Description
These Easy Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Muffins combine the classic Italian flavors of freshly minced garlic and fragrant rosemary in a soft, airy focaccia-style bread baked conveniently in muffin form. Perfect as a savory side, appetizer, or snack, these muffins offer a golden crust, tender crumb, and a flavorful punch with each bite. The recipe uses simple ingredients and straightforward steps, including yeast activation, kneading, two rises, and baking for a perfect texture and rise.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups bread flour
- 1 ¼ cups warm water
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 tsp sugar
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
Topping
- Extra virgin olive oil, for brushing
- Sea salt, for sprinkling
- Additional fresh rosemary, optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Yeast Mixture: Combine warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast in a small bowl. Stir gently and let sit for about 5 minutes until the yeast is foamy and activated, indicating it is ready to use.
- Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the bread flour, minced garlic, and chopped rosemary. Gradually pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir the ingredients together until a sticky dough forms that is soft and elastic.
- Knead and First Rise: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8 minutes until it becomes smooth and pliable. Place the dough into a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours or until the dough doubles in size.
- Shape and Arrange Muffins: Gently punch down the risen dough to release air. Divide the dough into equal portions. Shape each portion into a round muffin-sized piece and place each into a greased muffin tin, leaving space between each for expansion.
- Second Rise and Topping: Cover the muffin tin loosely and allow the dough to rise for another 30 minutes. Before baking, brush the tops of each muffin generously with extra virgin olive oil, then sprinkle with sea salt and additional fresh rosemary if desired.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the muffins for 15 to 20 minutes or until their tops turn golden brown. Remove from the oven and let the muffins cool slightly in the tin before serving.
Notes
- Make sure the water is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
- Kneading develops gluten, which gives the muffins structure and chewiness; do not skip this step.
- Allowing the dough to rise fully ensures light and fluffy muffins.
- Adjust garlic and rosemary amounts according to your taste preferences.
- Brush with olive oil generously to maintain focaccia’s characteristic moist crust.
- These muffins are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Reheat in the oven to refresh the crust before serving leftovers.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
