If you’re a fan of homemade bread but want something a little different, these Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Muffins are the perfect answer. They combine the fluffy, savory flavors of traditional focaccia bread with the convenience of muffins, making them perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a side dish at dinner. This recipe not only satisfies your taste buds but is also an impressive dish to serve to family and friends.
In this article, we’ll dive into a detailed guide on how to make these muffins from scratch, explore tips to perfect the recipe, and even suggest ways to customize it to suit your preferences.
What Are Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Muffins?
Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Muffins are a modern twist on the classic Italian focaccia bread. Instead of baking the dough in a flat sheet, this recipe transforms it into individual muffin portions. These muffins are infused with garlic, fresh rosemary, and extra virgin olive oil, delivering a rich, savory flavor with a delightfully crispy crust and soft interior.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect Portion Control: The muffin-sized portions make it easy to serve and enjoy without cutting into a large loaf.
- Simple Ingredients: Most of the ingredients are pantry staples, so there’s no need for an elaborate shopping list.
- Versatility: These muffins pair well with soups, salads, and pasta, or can be enjoyed on their own as a snack.
- Impressive Presentation: The individual muffins are as beautiful as they are delicious, making them a hit at any gathering.
Ingredients for Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Muffins
- 1.5 pounds of pizza dough: Using store-bought dough makes this recipe quick and simple, but you can use homemade dough if preferred.
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil: High-quality olive oil is essential for flavor and a golden, crispy crust.
- 8 cloves of garlic, finely chopped: Fresh garlic infuses the muffins with a robust, savory flavor.
- 4 sprigs of fresh rosemary, chopped: Adds an earthy and fragrant element to the muffins.
- Flaky salt: For sprinkling on top, it enhances the overall flavor and texture.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Dough
- Lightly grease a bowl and place the pizza dough inside. Allow it to come to room temperature to make it easier to work with and to improve its rise.
- Divide the dough into 12 roughly equal pieces using a bench scraper or sharp knife. Rustic, uneven pieces work just fine—no need for perfection.
2. Prepare the Muffin Pan
- Take a standard muffin pan and pour 1 teaspoon of olive oil into each cup. This not only prevents sticking but also helps create a golden, crispy crust.
3. Shape and Rest the Dough
- Gently shape each piece of dough into a rough ball and place it into the oiled muffin cups. Be careful not to deflate the air bubbles in the dough.
- Cover the pan with a clean towel and let the dough rest in a warm spot, such as near your oven, while preheating it to 400°F.
4. Make the Garlic and Rosemary Oil
- Chop the garlic and rosemary leaves finely. Set them aside.
- Heat the remaining olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. To test if it’s ready, flick a small drop of water into the oil—if it sizzles, it’s ready.
- Remove the oil from heat and stir in the chopped garlic and rosemary. Let the oil sit for a few minutes to infuse.
5. Assemble the Muffins
- Generously spoon the infused oil over each dough ball. Use all of the oil to ensure maximum flavor.
- Using two fingers, press gently into each dough ball to create dimples. These dimples not only give the muffins a signature focaccia look but also help the toppings adhere.
6. Bake the Muffins
- Place the muffin pan in the oven and bake for 14–16 minutes. Keep an eye on the muffins, and if the tops brown too quickly, loosely cover the pan with foil.
- Remove the muffins when they’re golden brown and fragrant.
Serving Suggestions
Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Muffins are incredibly versatile. Here are some ways to serve them:
- As a Side Dish: Pair with soups like creamy tomato basil, minestrone, or chicken noodle for a cozy meal.
- For Breakfast or Brunch: Enjoy them with scrambled eggs, avocado, or smoked salmon for a hearty start to your day.
- As an Appetizer: Serve alongside a cheese board or dips like hummus, spinach-artichoke dip, or olive tapenade.
- Snack Time: These muffins make a satisfying savory snack on their own.
