Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Muffins Recipe

If you love focaccia but crave single-serving ease and a fluffy, savory bite in every morsel, Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Muffins are about to become your new obsession. Bursting with golden olive oil, fresh rosemary, and sweetly mellow garlic, these muffins are irresistibly soft on the inside with perfectly crisped edges — the ideal little side, snack, or party bread you didn’t even know you needed!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things refreshingly simple, but each ingredient plays a starring role. Every choice—whether it’s aromatic rosemary, rich olive oil, or fluffy store-bought dough—contributes to the color, texture, and addictive flavor of these muffins.

• Store-bought pizza dough (about 1.5 pounds): The shortcut hero! Look for fresh dough in the bakery section for the best springy, chewy results; canned dough can work in a pinch.
• Extra virgin olive oil (about 1/2 scant cup): Essential for a plush crumb, crunchy muffins edges, and that glorious golden finish—don’t skimp!
• Fresh garlic (8 cloves): Chopped and quickly sizzled for mellow, sweet flavor that doesn’t overpower.
• Fresh rosemary (4 sprigs): The signature herb, chopped for peak aroma and vibrant green flecks throughout every muffin.
• Flaky salt: For the finishing flourish, adding sparkle and a burst of savory crunch to each bite.

Variations

Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Muffins are endlessly adaptable—think of them as a blank (delicious) canvas! Switch up the herbs, play with cheeses, or tweak them for dietary preferences; it’s all about making them fit your table.

• Cheesy Focaccia Muffins: Add a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella or Parmesan on top just before baking for extra richness and melty goodness.
• Lemon Zest Twist: Toss in freshly grated lemon zest with the olive oil mixture for a bright, citrusy note that pairs beautifully with the garlic and rosemary.
• Gluten-Free Version: Swap in your favorite gluten-free pizza dough for a celiac-friendly batch everyone can enjoy.
• Other Herbs: Try fresh thyme, oregano, or sage for a different but equally aromatic spin.

How to Make Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Muffins

Step 1: Prep Your Dough

If you have a little extra time, let the pizza dough rest at room temperature in a lightly greased bowl. This lets it relax, puff up, and rewards you with the airiest, chewiest texture. Using a sharp knife or bench scraper, cut the dough ball into 12 rough pieces—don’t stress about making them identical; rustic is part of the charm! Resist the urge to knead or shape too much, since untouched dough keeps the best bubbles.

Step 2: Oil the Muffin Pan

Generously coat each muffin cup with about a teaspoon of olive oil. This step isn’t just for easy release; it creates those irresistibly crunchy, golden undersides. Place one dough piece in each cup, gently shaping into a ball if you like, but again, don’t press out those precious air pockets.

Step 3: Let Dough Rest & Preheat the Oven

Cover the filled muffin pan with a kitchen towel and set it near your oven as it preheats to 400°F (200°C). The warmth gives your dough one last rise, so each muffin comes out extra fluffy and light—a little patience here pays off in every bite.

Step 4: Make the Garlic-Rosemary Oil

While the dough is resting, chop the garlic and rosemary. Heat the remaining olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Flick in a drop of water—when it sizzles, it’s ready! Remove from heat, add your chopped garlic and rosemary (careful, it’ll bubble), and stir until the sizzling subsides, infusing the oil with deep flavor but no burnt bits.

Step 5: Top & Dimple the Muffins

Spoon the fragrant garlic-rosemary oil mixture evenly over each dough ball. It may look like a lot, but every drop of oil adds both flavor and texture. Use two fingers to press deep dimples into each muffin, letting those herbs settle into the dough’s pockets, just like classic focaccia fashion.

Step 6: Bake & Finish

Bake in the preheated oven for 14-16 minutes. Check at 12 minutes; if the tops are browning too quickly, just tent loosely with foil. When done, the muffins will be golden and crisp on the edges, with a pillowy, airy inside. Sprinkle generously with flaky salt while they’re still warm.

How to Serve Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Muffins

Garnishes

For a little extra flair, top the muffins with another sprinkle of flaky sea salt, a final drizzle of your best olive oil, or a scattering of freshly grated Parmesan while still warm. A few extra rosemary leaves or a dusting of cracked black pepper add a special touch and amplify the aroma with every bite.

Side Dishes

Pair your Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Muffins with a bowl of tomato soup, a vibrant salad, or alongside a hearty pasta. They’re fantastic with charcuterie boards, Mediterranean-inspired spreads, or even for sopping up Sunday night stew—their versatility shines at any table.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party, serve these muffins in a basket lined with a colorful napkin, or stack them on a rustic wooden board with little bowls of olive tapenade or whipped feta for dipping. They make adorable mini sandwich buns—try them split and filled with roasted veggies or chicken salad for a fun brunch twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have extras, store cooled muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They’ll stay soft and flavorful, ready for snacking or soaking up any sauce that comes their way.

Freezing

Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Muffins freeze beautifully! Once completely cooled, wrap each muffin tightly in plastic or foil, then pop them into a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to two months, maintaining their great texture and taste.

Reheating

To enjoy your muffins warm again, simply bake at 300°F (150°C) for about 5–7 minutes straight from the fridge (or 10–12 minutes from frozen), or give them a quick burst in the microwave. A fresh drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of salt revives every crumb.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I truly hope these Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Muffins become as much of a staple in your kitchen as they are in mine. They’re that rare recipe that feels cozy and impressive at the same time—perfect for sharing, gifting, or just savoring all to yourself. Give them a try, and let every bite remind you just how delicious simple baking can be!

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