If you have been searching for a warm, aromatic treat that wonderfully blends the comforting texture of focaccia with the convenient size of muffins, then look no further. This Rosemary Garlic Focaccia Muffins Recipe is an absolute game-changer. Infused with fragrant fresh rosemary and the punchy depth of roasted garlic, these fluffy, golden muffins boast a perfectly crispy crust with a tender, chewy crumb inside. Whether you’re serving them for a cozy family dinner, as a delightful snack, or alongside your favorite soup, each bite delivers a symphony of simple yet unforgettable flavors that make homemade feel luxurious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
There’s something magical about how just a handful of staple ingredients can transform into a decadent treat. Each component in this recipe plays an essential role—from the yeast that brings life and airiness, to the olive oil that lends richness and color, to the herbs and garlic that build the unforgettable flavor profile.
- 1 ¼ tsp active dry yeast: This is your natural leavening agent that helps the dough rise into airy perfection.
- 1 tsp honey: A touch of sweetness that activates the yeast and balances the savory elements.
- 1 ¼ cups warm water: The warmth wakes up the yeast and hydrates the flour to build gluten.
- 2 ½ cups bread flour: Bread flour’s higher protein content creates that sought-after chewy structure.
- 2 tsp sea salt: Enhances all the flavors while controlling yeast activity for even rising.
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil, divided: Adds moisture, richness, and a beautiful golden crust.
- 2 tbsp butter, melted: Used for brushing after baking, adding a tender finish and subtle richness.
- 2 tbsp finishing salt (such as fleur de sel): Sprinkled on top at the end for a delicate crunch and burst of savory flavor.
- 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil: Used for the fragrant rosemary garlic topping to infuse the muffins.
- 2-3 sprigs of rosemary, minced: Fresh rosemary brings a piney, earthy brightness that sings with the garlic.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced: Roasting the garlic gently releases its mellow, nutty sweetness.
How to Make Rosemary Garlic Focaccia Muffins Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by mixing the active dry yeast with honey and warm water in a large bowl. This mixture will bloom and become foamy within 5 to 10 minutes, signaling that the yeast is alive and ready to work its magic. This is an essential first step for the rising process that creates the light texture of your focaccia muffins.
Step 2: Build the Dough
Once the yeast is activated, add in your bread flour and sea salt. Stir the ingredients together to form a rough dough—it won’t be smooth yet, but that’s perfectly okay. The flour and salt combine to give structure and flavor, while setting the stage for a wonderful chewy crumb.
Step 3: Incorporate Olive Oil and Chill Overnight
Drizzle two tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil over the dough and gently coat it. This step not only adds richness but also encourages a tender crumb and golden color after baking. Cover the dough and refrigerate it overnight for at least 8 hours. This slow fermentation is key to developing depth of flavor and improving the texture of the muffins.
Step 4: Preheat Oven and Knead Lightly
The next day, preheat your oven to the right temperature. Drizzle the dough with another two tablespoons of olive oil and knead it lightly to begin redistributing the yeast and gluten structure. This minor kneading ensures even rise without overworking the dough, which keeps your muffins tender.
Step 5: Divide and Proof in Muffin Tins
Divide the dough evenly into muffin tins. This is where the fun muffin shape comes in, making your focaccia easy to serve and eat by hand. Allow the dough to rise for 2 hours, patiently letting it double in size to become soft and pillowy.
Step 6: Prepare the Rosemary Garlic Topping
While your dough rises, warm one-third cup of olive oil in a pan and gently mix in the minced rosemary and garlic. Heating the herbs and garlic releases their natural oils and aromas, infusing the oil and creating a vibrant topping that will soak into the muffins during baking.
Step 7: Apply Topping and Bake
Once the muffins have risen, drizzle the rosemary garlic oil generously over the top of each. This flavorful layer will seep into the dough, creating pockets of fragrant herbiness. Bake the muffins for about 20 minutes, or until they are gloriously golden brown with a crust that softly crackles when you touch it.
Step 8: Finish with Butter and Finishing Salt
Right after baking, brush the tops with melted butter for added richness and shine. Finally, sprinkle finishing salt over the muffins for a subtle crunch and that luxurious burst of sea salt flavor that makes every bite pop. These last touches elevate your Rosemary Garlic Focaccia Muffins Recipe from great to utterly unforgettable.
How to Serve Rosemary Garlic Focaccia Muffins Recipe
Garnishes
Although the rosemary and garlic provide plenty of flavor, a little extra fresh rosemary sprig or a light dusting of grated Parmesan on top can add an elegant touch and enhance the aroma just before serving. A simple brush of good quality olive oil can also add a glimmering finish that makes these muffins irresistible.
Side Dishes
Rosemary Garlic Focaccia Muffins pair wonderfully with a variety of dishes. Try them alongside a fresh garden salad or a robust, creamy soup such as tomato bisque or butternut squash soup. Their savory depth complements Mediterranean dips like hummus or tzatziki for a perfect appetizer platter.
