Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Muffins: A Delicious & Easy Recipe

Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Muffins: Prepare to be transported to a sun-drenched Italian bakery with every single bite! Imagine the aroma of freshly baked bread mingling with the pungent scent of garlic and the earthy fragrance of rosemary – that’s precisely what awaits you with this delightful recipe. These aren’t just muffins; they’re miniature masterpieces of flavor and texture, perfect for breakfast, lunch, or as a savory side to your favorite Italian dishes.

Focaccia, with its humble origins in ancient Italy, has long been a staple of Mediterranean cuisine. Traditionally baked in large, flat sheets and seasoned generously with olive oil and herbs, it’s a bread that embodies simplicity and rustic charm. Our Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Muffins take this classic bread and transform it into a convenient and utterly irresistible individual serving.

What makes these muffins so beloved? It’s the perfect combination of a soft, airy interior and a delightfully crisp, golden-brown crust. The garlic and rosemary infuse every crumb with their aromatic essence, creating a savory symphony that dances on your palate. Plus, their muffin shape makes them incredibly easy to grab and go, perfect for busy mornings or packed lunches. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, this recipe is surprisingly simple to follow, guaranteeing a batch of warm, fragrant, and utterly delicious muffins that will impress everyone who tries them. So, let’s get baking!

Ingredients:

• 2 1/4 cups (281g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 1 teaspoon instant or rapid-rise yeast
• 1 1/4 teaspoons salt
• 1 cup (240ml) lukewarm water (around 105-115°F or 40-46°C)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for greasing and drizzling
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped, plus more for garnish
• Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling

Preparing the Dough:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, yeast, and salt. Make sure the yeast is well distributed throughout the flour mixture. This helps ensure even rising.
2. Add the lukewarm water and 3 tablespoons of olive oil to the dry ingredients. Stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until a shaggy dough forms. It will be sticky, and that’s perfectly fine!
3. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 5-7 minutes, or until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it’s manageable. Don’t over-flour, though, as this can make the muffins tough.
4. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. This rising time is crucial for developing the flavor and texture of the focaccia muffins.

Infusing with Garlic and Rosemary:

1. While the dough is rising, prepare the garlic rosemary oil. In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic and chopped rosemary.
2. Once the dough has doubled, gently punch it down to release the air. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface.
3. Gently stretch or roll the dough into a rectangle, about 12×18 inches.
4. Drizzle the garlic rosemary mixture evenly over the surface of the dough. Use your fingers to gently press the garlic and rosemary into the dough. This will infuse the muffins with flavor throughout.
5. Fold the dough in half lengthwise, then in half again. This creates layers of garlic and rosemary flavor.

Shaping the Muffins:

1. Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin with olive oil. Make sure to grease the entire surface of each cup to prevent sticking.
2. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the dough into 12 equal pieces.
3. Gently roll each piece into a ball. Don’t overwork the dough at this stage.
4. Place each ball into a prepared muffin cup.

Second Rise and Preparing to Bake:

1. Cover the muffin tin with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let the muffins rise in a warm place for 30-45 minutes, or until they have puffed up slightly. This second rise helps create a light and airy texture.
2. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
3. Just before baking, drizzle each muffin with a little more olive oil. This will help them brown beautifully and add extra flavor.
4. Sprinkle each muffin with flaky sea salt and a few extra rosemary leaves. The sea salt adds a delightful crunch and enhances the savory flavors.

Baking the Focaccia Muffins:

1. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the muffins are golden brown and cooked through. A toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin should come out clean.
2. Remove the muffin tin from the oven and let the muffins cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serving and Storage:

1. Serve the focaccia muffins warm or at room temperature. They are delicious on their own or served with soup, salad, or as a side dish to your favorite Italian meal.
2. Store leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. Thaw completely before serving. You can also reheat them in a low oven to restore their warmth and texture.

