Get ready to meet your new favorite snack: Pizza Cruffins! These aren’t your average muffins; they’re a delightful twist on pizza, combining the flakiness of a croissant with the savory flavors of pizza1. Imagine layers of crescent roll dough, gooey mozzarella, zesty pepperoni, and fragrant garlic butter all baked to golden perfection1. These Pizza Cruffins are super easy to make and perfect for game day, parties, or just a fun family treat4.
Why You’ll Love Pizza Cruffins
- Easy to Make: With refrigerated crescent roll dough, these come together in minutes1.
- Fun to Eat: The unique cruffin shape makes them a hit with kids and adults alike1.
- Packed with Flavor: Every bite is an explosion of cheesy, garlicky, pepperoni goodness1.
- Versatile: Customize them with your favorite pizza toppings1.
Quick Facts
Ingredients
Dough
- 3 tubes (8 ounces each) refrigerated crescent roll sheets (the kind without perforations is easiest, but if you only have perforated, just pinch the seams together)1
Filling
- ½ cup (1 stick / 113 g) unsalted butter, softened1
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced1
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning1
- 3 cups (339 g) mozzarella cheese, shredded, divided1
- 1 cup (113 g) mini pepperoni, divided (or chop regular-sized pepperoni)1
Topping
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter1
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced1
- 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, finely chopped1
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt1
- Marinara sauce, warmed, for dipping1
Let’s Get Cooking!
- Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 12-cup muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray and set aside1.
- Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out each tube of crescent roll dough into a 12×16-inch rectangle1. If you’re using perforated dough, pinch those seams together1.
- Make the Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning1.
- Layer It Up: Spread about ⅓ of the butter mixture over one sheet of dough. Sprinkle 1 cup of mozzarella and ⅓ of the mini pepperoni evenly over the butter mixture1.
- Roll ‘Em Up: Starting on the long end of the dough sheet, tightly roll it up into a log. Cut the log in half, creating two shorter logs. Then, cut each of those shorter logs in half lengthwise to get four sections of dough1.
- Repeat: Repeat with the remaining two sheets of dough until you have 12 sections1.
- Shape the Cruffins: Take one section of dough at a time, with the layered side facing out, and roll it tightly into a cinnamon roll shape, tucking in the end piece of dough1.
- Bake: Place each cruffin into the prepared muffin tin. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown1.
- Garlic Butter Time: While the cruffins are baking, melt the butter for the topping in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about a minute until fragrant. Stir in the parsley and salt1.
- Brush & Serve: Once the cruffins are out of the oven, brush them generously with the garlic butter topping. Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping1.
Tips for Customization
- Cheese Variety: Try using cheddar, provolone, or Monterey Jack for a different flavor1.
- Pepperoni Power: Use turkey pepperoni for a lighter option, or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling for a spicy kick1.
- Veggie Lovers: Add sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives to the filling1.
- Spice it up: Add a dash of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for a little heat.
- Herbs: Experiment with different herbs in the garlic butter, such as oregano, basil, or thyme.
Serving Suggestions
- Dipping Sauces: Besides marinara, try dipping these in pesto, ranch, or a spicy aioli.
- Side Salad: Serve with a fresh garden salad for a balanced meal.
- Soup: Pair them with tomato soup for a cozy lunch.
- Appetizer: Cut the cruffins in half and serve as a party appetizer.
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the cruffins ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator overnight. Just bake them when you’re ready to serve.Can I freeze these?
Absolutely! Bake the cruffins, let them cool completely, and then wrap them individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer bag. Reheat in the oven or microwave.What if I don’t have crescent roll sheets?
If you only have perforated crescent roll dough, just pinch the seams together after you roll them out1.Can I use a different type of cheese?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment with your favorite cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or Monterey Jack1.
Nutritional Information (per cruffin, approximate)
- Calories: 250-300
- Fat: 15-20g
- Saturated Fat: 8-10g
- Cholesterol: 40-50mg
- Sodium: 500-600mg
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
- Sugar: 5-7g
- Protein: 8-10g
Note: Nutritional information may vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.
