Name: Golden Crust Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Muffins
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-487486H44M3S
Total time: PT-487486H44M3S
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour; 1 ½ teaspoons instant yeast; 1 teaspoon salt; ¾ cup (180ml) warm water (about 110°F); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped; 2 tablespoons olive oil; ½ teaspoon flaky sea salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; Grated Parmesan for extra savory depth; A sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat; Sun-dried tomatoes or olives for Mediterranean flair

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These Golden Crust Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Muffins are a delicious twist on the classic focaccia bread. With the rich flavors of garlic, rosemary, and olive oil packed into individual, perfectly portioned muffins, these treats offer the perfect balance of crispy exteriors and soft, airy interiors. Whether you’re looking for a snack, appetizer, or side to complement a meal, these muffins are sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe takes the classic Italian focaccia and transforms it into a convenient and flavorful muffin format. Each muffin has a crispy golden crust, complemented by the earthy taste of rosemary and garlic, making it the perfect accompaniment to soups, salads, or even enjoyed on its own. The dough is easy to prepare, and the individual muffins mean no slicing required—just grab and go! With a few simple ingredients, you can create a bakery-quality bread at home.

Ingredients

For the dough:
2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons instant yeast
1 teaspoon salt
¾ cup (180ml) warm water (about 110°F)
2 tablespoons olive oil

For the topping:
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
½ teaspoon flaky sea salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

Optional Additions:
Grated Parmesan for extra savory depth
A sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat
Sun-dried tomatoes or olives for Mediterranean flair

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, yeast, and salt. Stir to mix. Gradually add warm water and olive oil, stirring until a shaggy dough forms. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 6-8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Prepare the Muffin Pan
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin with olive oil or nonstick spray.
Shape the Muffins
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 12 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball and place it into the greased muffin cups. Cover with a towel and let the dough rest for 20 minutes.
Add the Toppings
In a small bowl, mix garlic, rosemary, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Using your fingers, press dimples into each muffin dough ball. Spoon the garlic-rosemary mixture evenly over each muffin.
Bake to Perfection
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the muffins are golden brown and crisp. Let them cool slightly before removing from the pan. Enjoy warm or at room temperature!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 12 muffins
Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 1-hour rise time)
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour 40 minutes

Variations

Cheesy Focaccia Muffins: Add grated Parmesan or shredded mozzarella to the topping before baking.
Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes for some heat or smoked paprika for a hint of smokiness.
Mediterranean Style: Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes or Kalamata olives into the dough, and top with za’atar or sesame seeds.
Caramelized Onion & Herb Twist: Swap rosemary for thyme or sage, and add caramelized onions for a sweet-savory taste.
Pesto Infused: Swirl pesto into the dough before shaping and drizzle more on top after baking.
Lemon & Herb Variation: Add lemon zest to the dough and mix fresh parsley with rosemary and thyme for a lighter flavor profile.

Storage/Reheating

Short-Term Storage (Room Temperature): Store the muffins in an airtight container or wrap them in foil. They’ll keep for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F for 5 minutes to restore their crispiness.
Refrigeration (Up to 5 Days): Store the muffins in a sealed container in the fridge. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 7-8 minutes, or microwave for 20-30 seconds.
Freezing (Up to 2 Months): Once cooled, wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place in a freezer bag. To reheat, thaw at room temperature and bake at 350°F for 8-10 minutes until warm and crispy.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before, let it rise in the refrigerator, and bake them fresh in the morning.

Can I use dried rosemary instead of fresh?

Yes, reduce the amount to 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary as it is more concentrated than fresh.

Why is my dough not rising?

The yeast may be expired, or the water temperature might have been too hot or too cold, preventing the yeast from activating properly.

How do I make these extra fluffy?

Ensure your yeast is fresh and allow the dough to rise in a warm environment. The second rise (after shaping) is key to achieving a soft, airy texture.

Can I freeze the dough before baking?

Yes, you can freeze the dough after the first rise. Just let it thaw in the fridge overnight before shaping and baking.

Can I substitute bread flour for all-purpose flour?

Yes, using bread flour will yield a chewier texture, but all-purpose flour works perfectly as well.

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

Yes, you can. Dissolve the active dry yeast in warm water with a pinch of sugar and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy before adding it to the flour.

How can I add a little extra flavor?

Try adding grated Parmesan cheese on top before baking, or drizzle more olive oil over the muffins for extra richness.

What’s the best way to store leftover muffins?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge or freeze them.

How do I achieve the signature focaccia dimples?

Use your fingers to press into each muffin dough ball before adding the topping. This helps distribute the olive oil and seasoning evenly and gives the muffins their characteristic texture.

Conclusion

Golden Crust Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Muffins offer a delightful twist on a classic Italian bread, with individual portions that make them easy to enjoy anytime. The crispy, golden crust combined with the soft, airy interior is a winning combination that will elevate any meal. Whether you’re pairing them with soup, enjoying them with a salad, or simply having them as a snack, these muffins are bound to become a new favorite in your baking repertoire.