If you have a thing for breads that are bursting with flavor and perfectly portable, then the Garlic Focaccia Muffins Recipe is going to become your new obsession. These delightful little focaccia rounds capture all the herby, garlicky goodness of traditional focaccia but in a fun, individual muffin shape that’s ideal for snacking, serving alongside dinner, or packing into lunchboxes. Soft yet slightly crisp, with a golden crust kissed by olive oil and topped with fragrant rosemary and flaky sea salt, these muffins are a true crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly easy to make at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with the Garlic Focaccia Muffins Recipe means gathering a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients. Each one has a role to play: the flour provides structure, the yeast brings that essential airy lift, garlic and rosemary infuse flavor, and olive oil keeps everything irresistibly moist and golden.
- 2.25 cups flour: Choose a high-quality all-purpose flour like King Arthur for the best texture and rise.
- 1.5 tbsp sugar: Just enough to feed the yeast and add a hint of sweetness.
- 1 tbsp yeast: Fleischmann’s RapidRise yeast works wonderfully to speed up the proofing process.
- 1.25 tsp salt: Balances the flavors perfectly without overpowering the garlic and herbs.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Boosts that signature garlicky taste in every bite.
- 1.25 tsp rosemary: Use dried and crushed to release the essential oils and aromatic goodness.
- 3/4 cup warm water: Aim for about 105°F to 110°F to activate the yeast properly.
- 4 tbsp olive oil: Infuses richness and helps create a tender crumb.
- 1 egg: Adds structure and a little bit of richness to the dough.
- Extra virgin olive oil: For brushing to get that gorgeous golden crust.
- Flaky sea salt: Maldon or similar, to sprinkle on top for a satisfying crunch.
- Fresh rosemary: Adds a final touch of freshness and visual appeal.
How to Make Garlic Focaccia Muffins Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by activating the yeast in the warm water mixed with sugar; you’ll see it foam up in a few minutes, confirming it’s ready. Next, mix the flour, garlic powder, salt, and crushed rosemary in a large bowl before adding the yeast mixture, olive oil, and beaten egg. Stir until a sticky dough forms — this is the foundation of your focaccia muffins.
Step 2: Knead the Dough
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8 to 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. This step is crucial as it develops the gluten network that gives focaccia its lovely chewy texture without being tough.
Step 3: First Rise
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 1 hour. This first proofing allows those yeast bubbles to develop, making your muffins airy and light.
Step 4: Shape the Muffins
Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down and divide it into 8 equal portions. Place each portion into a greased muffin tin, gently pressing down to fill the spaces — you want them snug but not overly compacted so the focus stays on lightness.
Step 5: Second Rise and Prepare Toppings
Cover the muffin tin again and let the dough rise for another 20 minutes. While waiting, mix some olive oil with chopped fresh rosemary to brush over the tops. This combination promises that irresistible fragrant finish.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Before baking, brush each muffin generously with the rosemary olive oil, and sprinkle on flaky sea salt. Bake for about 15 to 18 minutes or until golden brown and crisp on top. The smell alone will tell you you’ve hit the jackpot!
How to Serve Garlic Focaccia Muffins Recipe
Garnishes
To amp up the presentation and flavor, consider garnishing your Garlic Focaccia Muffins Recipe with a few fresh rosemary sprigs and an extra drizzle of high-quality olive oil. The herbs add a pop of color and fresh, earthy notes that complement the garlic beautifully.
Side Dishes
These muffins shine alongside a variety of dishes — think hearty soups, vibrant salads, or even charcuterie boards. They’re a fantastic accompaniment that soaks up sauces and complements both rustic and refined meals effortlessly.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress at your next dinner party? Serve these muffins warm with small ramekins of flavored olive oils for dipping or wrap them individually in parchment paper tied with twine for a rustic, charming touch. You could even slit them open and stuff with fresh mozzarella and roasted tomatoes for an elevated snack.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Keeping them covered helps maintain their soft interior while protecting the crisp crust.
Freezing
Garlic Focaccia Muffins Recipe also freezes beautifully. Wrap individual muffins tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Freezing right after baking preserves their texture and flavor.