Tips for Perfect Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Muffins
- Don’t Overwork the Dough: Overworking can deflate the air bubbles, leading to denser muffins. Handle the dough gently.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and rosemary provide the best flavor. Dried herbs can work in a pinch, but fresh is always better.
- Invest in Quality Olive Oil: A high-quality extra virgin olive oil will make a noticeable difference in flavor.
- Monitor the Oven: Baking times can vary depending on your oven, so keep a close watch to avoid overbaking.
How to Store and Reheat
- Storage: Place the cooled muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 5 days.
- Reheating: Warm the muffins in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes to restore their crispy texture.
Customizing Your Focaccia Muffins
Want to try something new? Here are a few variations to make these muffins your own:
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle grated Parmesan, mozzarella, or cheddar over the muffins before baking for a cheesy twist.
- Incorporate Vegetables: Add finely chopped olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or caramelized onions for extra flavor.
- Experiment with Herbs: Swap out rosemary for thyme, oregano, or sage to change the flavor profile.
- Go Spicy: Add a pinch of chili flakes or chopped fresh chili to the garlic-rosemary oil for a spicy kick.
Nutritional Information (Per Muffin)
- Calories: 180
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 9g
- Sodium: 150mg
Conclusion
These Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Muffins are a delightful blend of rustic charm and rich flavors, perfect for any occasion. Their individual portions make them versatile, whether you’re serving them as a side dish, appetizer, or snack. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, this recipe is accessible to bakers of all levels.
Try these muffins for your next meal, and let the irresistible combination of garlic, rosemary, and olive oil transport your taste buds to a whole new level of deliciousness. Happy baking!
Indulge in gourmet dining at home with our Filet Mignon with Shrimp and Lobster Cream Sauce recipe.
Print
Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Muffins: The Ultimate Savory Treat
Description
Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Muffins: Perfectly crispy, fluffy, and bursting with flavor. Ideal for any meal or snack!
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds of pizza dough (pre-made or homemade)
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil (scant measurement)
- 8 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
- 4 sprigs of fresh rosemary, leaves removed and chopped
- Flaky salt for sprinkling
Instructions
- 1. Prep the Dough
- Lightly grease a bowl and place the pizza dough inside. Allow it to come to room temperature if time permits; this makes the dough easier to handle and improves its rise.
- Divide the dough into 12 roughly equal pieces using a bench scraper or sharp knife. No need for perfection—rustic shapes add charm. Avoid overworking the dough to preserve air bubbles.
- 2. Prepare the Muffin Pan
- Take a standard muffin pan and pour 1 teaspoon of olive oil into each cup. This prevents sticking and helps create a crispy crust.
- 3. Shape and Rest the Dough
- Gently shape each dough piece into a rough ball and place it into the oiled muffin cups. Be careful not to deflate the dough.
- Cover the muffin pan with a clean towel and set it aside in a warm spot, such as near the oven, while it preheats to 400°F.
- 4. Prepare the Garlic and Rosemary Topping
- Chop the garlic finely and remove the rosemary leaves from their stems, chopping them coarsely. Set both aside.
- Heat the remaining olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. To test readiness, wet your fingertips and flick a tiny drop of water into the oil—if it sizzles, it’s ready.
- Remove the oil from heat and carefully stir in the chopped garlic and rosemary. Stir gently until the sizzling subsides, ensuring the flavors infuse into the oil.
- 5. Assemble the Muffins
- Spoon the garlic-rosemary-infused oil generously over each dough ball, using all the oil to ensure maximum flavor.
- Using two fingers, press gently into each dough ball to create dimples. These dimples help the oil and toppings adhere while giving the muffins their classic focaccia look.
- 6. Bake to Perfection
- Place the muffin pan in the preheated oven and bake for 14–16 minutes, or until the muffins are golden brown on top.
- If the tops brown too quickly, loosely cover the pan with aluminum foil to prevent overcooking.