If you are craving a warm, herb-infused bread that elevates any meal, you have to try this Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Muffins Recipe. These delightful little muffins capture the fluffy, airy texture of classic focaccia but in perfectly portable, individual servings. Infused with fresh garlic and fragrant rosemary, each bite is a savory burst of Italian-inspired flavor that’s just waiting to be paired with your favorite dishes or enjoyed on its own. The golden crust with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt makes these muffins utterly irresistible, perfect for impressing guests or simply brightening up a cozy night in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The best part of this Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Muffins Recipe is how simple and wholesome the ingredients are. Each one plays a starring role in creating the perfect dough, aroma, and texture that make these muffins so special.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation for tender, airy focaccia muffins. Choosing all-purpose flour gives the right balance of gluten for structure and softness.
- 1 tablespoon sugar: Just enough sweetness to feed the yeast and enhance browning.
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast: The magic ingredient that makes our muffins rise beautifully.
- ¾ teaspoon salt: Essential to bring out all the flavors and season the dough perfectly.
- ¾ cup warm water (110°F): Activates the yeast and helps form the perfect dough consistency.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus more for drizzling): Adds moisture and richness while helping to create a delicately crisp crust.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the muffins with a bold, savory kick that every garlic lover will adore.
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary (chopped): The fragrant herb that pairs perfectly with garlic, giving each muffin its signature Italian flavor.
- Flaky sea salt for topping (optional): Adds a crunchy, salty finishing touch that enhances texture and taste.
How to Make Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Muffins Recipe
Step 1: Mix and Form Dough
Start by combining your flour, sugar, yeast, and salt in a large bowl. Stir in the warm water and olive oil until a soft dough forms. This is where the magic begins: your simple pantry staples start to come together, promising a fluffy and flavorful muffin.
Step 2: Knead for Perfect Texture
Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5 to 6 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Kneading develops the gluten, which is crucial to getting that light, airy texture you want in your focaccia muffins.
Step 3: Let Dough Rise
Place your dough into a lightly oiled bowl, covering it to keep moisture in. Set it in a warm spot and let it rise for one hour or until it doubles in size. This rising process is what gives your muffins the perfect lightness and tenderness.
Step 4: Shape and Add Toppings
Once risen, grease a standard 12-cup muffin tin with olive oil. Punch down the dough to release the air, then divide it evenly into the muffin cups. Use your fingers to dimple the tops, then drizzle each muffin lightly with olive oil. Sprinkle over the minced garlic, fresh rosemary, and flaky sea salt to add that irresistible flavor and texture.
Step 5: Second Rise and Bake
Let your muffined dough rise again for 15 to 20 minutes while you preheat the oven to 375°F. This short second rise ensures a tender crumb. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the tops turn a beautiful golden brown and fill your kitchen with that intoxicating garlic-rosemary aroma.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy
Let the muffins cool slightly before serving warm. Fresh from the oven, these garlic rosemary focaccia muffins are at their absolute best — soft inside, crispy on the outside, and bursting with herby garlic flavor.
How to Serve Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Muffins Recipe
Garnishes
A dusting of freshly grated Parmesan or a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil takes these muffins from excellent to unforgettable. Fresh sprigs of rosemary on the side add a beautiful, fragrant touch and hint at what’s inside.
Side Dishes
These focaccia muffins make an ideal partner to hearty soups, Italian stews, and salads. Think creamy tomato basil soup, rich mushroom ragù, or a zesty arugula salad. They soak up sauces wonderfully, making every bite even more satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve the Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Muffins Recipe as part of a brunch spread with marinated olives, sliced cheeses, and roasted vegetables. You could also hollow out the muffins slightly and turn them into savory little bread bowls for a warm cup of soup or dip.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the focaccia muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Keeping them sealed helps maintain their moist, tender crumb without drying out.
Freezing
To keep these muffins longer, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen, they last for up to three months. This way, you can enjoy fresh-tasting focaccia anytime you want with minimal effort.
Reheating
When ready to eat, reheat the frozen or stored muffins in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 8 to 10 minutes. This simple step refreshes the crust’s crispness while warming the fluffy center for a just-baked experience.
FAQs
Can I use dried rosemary instead of fresh in the Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Muffins Recipe?
Yes, you can substitute dried rosemary if needed. Use about one teaspoon, as dried herbs are more concentrated. Fresh rosemary, however, offers a brighter, fresher flavor that really shines in this recipe.
Is it necessary to let the dough rise twice?
Absolutely. The first rise develops the dough’s flavor and texture, while the second rise after shaping ensures soft, tender muffins. Skipping either can lead to dense or less flavorful bread.
Can I make these muffins gluten-free?
While the recipe is designed for all-purpose flour, you can experiment with gluten-free flour blends. Keep in mind that gluten-free dough behaves differently, so results may vary, and texture won’t be quite the same.
How can I make the muffins more garlicky?
For extra garlic punch, you can add roasted garlic into the dough or brush the tops with garlic-infused olive oil before baking. Fresh minced garlic sprinkled on top already gives a lovely flavor balance.
What other herbs work well in place of rosemary?
Thyme, oregano, or sage make wonderful alternatives or additions. These Mediterranean herbs complement garlic beautifully and offer a fresh twist on this classic Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Muffins Recipe.
Final Thoughts
There is something incredibly satisfying about baking bread at home, especially when it turns out as delicious as these Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Muffins. They’re simple to make, endlessly versatile, and absolutely bursting with fresh, savory flavor. Whether you’re serving them alongside dinner or enjoying one fresh from the oven as a snack, these muffins are sure to become a beloved favorite. Give this recipe a try and watch how quickly they disappear from the table!
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Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Muffins Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 1 hour 15 minutes rising)
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 53 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins
- Category: Bread, Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Muffins are soft, flavorful mini bread rolls infused with fragrant garlic and fresh rosemary. Perfect as a side dish or snack, they feature a tender crumb with a golden crust, topped with flaky sea salt for an extra savory touch.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup warm water (110°F)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus more for drizzling)
Topping Ingredients
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary (chopped)
- Flaky sea salt for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, active dry yeast, and salt. Stir in the warm water (110°F) and 2 tablespoons of olive oil until a soft dough forms, ensuring everything is well incorporated.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead it for 5–6 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. This develops the gluten and gives the focaccia a good texture.
- First Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until the dough has doubled in size.
- Prepare the Muffin Tin: Lightly grease a standard 12-cup muffin tin with olive oil to prevent sticking and help the tops crisp up nicely during baking.
- Shape the Muffins: Punch down the risen dough to release air, then divide it evenly among the 12 muffin cups. Use your fingers to dimple the tops of each muffin, mimicking the classic focaccia look.
- Add Toppings and Second Rise: Drizzle each muffin lightly with olive oil. Sprinkle the minced garlic, chopped rosemary, and flaky sea salt evenly on top. Allow the dough to rise again for 15–20 minutes while you preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake the muffins for 15–18 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and emit a fragrant aroma.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool slightly in the tin before serving warm for the best flavor and texture experience.
Notes
- These focaccia muffins are best enjoyed fresh and warm for optimal flavor and texture.
- You can store leftover muffins in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- To refresh stored muffins, reheat them in the oven to revive their softness and crispness.
- Feel free to customize toppings by adding olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or different fresh herbs.
