffins back to their fresh-from-the-oven glory, reheat them in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes. This method preserves the flaky texture and melts the cheese just enough—microwaving tends to make them soggy, so the oven is definitely worth the extra few minutes.

FAQs

Can I use homemade puff pastry for Garlic Parmesan Herb Cruffins?

Absolutely! While store-bought puff pastry makes this recipe fast and easy, homemade pastry will give an even richer, more buttery flavor. Just make sure your pastry is rolled to about 1/8-inch thickness for the best results.

Can I add other cheeses or spices?

Definitely—feel free to get creative! Try adding a sprinkle of mozzarella for gooeyness or a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. Chopped chives, basil, or thyme would also be delicious in place of parsley or oregano.

What if I don’t have a muffin tin?

If you don’t have a muffin tin, you can try baking the rolled cruffins in ramekins or even on a parchment-lined baking sheet. They may spread a bit more, but you’ll still get those lovely layers and flavors.

Can Garlic Parmesan Herb Cruffins be made vegan?

Yes! Use a vegan puff pastry (many brands are naturally vegan), substitute plant-based butter, and swap in your favorite vegan Parmesan cheese. The result will still be flaky, savory, and delicious.

How do I prevent the cruffins from sticking to the pan?

Using nonstick cooking spray is key, but you can also use paper muffin liners for extra insurance. Let the cruffins cool for a few minutes before removing so the cheese has a chance to set, making them easier to lift out in one piece.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to try these Garlic Parmesan Herb Cruffins—they’re hands-down one of the most satisfying, crowd-pleasing treats you can bake. Whether you serve them for brunch, as a holiday appetizer, or just because, they’ll bring a burst of joy and flavor to your table. Give them a go, and don’t be surprised if they disappear in a flash!

Garlic Parmesan Herb Cruffins Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 13 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 cruffins 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Delight in these Garlic Parmesan Herb Cruffins, a crispy, flaky puff pastry treat bursting with savory garlic, fresh herbs, and rich Parmesan cheese. Perfect as an elegant appetizer or a flavorful snack, these cruffins combine the buttery goodness of croissants with the convenience of a muffin shape, making them as fun to serve as they are to eat.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For Garnish (Optional)

Extra Parmesan cheese
Extra chopped fresh parsley or dried herbs

Other

Nonstick cooking spray

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prepare Oven and Muffin Tin: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray a muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Make Garlic Herb Butter: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter with minced garlic, chopped fresh parsley, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create a flavorful garlic herb butter.
Prepare Puff Pastry: Unroll the thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Using a pastry brush, evenly spread the garlic herb butter over the entire surface of the pastry.
Add Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly across the buttered puff pastry, ensuring every bite is cheesy and delicious.
Cut and Roll Strips: Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the pastry sheet lengthwise into 4 equal strips. Starting from one end, roll each strip tightly into a spiral shape.
Place in Muffin Tin: Stand each rolled spiral up and place it into a prepared muffin cup, spiral side facing up. This will allow the layers to puff nicely as they bake.
Bake Cruffins: Bake the cruffins in the preheated oven for 18 to 22 minutes, or until they are puffed up and golden brown on top.
Cool and Garnish: Remove the cruffins from the oven and let them cool slightly in the muffin tin. Optionally, garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh or dried herbs for an added burst of flavor and presentation flair.
Serve Warm: Serve these delicious garlic Parmesan herb cruffins warm for the best taste and texture. Enjoy as an appetizer or savory snack.

Notes

These cruffins are best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5 minutes.
For a cheesy variation, try adding shredded mozzarella along with the Parmesan before baking.
For a little heat, sprinkle some chili flakes into the garlic butter mixture.
To prevent the puff pastry from sticking, ensure your muffin tin is well greased or sprayed.
Leftover cruffins can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American