Golden crust garlic rosemary focaccia muffins Recipe
If you’re ready to enjoy warm, pillowy bites of heaven, look no further than these golden crust garlic rosemary focaccia muffins. Each tender muffin bursts with the earthy aroma of fresh rosemary, the gentle heat of garlic, and a lusciously crisp exterior—perfect for tearing, dipping, or savoring solo. With simple ingredients and an irresistible flavor, these muffins put a new spin on classic Italian bread, transforming everyday moments into something truly special. If you love focaccia but want it in a delightfully portable, muffin-sized package, this recipe is about to become your new addiction.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient here matters, and together they create magic. Each one has a starring role, from earthy rosemary and aromatic garlic to rich olive oil, giving these muffins unbeatable taste and that golden, crunchy finish.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation for tender, fluffy muffins with just the right amount of chew.
- Active dry yeast: Helps the dough rise and develop those signature focaccia bubbles.
- Sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds just a touch of sweetness for balance.
- Salt: Essential for flavor, bringing out the best in every bite.
- Warm water: Activates the yeast; make sure it’s just warm to the touch, not hot.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Infuses the dough and tops with rich, fruity flavor and a golden crust.
- Garlic (finely minced): Brings pungent, savory depth throughout every layer.
- Fresh rosemary (chopped): Lends bold, woodsy fragrance and adds beautiful color flecks.
- Coarse sea salt: Gives each muffin a satisfying, salty crunch on top.
- Freshly cracked black pepper: Adds subtle heat that complements the garlic and rosemary.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional): Amp up the umami and offer a nutty finish if desired.
- Chili flakes (optional): For those who love a playful hint of heat.
How to Make Golden crust garlic rosemary focaccia muffins
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start your focaccia journey by mixing warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast in a bowl. Give it all a quick stir, then let it sit quietly for about 5 to 10 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the surface turns frothy—this is how you know those yeast are lively and prepared to give your muffins a perfect rise.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
While the yeast works its magic, grab a large mixing bowl and whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. This simple step evenly distributes the salt, which is crucial for flavor in every bite of your golden crust garlic rosemary focaccia muffins.
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Make a little well in the center of your flour mixture, then pour in the foamy yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir everything together until you have a shaggy, rustic dough. At this stage, don’t worry about perfection—texture will come with kneading.
Step 4: Knead the Dough
Transfer the dough to a floured work surface and get a little workout in: knead for about 5 to 7 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic. This hands-on moment ensures your muffins will be chewy and tender, not dense.
Step 5: First Rise
Shape the dough into a ball, then place it into a lightly oiled bowl. Cover it with a clean towel and let it rise in a cozy, warm spot for about an hour. You want the dough to double in size—a sign of good fermentation and flavor development.
Step 6: Prepare the Muffin Tin
While the dough rises, get your muffin tin ready. Brush each cup generously with olive oil—or line with parchment liners for easier removal. The olive oil helps create those gorgeous crispy edges that make these golden crust garlic rosemary focaccia muffins so addictive.
Step 7: Shape the Muffins
Once your dough has risen, punch it down (so satisfying!), then divide it into 12 even pieces. Roll each one into a ball and nestle them into the muffin cups. This step gives you those perfectly shaped, individual focaccia muffins.
Step 8: Add Toppings
Mix together olive oil, minced garlic, and chopped rosemary in a small bowl. Brush this aromatic blend on top of each dough ball, then use your fingers to gently press the centers and create the classic “dimpled” focaccia look—this helps trap olive oil and seasonings on top.
Step 9: Second Rise
Cover the pan and let the dough rise again for about 20 minutes. This second rise ensures the muffins will be incredibly fluffy once baked.
Step 10: Preheat Oven
While your muffins soak up their last moments of rest, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). A hot oven helps achieve that signature golden crust on the outside.
Step 11: Add Final Toppings
Right before baking, shower the tops with coarse sea salt, a pinch of cracked black pepper, and if you like, a dusting of grated Parmesan or a sprinkle of chili flakes. These finishing touches make every muffin pop with flavor and texture.
Step 12: Bake
Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until your kitchen smells incredible and the muffins have turned beautifully golden brown on top. That golden crust is your cue to take them out—don’t overbake, or you’ll lose the characteristic focaccia softness inside.
