Golden Crust Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Muffins are a delicious twist on traditional focaccia bread, made into convenient muffin-sized portions. These fluffy, savory muffins are filled with the aromatic flavors of garlic and rosemary, and they have a perfect golden, crispy crust that will have everyone reaching for more. Whether you’re serving them as a side dish, snack, or part of a special dinner, these focaccia muffins are sure to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Golden Crust Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Muffins bring together the best parts of focaccia bread—fluffy, airy texture with a deliciously crispy, golden crust—into a fun, individual serving size. The garlic and rosemary provide a fresh and fragrant flavor, while the olive oil gives the muffins that rich, authentic focaccia taste. Perfect for dipping in olive oil or pairing with soups, salads, or any Italian-inspired meal, these muffins are the perfect blend of comfort and gourmet.

Ingredients

For the Muffins:

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast

• 1 tablespoon honey or sugar

• 3/4 cup warm water (110°F or 45°C)

• 1/4 cup olive oil, plus more for greasing and drizzling

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary)

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra flavor)

For the Topping:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped

• Sea salt, to taste

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Dough:

• In a small bowl, combine the warm water and honey (or sugar). Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, salt, and chopped rosemary. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil to the dry ingredients. Mix until a sticky dough forms.

• Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. Alternatively, you can use a stand mixer with a dough hook for this step.

2. Let the Dough Rise:

• Lightly grease a bowl with olive oil, place the dough inside, and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until the dough has doubled in size.

3. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin with olive oil or line it with muffin liners.

4. Shape the Muffins:

• Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 12 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball and place one ball of dough into each muffin cup.

• Press down slightly on each dough ball to flatten it slightly into the muffin tin.

5. Let the Muffins Rise Again:

• Cover the muffin tin with a towel and let the dough rise for another 20-30 minutes, or until they have puffed up and filled the muffin cups.

6. Prepare the Topping:

• In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, and a pinch of sea salt. Drizzle this mixture evenly over the tops of the dough balls.

7. Bake the Muffins:

• Bake the muffins for 18-22 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

8. Serve:

• Remove the muffins from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before serving. Drizzle with a little extra olive oil and sprinkle with additional sea salt if desired. Serve warm, and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12 muffins

• Prep Time: 25 minutes (plus 1.5 hours for rising)

• Cook Time: 18-22 minutes

• Total Time: 2 hours (including rising time)

Variations

• Add Cheese: For a cheesy version, sprinkle shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese over the muffins before baking.

• Olives and Herbs: Add chopped olives or sun-dried tomatoes to the dough for extra flavor and texture.

• Balsamic Drizzle: Drizzle balsamic glaze over the baked muffins for a sweet contrast to the savory flavors.

• Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend if you need a gluten-free option. Be sure to check the package for any required adjustments.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes to bring back their crispy texture. You can also warm them in the microwave for about 20 seconds.

FAQs

1. Can I use dried rosemary instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use dried rosemary, but reduce the amount to about 1 teaspoon, as dried herbs are more concentrated than fresh ones.

2. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the dough ahead of time, let it rise, then refrigerate it overnight. Bring it to room temperature before shaping and letting it rise again.

3. Can I freeze these muffins?

Yes! You can freeze the baked muffins for up to 2 months. To reheat, warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.

4. Can I make these muffins without garlic?

If you’re not a fan of garlic, you can omit it from the dough and topping, and still enjoy the rosemary flavor in the muffins. You can also experiment with adding a little onion powder or Italian seasoning.

5. What can I serve these muffins with?

These focaccia muffins pair wonderfully with soups, salads, pasta dishes, or even as a side to roasted meats. They also make a great snack on their own or with a dip like hummus or marinara.

6. Can I use this recipe to make a larger focaccia?

Yes, you can use this recipe to make a larger, traditional-style focaccia. Simply press the dough into a greased baking dish or a baking sheet, let it rise, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes or until golden and crispy.

7. How do I get the golden crust on top?

To get that golden, crispy crust, be sure to drizzle the garlic and rosemary olive oil mixture generously over the muffins before baking. You can also brush the tops with olive oil after baking for an extra shine.

8. How do I prevent the muffins from sticking to the pan?

Be sure to grease the muffin tin thoroughly with olive oil or use non-stick muffin liners. You can also lightly dust the muffin cups with flour to ensure easy removal.

Conclusion

Golden Crust Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Muffins are a perfect addition to any meal, bringing the flavors of focaccia into convenient, bite-sized servings. With their crispy golden crust, fluffy interior, and savory flavors of garlic and rosemary, these muffins are sure to be a hit at your next gathering or family dinner. Easy to make and packed with flavor, these muffins offer a delicious twist on classic focaccia bread that everyone will love.