Easy Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Muffins

When you think of Italian bread, focaccia probably comes to mind with its fluffy, airy texture and irresistible infusion of olive oil and herbs. Now, imagine that same deliciousness packed into an adorable, muffin-sized bite! These Easy Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Muffins combine all the best qualities of traditional focaccia—savory garlic, fragrant rosemary, and a crispy, golden crust—but in a convenient and fun-to-eat muffin form. They’re perfect for serving as a side dish, snack, or appetizer at gatherings, or even as an indulgent bread option for your weeknight dinners.

One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. While garlic and rosemary are classic flavors that complement focaccia perfectly, you can customize these muffins with your favorite toppings, such as sundried tomatoes, olives, or cheese. They’re easy to make, requiring just a few pantry staples and minimal prep time, yet the result is something that tastes like it came straight from a bakery. Plus, because they’re baked in muffin tins, they have those crispy edges we all love, while staying tender and soft inside.

Whether you’re looking to elevate your dinner bread game or want to impress guests with a unique appetizer, these Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Muffins are sure to be a hit. Let’s dive into the details and start baking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Perfect Portion Control: These muffins give you perfectly portioned servings of focaccia without having to slice a whole loaf. They’re great for dinner parties or simply when you want to serve something unique.
2. Incredible Flavor: The combination of fresh rosemary, garlic, and olive oil creates a flavor explosion that’s savory, fragrant, and utterly satisfying.
3. Easy to Make: Despite their fancy appearance, these muffins are straightforward and don’t require any complex baking techniques.
4. Versatile Toppings: You can easily customize these muffins with additional toppings like cheese, olives, sundried tomatoes, or even caramelized onions to suit your personal taste.
5. Crispy and Soft: Baking the focaccia in muffin tins ensures you get crispy edges while the inside stays soft, chewy, and flavorful.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep time: 20 minutes (plus 1 hour rising time)
• Cook time: 20 minutes
• Total time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Yield: Makes 12 muffins
• Serving Size: 1 muffin

Nutritional Information (per muffin)

• Calories: 180 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 7g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 300mg

(These values are approximate and will vary depending on the exact ingredients used.)

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Muffins:

For the Focaccia Dough:

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup warm water (about 110°F)
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
• 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped (plus extra for garnish)

For Topping (Optional):

• Coarse sea salt, for sprinkling
• Freshly cracked black pepper
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for a cheesy twist
• Chili flakes, for a bit of heat

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Activate the Yeast:

In a small bowl, combine 3/4 cup warm water, 1 teaspoon sugar, and 1 packet of active dry yeast. Stir gently to dissolve the yeast, and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This means the yeast is activated and ready to use.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon salt. Make sure the salt is evenly distributed in the flour to avoid clumping.

3. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:

Once the yeast is activated, make a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour in the yeast mixture, along with 1/4 cup of olive oil. Stir with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula until a shaggy dough forms.

4. Knead the Dough:

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour as needed. You want the dough to be soft but not overly sticky.

Step 2: First Rise

1. Let the Dough Rise:

Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl, turning it once to coat all sides with oil. Cover the bowl with a damp kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.

Step 3: Shape and Add Flavors

1. Prepare the Muffin Tin:

While the dough is rising, grease a 12-cup muffin tin with olive oil to prevent sticking. You can also place parchment paper liners in the muffin cups for easy removal.

2. Punch Down the Dough:

After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Transfer the dough back to your lightly floured surface and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and place one dough ball into each greased muffin cup.

3. Infuse with Garlic and Rosemary:

In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of olive oil with the minced garlic and chopped rosemary. Use a pastry brush to generously brush the top of each dough ball with this garlic-rosemary oil mixture.

4. Press the Dough:

Use your fingers to gently press down each dough ball into the muffin cup, flattening it slightly. This helps create those signature dimples that focaccia is known for, which will hold onto the olive oil and herbs for extra flavor.

Step 4: Second Rise

1. Let the Dough Rise Again:

Once you’ve shaped and brushed the dough, cover the muffin tin loosely with a towel and let the dough rise again for about 20 minutes. The dough should puff up slightly, filling the muffin cups.

Step 5: Bake the Focaccia Muffins

1. Preheat the Oven:

While the dough is rising for the second time, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Sprinkle with Toppings:

Before baking, sprinkle the tops of the focaccia muffins with coarse sea salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and any other desired toppings like Parmesan cheese or chili flakes.

3. Bake Until Golden:

Bake the muffins in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top and cooked through. The tops should be crispy, and the muffins should feel light and fluffy.

4. Cool Slightly:

Once the muffins are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool in the tin for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

1. Serve:

These Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Muffins are best served warm, straight from the oven. Pair them with your favorite pasta dishes, soups, or salads. They also make a wonderful side dish for roasted meats or grilled vegetables.

