These Easy Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Muffins are fluffy and full of flavor! With tasty garlic and fragrant rosemary, they’re perfect as a side with your meals or enjoyed as a snack.
Making these muffins is a breeze! I love the smell that fills my kitchen while they’re baking—it’s like a warm hug! You can even freeze some for later, but good luck keeping them around that long! 😂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Active Dry Yeast: This helps the muffins rise. If you have instant yeast, you can use that instead—no need to proof it first! Just mix it directly with the flour.
All-Purpose Flour: This is essential for structure. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can experiment with a gluten-free flour blend, but the texture may vary.
Olive Oil: It adds moisture and flavor! If you’re out of olive oil, melted butter or another vegetable oil works too. I find olive oil gives these muffins a nice, rich taste!
Garlic & Rosemary: Fresh ingredients really elevate the dish! If you don’t have fresh rosemary, dried rosemary can be a substitute. Use 1 tsp of dried instead of 2 tbsp of fresh. Garlic powder can replace fresh garlic, but it won’t have the same punch.
How Do I Get the Perfect Rise for My Muffins?
Achieving a good rise is all about giving the dough enough time and warmth to expand. After mixing, knead your dough until it’s smooth and elastic—this develops the gluten. To let it rise effectively:
- Cover the dough with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap to keep it warm and moist.
- Choose a warm spot in your kitchen, like near the stove while cooking or even inside a turned-off oven with the light on.
Let it rise until it doubles in size, about 1 hour. Patience here will reward you with fluffy muffins!
Easy Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Muffins
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water (about 110°F/45°C)
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- Coarse sea salt for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 1 hour and 20 minutes in total, including the rising time. You’ll need about 15-20 minutes to bake the muffins, making these a tasty treat you can whip up relatively quickly!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Proof the Yeast:
In a small bowl, combine the warm water and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it’s foamy. This means the yeast is alive and ready to help your muffins rise!
2. Prepare the Dough:
In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt together. Then, add the yeast mixture and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Stir with a wooden spoon until a sticky dough forms. No need to worry if it’s a bit tacky; that’s perfect!
3. Knead the Dough:
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle tiny amounts of flour as you knead. This helps get the right texture without drying it out.
4. Allow to Rise:
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size. You can check it by poking a finger in the dough; if it springs back slowly, it’s ready!
5. Preheat the Oven:
While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Also, grease a muffin tin with olive oil to prevent sticking.
6. Shape the Muffins:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Divide it into 12 equal portions, rolling each into a ball and placing it in the muffin cups. They’ll expand during baking!
7. Create Dimples:
Gently press the dough balls down with your fingers to flatten them slightly. Then, use your fingertips to make dimples in the dough, just like traditional focaccia. This is where the flavor will soak in!
8. Add Garlic and Rosemary:
In a small bowl, mix the minced garlic with the chopped rosemary. Sprinkle this evenly over each muffin, making them fragrant and delicious.
9. Final Touches:
Drizzle a little olive oil over the top of each muffin and finish with a sprinkle of coarse sea salt. This will enhance the flavor and create a lovely crust!
10. Bake:
Bake the muffins in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they’re golden brown on top. You’ll know they’re done when your kitchen smells amazing!
11. Cool and Serve:
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Serve warm and enjoy these delicious garlic rosemary focaccia muffins alongside your favorite soups, salads, or pasta dishes. They are perfect for sharing!
FAQ for Easy Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Muffins
Can I Substitute Fresh Rosemary with Dried Rosemary?
Yes! If you don’t have fresh rosemary, you can use dried rosemary. Use about 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary for every tablespoon of fresh you would use. Just keep in mind the flavor might be a bit less intense.
How Do I Store Leftover Muffins?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them! Just wrap each muffin in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. To enjoy, thaw at room temperature or reheat in the oven.
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
Absolutely! You can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour. However, you may need to adjust the liquid slightly since whole wheat flour absorbs more water. Start with the same amount of water and add a little more if the dough feels too dry.
What Should I Serve These Muffins With?
These muffins are incredibly versatile! They pair wonderfully with soups, salads, or pasta dishes. You can serve them as a side or even enjoy them on their own with a bit of butter or olive oil for dipping!