Reheating
To enjoy frozen or leftover muffins, reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8 to 10 minutes. This brings back the crunchy crust and warms the soft inside without drying them out. Avoid microwaving to maintain that perfect focaccia texture.
FAQs
Can I use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder in the Garlic Focaccia Muffins Recipe?
Absolutely! While garlic powder distributes flavor evenly throughout the dough, finely minced fresh garlic can be added to the dough or used as a topping for a punchier, more aromatic garlic experience.
What type of rosemary works best for this recipe?
Dried rosemary is usually preferred for kneading into the dough as it’s less overpowering and releases its flavor gradually. However, fresh rosemary is perfect for topping, where it adds freshness and visual appeal.
Do I need any special equipment to make Garlic Focaccia Muffins Recipe?
No special gear is necessary. A good mixing bowl, a muffin tin, a kitchen towel, and an oven are all you need to create these tasty muffins right at home.
How can I make the crust extra crispy?
Brushing extra virgin olive oil on top before baking and sprinkling flaky sea salt ensures a beautifully crisp exterior. Baking at the right temperature—around 400°F—and not overcrowding the muffin tin also help achieve a golden, crunchy crust.
Can this recipe be doubled or halved?
Yes, it’s very flexible! You can easily double the ingredients to make a larger batch or halve them if you want fewer muffins. Just keep an eye on rising times as they might vary slightly with different dough amounts.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Garlic Focaccia Muffins Recipe enough if you’re looking for a simple yet flavorful bread that feels both rustic and special. Whether you’re sharing them with friends, serving at a family meal, or just indulging in a little kitchen therapy, these muffins deliver comfort with every bite. Give them a try—you might just find your new favorite bread!
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Garlic Focaccia Muffins Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (4 muffins)
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
These Garlic Focaccia Muffins are a delicious, savory twist on classic focaccia bread, baked into convenient individual muffin sizes. Infused with rosemary and garlic, they offer a perfect balance of fragrant herbs and a golden, crispy crust with a tender, fluffy interior. Ideal as a snack, appetizer, or accompaniment to any meal.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2.25 cups all-purpose flour (King Arthur recommended)
- 1.5 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp yeast (Fleischmann’s RapidRise suggested)
- 1.25 tsp salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1.25 tsp dried rosemary (crushed)
Wet Ingredients
- 3/4 cup warm water (105°F to 110°F)
- 4 tbsp olive oil
- 1 egg
Toppings
- Extra virgin olive oil (for brushing)
- Sea salt (flaky, such as Maldon, for crunch)
- Fresh rosemary (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the yeast mixture. Warm the water to approximately 105°F to 110°F, then combine it with sugar and yeast in a bowl. Let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Mix dry ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, garlic powder, and crushed dried rosemary to evenly distribute the flavors throughout the dough.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients. Add the yeast mixture, olive oil, and the egg to the dry ingredients. Stir together until a sticky dough forms, ensuring all ingredients are incorporated.
- Knead the dough. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface or with a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook for about 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. This develops the gluten for structure.
- First rise. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover it with a damp towel or plastic wrap. Let the dough rise in a warm place until it doubles in size, about 1 hour.
- Prepare muffin tin. Grease a standard muffin tin well with olive oil to prevent sticking and to help form a crispy crust on the focaccia muffins.
- Shape the muffins. Punch down the risen dough and divide it evenly into the muffin cups. Press the dough gently into each cup, creating dimples on the surface to mimic traditional focaccia style.
- Second rise. Cover the muffin tin and let the dough rise again for 20 to 30 minutes until puffy.
- Brush and season. Generously brush the tops of the dough with extra virgin olive oil, then sprinkle with flaky sea salt and fresh rosemary to add flavor and crunch.
- Bake. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the muffins for 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown on top and cooked through.
- Cool and serve. Remove the focaccia muffins from the oven, let them cool slightly in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Warm the water carefully; temperatures above 115°F can kill the yeast.
- For a stronger garlic flavor, increase garlic powder or add minced fresh garlic to the dough.
- If fresh rosemary is unavailable, use all dried rosemary but avoid over crushing to prevent bitterness.
- These muffins freeze well; reheat in the oven for a crispy crust restoration.
- Egg wash helps with a richer color but can be omitted for a vegan adaptation by substituting with a flax egg or skipping entirely.