Creative Ways to Present
You can turn these focaccia muffins into mini sandwiches by slicing them horizontally and filling them with layers of roasted vegetables, fresh mozzarella, or cured meats. They also make a charming addition to a picnic basket or as part of a bread basket for gatherings, impressing guests with their aroma and delightful texture.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extras, store the Rosemary Garlic Focaccia Muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Keeping them sealed ensures they stay soft while preserving the aromatic flavors of rosemary and garlic.
Freezing
For longer storage, these muffins freeze beautifully. Wrap each muffin tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They will maintain their fresh taste and texture for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, defrost at room temperature or gently warm in the oven.
Reheating
To revive the freshly baked taste, reheat your muffins in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 to 7 minutes. This step refreshes the crispy exterior while warming the tender crumb inside, bringing back that just-baked experience every time.
FAQs
Can I use regular flour instead of bread flour?
You can substitute all-purpose flour if bread flour is unavailable, but the texture will be slightly less chewy and airy. Bread flour’s higher protein content is ideal for this recipe’s characteristic focaccia crumb.
Do I have to refrigerate the dough overnight?
Refrigerating overnight is highly recommended because it allows the dough to ferment slowly, enhancing both flavor and texture, making your Rosemary Garlic Focaccia Muffins Recipe truly standout.
Can I add other herbs or toppings?
Absolutely! While rosemary and garlic are classic, you can experiment with thyme, oregano, or even sun-dried tomatoes. Just keep the herb proportions balanced to maintain that perfect taste.
Is this recipe suitable for beginners?
Definitely. Despite the overnight rest and rise times, the active steps are straightforward and forgiving, making this an excellent recipe to boost your bread-making confidence.
What’s the best way to serve these muffins warm?
Serve them fresh from the oven or warmed slightly with a pat of butter or a drizzle of olive oil to maximize their soft, aromatic qualities that make these muffins so comforting.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the heartfelt aroma and comforting texture of these Rosemary Garlic Focaccia Muffins Recipe creations. Baking them at home allows you to bring that warm, satisfying feeling straight to your table—whether it’s a quiet weeknight treat or the center of attention at a gathering. Trust me, once you try these muffins, they will become an indispensable favorite in your kitchen, perfect for sharing or savoring all by yourself.
Print
Rosemary Garlic Focaccia Muffins Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 10 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
These Rosemary Garlic Focaccia Muffins are a delightful twist on classic focaccia bread, featuring a soft, airy texture infused with fragrant rosemary and garlic. Perfect for serving alongside soups, salads, or as a flavorful snack, these muffins combine the richness of olive oil with a crispy golden crust and a sprinkle of finishing salt for that extra burst of flavor.
Ingredients
Yeast Mixture
- 1 ¼ tsp active dry yeast
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 ¼ cups warm water
Dough
- 2 ½ cups bread flour
- 2 tsp sea salt
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil, divided
Topping and Finishing
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 2 tbsp finishing salt (such as fleur de sel)
- 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2–3 sprigs of rosemary, minced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a large bowl, mix the active dry yeast, honey, and warm water. Let the mixture sit undisturbed for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Prepare the Dough: Add bread flour and sea salt to the yeast mixture. Stir thoroughly until a rough dough forms and all ingredients are combined.
- First Oil Coat and Refrigeration: Drizzle 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil over the dough and gently coat it. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the dough overnight for at least 8 hours to allow for slow fermentation, which develops flavor and texture.
- Preheat Oven and Knead: Remove the dough from the fridge and preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Drizzle an additional 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the dough and knead lightly just to incorporate the oil and prepare for shaping.
- Shape and Rise: Divide the dough evenly into a greased muffin tin, filling each cup about two-thirds full. Let the dough rise in a warm place for around 2 hours, allowing it to double in size and become puffy.
- Prepare Rosemary Garlic Topping: While the dough is rising, heat 1/3 cup of extra-virgin olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the minced rosemary and garlic, cooking briefly just until fragrant to release their essential oils. Remove from heat.
- Apply Topping and Bake: Drizzle the rosemary and garlic oil over the risen dough muffins evenly. Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 20 minutes or until the focaccia muffins are golden brown and cooked through.
- Finish with Butter and Salt: After baking, brush each warm focaccia muffin with melted butter and sprinkle generously with finishing salt such as fleur de sel for an irresistible savory finish.
Notes
- The overnight refrigeration step helps develop deeper flavor and improves the texture of the focaccia muffins.
- Be sure to use bread flour for the best chewy texture inherent to focaccia bread.
- If you prefer stronger garlic flavor, you can add an additional minced clove to the topping.
- Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area to ensure proper proofing during the second rise.
- These focaccia muffins pair beautifully with dips, soups, and salads or can be enjoyed plain as a snack.
