Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These focaccia muffins provide the classic chewy, olive-oil–rich texture of focaccia in a quick, muffin-sized form. They pair beautifully with soups, salads, pasta dishes, or simply a smear of butter.
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Easy Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Muffins: A Simple, Aromatic Twist on Classic Focaccia
- Total Time: 1 hr 20 mins
- Yield: 12 muffins
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Soft, fluffy focaccia-style muffins infused with garlic, rosemary, and olive oil—an easy, single-serve twist on classic focaccia bread.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
- Flaky sea salt, for topping
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Add flour, salt, and olive oil. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
- Cover and let rise for 45–60 minutes, or until doubled in size.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a 12-cup muffin tin.
- Scoop dough evenly into muffin cups, filling about 2/3 full.
- In a small bowl, mix minced garlic, rosemary, and 2–3 tbsp olive oil. Drizzle mixture over each muffin.
- Use your fingers to gently press dimples into the tops. Sprinkle with flaky salt.
- Bake for 15–18 minutes, until golden and lightly crisp on top.
- Cool slightly and serve warm.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add grated Parmesan before baking.
- Use roasted garlic for a sweeter, mellow taste.
- Dough can be refrigerated overnight for slower fermentation and deeper flavor.
- Serve with soups, salads, or as a quick appetizer.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 18 mins
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
All-purpose flour
Forms the structure of the muffins and ensures a soft, tender crumb while supporting the airy focaccia texture.
Warm water
Activates the yeast and contributes to the dough’s rise, producing a light and fluffy interior.
Active dry yeast
Leavens the dough, creating the characteristic rise and airy pockets typical of focaccia.
Olive oil
Adds richness, moisture, and a signature Mediterranean flavor. It also helps crisp the muffin edges during baking.
Garlic
Provides aromatic depth and savory warmth, infusing the dough and topping with rich flavor.
Fresh rosemary
Lends an earthy, pine-like fragrance that pairs beautifully with garlic and olive oil.
Salt
Balances the flavors and enhances the herbal notes while supporting gluten development.
Sugar
Helps activate the yeast and encourages a balanced, golden finish in the baked muffins.
Directions
Begin by mixing the warm water, yeast, and sugar in a bowl. Allow the mixture to sit until the yeast becomes foamy, indicating proper activation. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Create a small well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture along with a generous drizzle of olive oil. Stir until a shaggy dough forms, then transfer it to a lightly oiled bowl. Cover and let it rise until doubled in size. Once risen, prepare a muffin tin by brushing each cup with olive oil. Scoop portions of the dough into the wells, filling them halfway. Drizzle additional olive oil over the tops and gently press your fingertips into each portion to create classic focaccia dimples. Sprinkle the dough with minced garlic and chopped rosemary. Allow the muffins to rise briefly again, then bake until golden, fragrant, and slightly crisp around the edges. Let them cool slightly before removing from the pan, and serve warm for the best texture.
Essential Equipment
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
Serves 12 muffins
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Rise time: 45–60 minutes
Baking time: 15–18 minutes
Total time: about 1 hour 30 minutes
Storage/reheating
Store leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerate for up to four days. Reheat in a warm oven for several minutes to restore crisp edges. They can also be frozen for up to two months; thaw at room temperature and warm before serving.
Variations and Customizations
Cheesy Focaccia Muffins
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella or Parmesan on top before baking to add richness and a lightly crisp cheesy crust.
Tomato and Herb Version
Add halved cherry tomatoes to the top of each muffin for pops of sweetness and color.
Caramelized Onion Addition
Fold caramelized onions into the dough for a deeper, sweeter flavor profile.
Mixed Herb Blend
Use thyme, oregano, or basil alongside rosemary for a more aromatic herbal mix.
Spicy Garlic Twist
Add red pepper flakes to the topping for a gentle heat that complements the garlic.
Whole Wheat Option
Replace part of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a slightly denser, heartier muffin.
Olive-Stuffed Muffins
Press a sliced green or black olive into the top of each muffin before baking for a Mediterranean accent.
Lemon-Rosemary Variation
Add a small amount of lemon zest to the dough to create a brighter, citrus-forward flavor.
Roasted Garlic Upgrade
Use roasted garlic instead of raw for a milder, sweeter taste and softer texture.
Pesto Swirl Edition
Fold a spoonful of basil pesto into the tops of the muffins for an herby, vibrant finish.
FAQs
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, instant yeast may be added directly to the flour without proofing.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, refrigerate the dough overnight and allow it to come to room temperature before shaping.
Do I need a stand mixer?
No, the dough mixes easily by hand.
Can I use dried rosemary?
Yes, use a smaller amount as dried herbs are more concentrated.
Why did my muffins turn out dense?
They may not have risen long enough or the yeast may have been inactive.
Can I add cheese into the dough?
Yes, fold in shredded cheese for a richer muffin.
Can I make them gluten-free?
Use a high-quality gluten-free flour blend formulated for yeast breads.
How do I prevent sticking?
Brush the muffin tin generously with olive oil.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, this recipe scales well for larger batches.
What should I serve with these muffins?
They pair well with soups, pasta dishes, roasted meats, and salads.
Conclusion
Easy Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Muffins deliver homemade bread satisfaction with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Their individual size, aromatic herbs, and golden olive-oil finish make them suitable for everyday meals or special gatherings. Whether you keep them classic or explore custom variations, these muffins offer a dependable, flavorful addition to any table.
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