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Easy Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Muffins Recipe

If you love the warm, herby aroma of fresh garlic and rosemary wafting through your kitchen, then this Easy Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Muffins Recipe is going to feel like a cozy hug in bread form. These muffins are soft, fluffy, and bursting with flavor thanks to store-bought pizza dough that makes the whole process simple and approachable. Whenever I’m short on time but craving something homemade, these focaccia muffins are my go-to—they’re quick to whip up but taste like you’ve been baking all afternoon.

What really makes this Easy Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Muffins Recipe special is how versatile it is. They’re perfect as a snack, side, or even an appetizer for gatherings. I remember making these for a casual Sunday brunch with friends, and everyone kept asking for the recipe. You’ll love how the olive oil creates a beautifully golden crust while keeping the inside tender and moist. Plus, that garlicky, rosemary-infused oil? Pure magic.

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Simple Ingredients: Using store-bought pizza dough makes this recipe fast without compromising deliciousness.
  • Garlic & Rosemary Infused Oil: Gently frying garlic and rosemary in olive oil extracts deep, fresh flavors that soak into every bite.
  • Muffin Pan Magic: Baking focaccia in muffin tins gives you perfect individual portions with crispy edges and fluffy insides.
  • Resting the Dough: Letting the dough sit while the oven preheats helps create a light and airy texture.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Easy Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Muffins Recipe has a purpose, creating a balanced combination of fluffiness, aroma, and savory flavor. Picking quality olive oil and fresh rosemary really elevates the final result, so don’t skimp there.

  • Pizza dough: Store-bought dough saves time and offers consistent results; prefer fresh refrigerated dough over canned for better texture.
  • Extra virgin olive oil: Adds richness and helps the garlic and rosemary flavors meld; also keeps muffins from sticking.
  • Garlic: Fresh cloves lightly sautéed in oil release a mellow, sweet flavor without burning.
  • Fresh rosemary: Aromatic and piney, it pairs beautifully with garlic and olive oil.
  • Flaky salt: Sprinkled on top for a delicate crunch and flavor burst that finishes the muffins perfectly.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of my favorite things about this Easy Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Muffins Recipe is how easy it is to tweak to your liking. I often switch up the herbs, or toss in some sun-dried tomatoes for an extra punch. Feel free to make it your own!

  • Variation: I sometimes swap fresh rosemary for thyme or oregano when I’m craving a different herb profile—it still tastes incredible.
  • Spice it up: Add a pinch of red chili flakes to the garlic-infused oil for a little heat that wakes up your taste buds.
  • Cheesy version: Sprinkle some grated Parmesan or Pecorino on top before baking for an extra savory crust.
  • Vegan adaptation: This recipe is naturally vegan-friendly, but be sure your pizza dough doesn’t contain dairy or eggs if that’s your dietary need.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Muffins Recipe

Step 1: Bring the dough to room temperature and portion

I always start by taking the pizza dough out of the fridge and letting it rest in a lightly greased bowl. This usually takes about 30 minutes, but it’s worth it because the dough becomes easier to handle and puffs up better. When you’re ready, use a bench scraper or sharp knife to cut the dough into 12 roughly even pieces. Don’t worry about perfection here—the charm is in rustic, slightly uneven muffins! Also, be gentle to keep those lovely air bubbles intact.

Step 2: Oil the muffin pan and shape dough balls

Next, drizzle about a teaspoon of extra virgin olive oil into each muffin cup. This step helps prevent sticking and gets those bottoms crispy. Gently roll each piece of dough into a loose ball—don’t over-handle it—and place them into the oiled pan. Cover everything with a clean towel so the dough can relax and rise a bit while you preheat the oven to 400°F. I usually set the pan near the oven to enjoy the gentle warmth, which helps the dough puff up beautifully.

Step 3: Prepare the garlic rosemary oil

While the dough is resting, finely chop your garlic and strip the rosemary leaves from the woody stems before chopping them too. Heat your remaining olive oil in a small pan over medium heat. To check if it’s hot enough, wet your fingertips and flick a tiny drop of water into the oil—if it sizzles right away, you’re good to go. Remove from heat, then carefully stir in the garlic and rosemary. The sizzling will subside quickly, releasing all those fragrant notes without burning the garlic.

Step 4: Brush, dimple, and season the dough

Take your rising dough balls and generously spoon the garlic-rosemary olive oil right over them. Don’t be shy here; this oil is what gives the muffins their signature flavor and moist crumb. Using two fingers, press into the dough all over to create dimples—those little pockets help trap the oil and herbs, leading to tender, flavorful bites. Finally, sprinkle flaky salt over the tops for that perfect finishing touch.

Step 5: Bake until golden

Pop the muffin pan into the preheated oven and bake for 14 to 16 minutes. Keep an eye on them—if the tops start browning too fast, loosely cover with foil to keep them from burning while the insides finish baking. When done, the muffins will be golden on top and springy to the touch. Let them cool slightly before diving in (if you can wait!).

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Pro Tips for Making Easy Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Muffins Recipe

  • Don’t Overwork the Dough: Keep your handling gentle to preserve air bubbles; that’s the secret to \ufb01uffy muffins.
  • Rest Your Dough: Letting the dough rest near warm oven heat before baking improves texture and flavor.
  • Use Flaky Salt: Its texture adds a perfect finishing crunch and amplifies the garlic-rosemary oil flavor.
  • Watch Baking Time Closely: Muffins bake fast—foil them if they start browning too soon to avoid burnt tops with undercooked centers.