Tips for Perfect Focaccia Muffins:

• Use lukewarm water: The water should be warm enough to activate the yeast but not so hot that it kills it. Aim for a temperature between 105-115°F (40-46°C).
• Don’t over-knead: Over-kneading can result in tough muffins. Knead until the dough is smooth and elastic, but no longer.
• Allow sufficient rising time: The rising time is crucial for developing the flavor and texture of the muffins. Be patient and let the dough rise until it has doubled in size.
• Use good quality olive oil: The olive oil is a key ingredient in focaccia, so use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
• Don’t be afraid to experiment with toppings: While garlic and rosemary are classic focaccia toppings, you can experiment with other herbs, cheeses, or vegetables.
• Grease the muffin tin well: This will prevent the muffins from sticking and make them easier to remove.
• Let the muffins cool slightly before removing them from the tin: This will prevent them from breaking apart.

Variations:

• Cheese Focaccia Muffins: Add 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan or Asiago cheese to the dough before the first rise. You can also sprinkle cheese on top of the muffins before baking.
• Olive Focaccia Muffins: Add 1/2 cup of chopped Kalamata olives to the dough before the first rise.
• Sun-Dried Tomato Focaccia Muffins: Add 1/2 cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the dough before the first rise.
• Herb Focaccia Muffins: Use a combination of your favorite fresh herbs, such as thyme, oregano, and basil, instead of rosemary.
• Spicy Focaccia Muffins: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic rosemary oil for a little heat.

Troubleshooting:

• Dough not rising: Make sure your yeast is fresh and that the water is the correct temperature. Also, ensure that the dough is in a warm place.
• Muffins are too dense: Make sure you are not over-kneading the dough. Also, ensure that the dough has risen sufficiently.
• Muffins are sticking to the tin: Make sure you are greasing the muffin tin well.
• Muffins are browning too quickly: Cover the muffin tin with foil during the last few minutes of baking.

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Muffins are truly a must-try for anyone who loves the satisfying crunch of focaccia combined with the convenience of a muffin. I know, I know, I might be biased, but trust me on this one. The aroma alone, as they bake, is enough to make your mouth water and your neighbors jealous!

But beyond the incredible smell, the taste is what really seals the deal. The savory garlic and fragrant rosemary perfectly complement the slightly chewy, perfectly textured crumb. It’s a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave you wanting more. Seriously, I dare you to eat just one!

Why are these muffins a must-try? Because they are incredibly versatile, surprisingly easy to make, and deliver a gourmet experience without the gourmet price tag or effort. They’re perfect for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or even as a snack. They elevate any meal and are guaranteed to impress your family and friends. Plus, who can resist a warm, freshly baked muffin?

Now, let’s talk about serving suggestions and variations. These Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Muffins are fantastic on their own, warm from the oven with a drizzle of olive oil. But don’t stop there! They are also amazing:

• Served alongside a hearty bowl of soup or stew.
• As a base for mini pizzas – just add your favorite toppings and bake!
• Split and used as sandwich bread for a delicious and unique lunch.
• Toasted and topped with ricotta cheese and a sprinkle of honey for a sweet and savory treat.
• As a delightful addition to a charcuterie board, offering a savory counterpoint to cheeses and meats.

And if you’re feeling adventurous, here are a few variations you might want to try:

• Add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese to the top before baking for an extra cheesy kick.
• Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes into the dough for a burst of tangy flavor.
• Substitute the rosemary with thyme or oregano for a different herbal profile.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
• Experiment with different types of garlic, such as roasted garlic for a sweeter, more mellow flavor.

The possibilities are endless! Feel free to get creative and adapt the recipe to your own taste preferences. That’s the beauty of baking – it’s all about experimentation and finding what works best for you.

I truly believe that this Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Muffins recipe will become a staple in your kitchen. It’s a simple yet satisfying recipe that delivers big on flavor and is perfect for any occasion.

So, what are you waiting for? Preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to bake some magic! I’m confident that you’ll love these muffins as much as I do.

And most importantly, I want to hear about your experience! Did you try the recipe? Did you make any variations? What did you think? Share your photos, comments, and feedback in the comments section below. I can’t wait to see your creations and hear your thoughts. Happy baking!

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