Why You’ll Love Rosemary Garlic Focaccia Muffins Recipe
These focaccia muffins offer all the flavor and texture of classic focaccia but in a fun, portable form. They’re easy to make, require minimal shaping, and are infused with bold, earthy rosemary and rich garlic. Whether served warm with a bowl of soup, alongside a hearty salad, or as a snack with olive oil for dipping, they’re guaranteed to impress.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
-
All-purpose flour
-
Instant yeast
-
Warm water
-
Olive oil
-
Sugar
-
Salt
-
Fresh garlic, minced
-
Fresh rosemary, chopped
-
Sea salt flakes (for topping)
Directions
-
In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
-
Stir in flour, salt, and olive oil. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
-
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a towel and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
-
Meanwhile, mix minced garlic and chopped rosemary with a bit of olive oil and set aside.
-
Grease a muffin tin generously with olive oil.
-
After the dough has risen, gently deflate it and spoon portions into the muffin cups, filling each about ¾ full.
-
Spoon the rosemary garlic oil over each muffin and gently press it in with your fingers to create that signature focaccia texture.
-
Sprinkle with sea salt flakes.
-
Let the muffins rest for another 15–20 minutes while you preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
-
Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the tops are golden and slightly crisp.
-
Let cool slightly before removing from the tin. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Servings and timing
Makes: 12 muffins
Prep time: 15 minutes
Rise time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Bake time: 15–18 minutes
Total time: Approximately 1 hour 50 minutes
Variations
-
Cheesy focaccia muffins: Add shredded mozzarella or Parmesan to the dough or sprinkle on top before baking.
-
Spicy twist: Mix in red pepper flakes with the rosemary and garlic.
-
Olive focaccia muffins: Add chopped kalamata or green olives to the dough.
-
Sweet and savory: Swap rosemary for thyme and drizzle with honey before serving.
-
Gluten-free version: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend formulated for yeasted bread.
Storage/Reheating
-
Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
-
Refrigerate: Store in the fridge for up to 5 days.
-
Freeze: Wrap muffins individually and freeze for up to 2 months.
-
Reheat: Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–7 minutes or microwave for 15–20 seconds.
FAQs
Can I use dried rosemary instead of fresh?
Yes, use about one-third the amount of dried rosemary as you would fresh. The flavor will be more concentrated.
Why did my muffins turn out dense?
Make sure your yeast is active and the dough is given enough time to rise fully before baking.
Can I make these muffins without a muffin tin?
You can bake them in a mini loaf pan or free-form on a baking sheet, though the shape will vary.
Can I let the dough rise overnight?
Yes, cover the dough tightly and refrigerate overnight. Bring to room temperature before shaping and baking.
What type of olive oil is best?
Use a high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor, especially since it’s used both in the dough and on top.
Can I add toppings before baking?
Absolutely—try sun-dried tomatoes, caramelized onions, or cheese for added flavor and texture.
How do I prevent the muffins from sticking?
Grease the muffin tin generously with olive oil or use non-stick spray to ensure easy removal.
Are these muffins vegan?
Yes, they are naturally vegan as long as you don’t add cheese or honey.
Can I use whole wheat flour?
You can substitute up to half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. Full substitution may yield denser muffins.
How do I know when they’re done baking?
They should be golden brown on top and pull away slightly from the sides of the muffin tin. A toothpick should come out clean.
Conclusion
Rosemary Garlic Focaccia Muffins are an easy, elegant way to enjoy the classic flavors of focaccia in a fun, muffin-shaped form. Fluffy, savory, and loaded with herby aroma, they make the perfect addition to any meal or a satisfying snack all on their own. Simple to make and endlessly adaptable, these muffins deserve a place in your regular baking rotation.
Rosemary Garlic Focaccia Muffins
These Rosemary Garlic Focaccia Muffins are a savory twist on the classic Italian bread, baked in muffin tins for perfect individual servings. Fluffy inside with a golden, crispy crust, they’re infused with fresh rosemary and garlic—perfect as a side, snack, or appetizer!
- Prep Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 cup warm water (about 110°F)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 teaspoon honey or sugar
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup olive oil (plus more for drizzling)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- Flaky sea salt, for topping
- Extra rosemary and garlic for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and honey. Let sit for 5–10 minutes, until foamy.
- Stir in flour, salt, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place in a greased bowl, cover with a towel or plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Grease or line a 12-cup muffin tin with olive oil. Punch down the dough and divide into 12 pieces. Shape each into a rough ball and place into muffin cups.
- Press a finger into the tops of each dough ball to create dimples. Brush or drizzle generously with remaining olive oil.
- Top with minced garlic, chopped rosemary, and flaky sea salt.
- Let rise again for 15–20 minutes while you preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until golden brown and slightly crisp on top.
- Let cool slightly before serving. Best enjoyed warm!
Notes
- Add grated Parmesan or mozzarella to the tops for cheesy muffins.
- Use roasted garlic for a milder, sweeter garlic flavor.
- Great as a side with soup, pasta, or as a holiday bread basket addition.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container; reheat in oven or toaster for best texture.