How to Serve Easy Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Muffins Recipe

Easy Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Muffins Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

I love to finish these focaccia muffins with an extra sprinkle of flaky sea salt right after baking because it adds a subtle crunch. Sometimes, I also tear a few fresh rosemary leaves on top for a pop of fragrance. A drizzle of good quality extra virgin olive oil right before serving never hurts either—it keeps them glossy and flavorful.

Side Dishes

These muffins are fantastic alongside soups like tomato basil or Minestrone—perfect for dipping. I also pair them with charcuterie boards or fresh salads for a light yet satisfying meal. On casual nights, they’re my favorite partner to a bowl of homemade chili or stew.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I sometimes arrange these muffins in a flower shape on a large platter, garnished with small herb sprigs and roasted garlic cloves for an impressive but simple centerpiece. Another fun idea is to bundle a few muffins in parchment with a tied rosemary sprig as edible favors at dinner parties—they always get rave reviews!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover focaccia muffins keep wonderfully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. I like to wrap them loosely in foil or store in a resealable bag to keep the crust from drying out while the insides stay soft.

Freezing

I’ve found that these muffins freeze really well—just let them cool completely before placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag. When I’m ready to enjoy them, I pull a few out to thaw at room temperature or pop them straight into a warm oven to refresh their softness and crispness.

Reheating

I reheat focaccia muffins in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F for about 5 to 8 minutes. This method helps bring back their original texture with a crispy exterior and fluffy inside. Avoid microwaving when possible—it tends to make the bread a bit gummy.

FAQs

  1. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

    While this Easy Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Muffins Recipe uses traditional pizza dough, you can experiment with gluten-free pizza dough alternatives available in stores. Just be mindful that gluten-free doughs may require different resting times and can be less elastic, which might slightly change the texture.

  2. What if I don’t have fresh rosemary?

    If fresh rosemary isn’t on hand, dried rosemary can be used as a substitute—just reduce the quantity by about half since dried herbs have a stronger flavor. Add the dried rosemary during the oil infusing step so it rehydrates and releases its flavor.

  3. Can I prepare these muffins ahead of time?

    Absolutely! You can shape the dough balls and refrigerate them covered overnight. When you’re ready to bake, bring them back to room temperature and continue with the garlic oil topping and baking steps. This makes them a great make-ahead option for busy days.

  4. Why do I need to dimple the dough?

    Dimpling the dough creates little pockets that hold onto the garlic-rosemary oil, ensuring the flavor soaks evenly inside each muffin. It also prevents the dough from puffing up too much and keeps the texture tender.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Muffins Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it reeks of comfort and simple goodness without any fuss. Whether you’re serving family, impressing friends, or just treating yourself to homemade bread that doesn’t take hours, these muffins hit all the right notes. Give this recipe a try—you might just find it hard to stop at one (or two!). I’m excited for you to make this and fill your home with that irresistible garlic and rosemary aroma that’s truly soul-warming.

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Easy Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Muffins Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 4 reviews
  • Author: Amanda
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 16 minutes
  • Total Time: 46 minutes
  • Yield: 12 muffins
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

These Easy Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Muffins are a delightful twist on traditional focaccia bread, featuring soft, fluffy dough infused with fragrant garlic and fresh rosemary. Perfect as a side dish or a savory snack, these muffins are baked to golden perfection with a generous drizzle of flavorful olive oil and a sprinkle of flaky salt for the perfect finishing touch.


Ingredients

Units Scale

Dough

  • 1.5 pounds store-bought pizza dough

Garlic Rosemary Oil

  • 1/2 scant cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 8 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 4 sprigs fresh rosemary, leaves removed and chopped

Topping

  • flaky salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough: If time allows, place the pizza dough in a lightly greased bowl and let it come to room temperature. Using a bench scraper or sharp knife, cut the dough ball into 12 even slices without overworking it to preserve air bubbles.
  2. Oil the Muffin Pan: Pour 1 teaspoon of extra virgin olive oil into each muffin cup to prevent sticking and add flavor.
  3. Shape and Rest the Dough: Gently form each dough piece into a rough ball and place into the oiled muffin pan, keeping the dough airy. Cover with a towel and let rest near the preheating oven to encourage rising.
  4. Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit while the dough rests.
  5. Prepare Garlic Rosemary Oil: Heat the remaining olive oil over medium heat. Test readiness by flicking a drop of water; if it sizzles, the oil is hot. Remove from heat and stir in chopped garlic and rosemary until the sizzling stops.
  6. Apply Garlic Rosemary Oil: Spoon a generous amount of the garlic rosemary oil onto each dough ball, ensuring all the oil is distributed evenly over the muffins.
  7. Dimple the Dough: Using two fingers, press into each dough ball to create dimples, helping the garlic and rosemary stick better to the dough.
  8. Bake: Bake the muffins for 16 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. If the tops brown too quickly, loosely cover with foil to prevent burning.

Notes

  • You can find fresh pizza dough in the refrigerated bakery section of most grocery stores; canned pizza dough is an acceptable substitute.
  • Avoid overworking the dough to preserve air bubbles and prevent dense muffins.
  • Allowing the dough to rest as the oven preheats helps it puff up and develop better texture and flavor.
  • Use plenty of olive oil for rich flavor, sticking the garlic and herbs to the dough, and preventing the muffins from sticking to the pan.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 muffin
  • Calories: 180 kcal
  • Sugar: 0.5 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg

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