2. Garnish (Optional):

For a beautiful presentation, garnish the muffins with an extra sprig of fresh rosemary and a light drizzle of olive oil. You can also add a final sprinkle of Parmesan cheese or flaky sea salt just before serving.

How to Serve Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Muffins

These muffins are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. Here are a few suggestions:

• As a Side Dish: Serve the focaccia muffins alongside soups, stews, or pasta dishes. Their soft texture and garlic-rosemary flavor complement hearty meals perfectly.
• With Dips: These muffins make a fantastic appetizer when paired with dips like olive tapenade, hummus, or pesto.
• For Breakfast or Brunch: Top the muffins with sliced avocado, soft-boiled eggs, or even a drizzle of honey for a savory-sweet breakfast treat.
• For Entertaining: These mini focaccia muffins are great for parties or gatherings. Serve them as part of a charcuterie board or alongside cheese and olives for a Mediterranean-style snack.
• With Salads: Their flavor pairs beautifully with fresh, crisp salads like a Caprese salad or a Greek salad. The muffins’ crispy texture adds a satisfying contrast to the vegetables.

Additional Tips for Success

1. Use Good Quality Olive Oil: Since olive oil is one of the key flavors in focaccia, be sure to use a high-quality, extra-virgin olive oil for the best taste.
2. Don’t Skip the Second Rise: The second rise helps the dough puff up slightly, creating a soft and airy texture inside. This extra step makes a noticeable difference in the final product.
3. Customize the Flavors: Feel free to experiment with other herbs and spices. Thyme, oregano, basil, or even a sprinkle of Italian seasoning can be used in place of or in addition to rosemary.
4. Watch the Baking Time: Oven temperatures can vary, so keep an eye on the muffins as they bake. They should be golden and crispy on top but still soft inside. Over-baking can make them dry.
5. Use Fresh Rosemary: Fresh rosemary adds a more vibrant flavor than dried rosemary. If you only have dried, use about half the amount, as dried herbs are more concentrated.

Recipe Variations

This recipe is easy to customize! Here are a few variations to try:

1. Cheesy Garlic Focaccia Muffins:

Add a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, or cheddar cheese on top of each muffin before baking for an extra cheesy twist.

2. Sundried Tomato and Olive Focaccia Muffins:

Add chopped sundried tomatoes and sliced black olives to the dough for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor. Top with a sprinkle of oregano for an authentic Italian touch.

3. Whole Wheat Focaccia Muffins:

For a healthier option, replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. This will add a slightly nutty flavor and a boost of fiber.

4. Spicy Chili Focaccia Muffins:

For a bit of heat, add chili flakes or crushed red pepper to the olive oil mixture before brushing it onto the dough. These muffins pair well with creamy soups.

5. Herb and Onion Focaccia Muffins:

Add thinly sliced onions and a sprinkle of thyme or sage to the muffin tops before baking. This gives the muffins a savory, aromatic flavor that’s perfect for fall meals.

Freezing and Storage

Storing Leftovers:

Store any leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They can also be stored in the refrigerator, but allow them to come to room temperature or reheat before serving to restore their soft texture.

Freezing:

These muffins freeze well. Once they have cooled completely, place them in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature or reheat in a 350°F oven for about 5-10 minutes.

Reheating:

For the best texture, reheat these focaccia muffins in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350°F until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them too soft.

Special Equipment

• Muffin Tin: A standard 12-cup muffin tin is perfect for this recipe. Be sure to grease it well or line with parchment paper cups for easy removal.
• Mixing Bowls: You’ll need mixing bowls for combining ingredients and letting the dough rise.
• Pastry Brush: Use a pastry brush to apply the garlic-rosemary olive oil to the tops of the dough for even flavor distribution.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can use instant yeast in place of active dry yeast. Skip the activation step and mix it directly into the flour.

2. Can I make these muffins gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend that contains xanthan gum for structure.

3. Can I add cheese to the dough itself?

Absolutely! Mix in grated Parmesan or shredded cheddar cheese directly into the dough for a cheesy, savory flavor.

4. Can I make these in a mini muffin tin?

Yes, you can use a mini muffin tin. Adjust the baking time to 12-15 minutes, as mini muffins will bake faster.

5. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, this recipe can be doubled to make 24 muffins. Use two muffin tins and bake both at the same time, rotating the pans halfway through for even baking.

Conclusion

These Easy Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Muffins bring a delightful twist to classic Italian bread. With their buttery, herb-infused flavor, crispy edges, and soft interior, they’re a treat for all the senses. Simple to make, endlessly versatile, and absolutely delicious, these muffins are sure to become a family favorite.

Perfect for everything from holiday dinners to weekday snacks, this recipe is one you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let the wonderful aroma of garlic and rosemary fill your kitchen. Happy baking!

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