Step 13: Cool and Serve
Let the muffins settle and cool in the tin for five minutes—this gives the crust time to set—then transfer them to a wire rack. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature, and get ready for rave reviews.
How to Serve Golden crust garlic rosemary focaccia muffins
Garnishes
The finishing touches can make these muffins sing. Scatter extra fresh rosemary over the warm muffins for a burst of color, or finish with a drizzle of high-quality olive oil. For cheese lovers, a fresh grating of Parmesan right as they come out of the oven provides an extra hit of umami and aroma.
Side Dishes
Golden crust garlic rosemary focaccia muffins are amazingly versatile when it comes to sides. Serve them with a simple green salad, a hearty bowl of soup, or a platter of cheeses and cured meats. Their lightly crisp outside and soft crumb make them the ultimate vehicle for sop-worthy fare like tomato soup or creamy dips.
Creative Ways to Present
If you really want to wow, try splitting the muffins open and filling them with roasted veggies, chicken salad, or a swipe of whipped feta. Stack them in a linen-lined basket for a cozy brunch spread, or wrap each muffin in parchment and kitchen twine for an artisanal touch at your next gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any golden crust garlic rosemary focaccia muffins left over (good luck!), simply let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them soft and flavorful without drying out.
Freezing
These muffins freeze beautifully. Cool them fully, pop them in a freezer-safe bag, and they’ll keep for up to three months. Handy for quick snacks, hurried lunches, or unexpected guests!
Reheating
To restore their magic, reheat in a 300°F oven for about five to seven minutes, or until warmed through and the crust is crisp again. If you’re in a rush, a quick burst in the microwave works too, but the oven brings back that signature golden crunch.
FAQs
Can I use dried rosemary instead of fresh?
Yes, you can substitute with dried rosemary, but use a little less—dried herbs are more concentrated. Add about 2 teaspoons of dried rosemary in place of the fresh, and consider adding a bit to the dough for fragrance as well as to the topping.
What if I don’t have a muffin tin?
No worries! You can shape the dough into small balls and bake them spaced apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet. They may spread a bit more, but you’ll still get that fantastic golden crust and fluffy inside.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Absolutely! This recipe doubles easily—just use two muffin tins or bake in batches. You’ll be the star of any potluck or family dinner with a big batch of these golden crust garlic rosemary focaccia muffins.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Yes, the base recipe is already vegan if you skip the Parmesan cheese and ensure your toppings are dairy-free. Olive oil, garlic, and rosemary provide all the flavor you need for fabulous results.
Why did my muffins not rise as much?
This usually means the yeast wasn’t active, or the dough didn’t get enough time or warmth to rise. Double check your yeast is fresh, your water isn’t too hot, and your dough rises in a cozy, draft-free spot for best lift.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for your next go-to recipe, golden crust garlic rosemary focaccia muffins are truly crowd-pleasing and straightforward, yet special enough to impress. Whether it’s an afternoon snack, a side for dinner, or the centerpiece of your brunch table, give these irresistible savory muffins a try—you’ll want to make them again and again.
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Golden crust garlic rosemary focaccia muffins Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These golden crust garlic rosemary focaccia muffins are a delightful twist on classic focaccia bread. With a savory garlic and rosemary flavor, these muffins are easy to make and perfect for serving with soups, salads, or enjoyed on their own.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup warm water (about 110°F)
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
Toppings:
- Coarse sea salt, for sprinkling
- Freshly cracked black pepper
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Chili flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Whisk together all-purpose flour and salt in a large bowl.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Make a well in the flour mixture, pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer dough to a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth.
- First Rise: Shape dough into a ball, let rise in an oiled bowl for 1 hour.
- Prepare the Muffin Tin: Grease a 12-cup muffin tin with olive oil or use liners.
- Shape the Muffins: Divide dough, roll into balls, place in muffin cups.
- Add Toppings: Mix olive oil, garlic, and rosemary. Brush on dough and press dimples.
- Second Rise: Cover and let rise for 20 minutes.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat to 375°F (190°C).
- Add Final Toppings: Sprinkle tops with sea salt, black pepper, and optional toppings.
- Bake: Bake for 18-20 minutes until golden.
- Cool and Serve: Cool in tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- You can customize the toppings with your favorite herbs and seasonings.
- These muffins are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for a day or two.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 muffin
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: focaccia muffins, garlic rosemary muffins, savory muffins, bread recipe
