Golden Crust Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Muffins Recipe
These Golden Crust Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Muffins are soft, fluffy, and bursting with aromatic garlic and fresh rosemary flavors. Perfectly portioned in a muffin tin for easy serving, they feature a golden, crispy crust sprinkled with coarse sea salt and optional Parmesan or chili flakes for an extra punch. Ideal as a savory snack or accompaniment to any meal.
- Author: Mick
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 focaccia muffins 1x
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
Wet Ingredients
- 3/4 cup warm water (about 110°F)
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, plus extra for drizzling and greasing
Flavorings and Toppings
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- Coarse sea salt, for sprinkling
- Freshly cracked black pepper
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Chili flakes (optional)
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt evenly to distribute the salt throughout the flour.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour in the yeast mixture along with 1/4 cup olive oil. Stir everything together until a shaggy dough forms, with flour still visible.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead by hand for 5-7 minutes until smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky but not sticky.
- First Rise: Shape the dough into a ball and place it into a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm, draft-free spot for about 1 hour, or until the dough has doubled in size.
- Prepare the Muffin Tin: Grease a 12-cup muffin tin well with olive oil or line the tins with parchment paper liners to prevent sticking.
- Shape the Muffins: Punch down the risen dough to release excess air. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces, roll each piece into a neat ball, and place each ball into the prepared muffin cups.
- Add Toppings and Dimples: Mix extra olive oil with the minced garlic and chopped rosemary. Brush this flavorful mixture generously over the tops of each dough ball. Using your fingers, gently press down on each ball to create characteristic dimples.
- Second Rise: Cover the muffin tin with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rise again for approximately 20 minutes until puffy.
- Preheat Oven: While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking.
- Add Final Toppings: Just before baking, sprinkle the tops of the focaccia muffins with coarse sea salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and optional toppings such as grated Parmesan cheese and chili flakes for added flavor and texture.
- Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake the focaccia muffins for 18-20 minutes, or until the tops turn golden brown and the muffins sound hollow when tapped.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the muffins from the oven and allow them to cool in the tin for about 5 minutes to firm up. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool slightly. Serve warm or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Ensure the water is warm, not hot, to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
- Fresh rosemary gives the best flavor, but dried rosemary can be used as a substitute (use about 1 tablespoon dried).
- Optional toppings like Parmesan and chili flakes add a savory or spicy twist, but the focaccia muffins are delicious even without them.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.
- For a dairy-free version, omit the Parmesan cheese.
Keywords: focaccia muffins, garlic rosemary bread, Italian bread recipes, savory muffins, easy bread recipe