Rosemary Garlic Focaccia Muffins: A Delicious & Easy Recipe

Rosemary Garlic Focaccia Muffins: Prepare to be transported to a sun-drenched Italian bakery with every single bite! Imagine the intoxicating aroma of freshly baked bread, infused with fragrant rosemary and pungent garlic, all nestled within a perfectly portioned, golden-brown muffin. This isn’t just bread; it’s an experience.

Focaccia, with its humble origins in ancient Italy, has long been a staple, a canvas for regional flavors and culinary creativity. Traditionally baked in large, flat sheets, it’s a bread meant for sharing, for tearing apart with loved ones around a table laden with antipasti. My take on this classic transforms it into individual muffins, making it ideal for a quick snack, a sophisticated appetizer, or a delightful addition to any meal.

What makes these Rosemary Garlic Focaccia Muffins so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of textures: a crisp, slightly chewy crust giving way to a soft, airy interior. The rosemary and garlic create a symphony of savory flavors that dance on your palate. And, let’s be honest, the convenience of a muffin is undeniable! No slicing, no fuss – just pure, unadulterated focaccia bliss in a perfectly portable package. I promise you, these muffins will disappear faster than you can say “buon appetito!”

Ingredients:

• 2 1/4 cups (281g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 1 teaspoon instant or rapid-rise yeast
• 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 cup (240ml) warm water (105-115°F)
• 1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil, plus more for greasing and drizzling
• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling

Preparing the Dough:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, yeast, and kosher salt. Make sure the yeast is well distributed throughout the flour mixture. This helps ensure even rising.
2. Add the warm water and 1/4 cup of olive oil to the dry ingredients. Stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until a shaggy dough forms. The dough will be quite sticky, and that’s perfectly fine! Don’t be tempted to add more flour at this stage.
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 still too sticky to handle, add a tablespoon of flour at a time, but try to avoid adding too much, 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 first rise is crucial for developing the flavor and texture of the focaccia muffins.

Infusing the Oil and Preparing the Rosemary Garlic Mixture:

1. While the dough is rising, prepare the rosemary garlic oil. In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic and chopped rosemary.
2. Drizzle about 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the rosemary garlic mixture. Stir well to combine. This infused oil will add a wonderful aroma and flavor to the muffins. Set aside.

Shaping and Proofing the Muffins:

1. Grease a 12-cup muffin tin generously with olive oil. Make sure to get into all the nooks and crannies to prevent the muffins from sticking.
2. Once the dough has doubled in size, gently punch it down to release the air. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface.
3. Divide the dough into 12 equal portions. You can use a kitchen scale to ensure even sizes, or simply eyeball it.
4. Shape each portion into a ball. To do this, gently stretch the edges of the dough towards the center, pinching to seal. Then, turn the ball over and roll it on the counter to create a smooth surface.
5. Place each dough ball into a greased muffin cup.
6. Using your fingertips, gently press down on each dough ball to flatten it slightly. This will create the characteristic dimpled surface of focaccia.
7. Drizzle each muffin with the rosemary garlic oil. Be generous! Make sure the oil gets into all the dimples.
8. Sprinkle each muffin with flaky sea salt. The sea salt adds a wonderful crunch and enhances the flavor of the rosemary and garlic.
9. Cover the muffin tin loosely with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let the muffins proof for another 30-45 minutes, or until they have puffed up slightly. This second proofing allows the muffins to become even lighter and airier.

Baking the Focaccia Muffins:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Make sure your oven is fully preheated before baking the muffins.
2. Bake the muffins for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and the bottoms sound hollow when tapped. Keep a close eye on them, as baking times may vary depending on your oven.
3. 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. This prevents them from becoming soggy.

Serving and Storing:

1. Serve the rosemary garlic focaccia muffins warm or at room temperature. They are delicious on their own, or served with soup, salad, or as part of a bread basket.
2. Store any leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage. To freeze, wrap the muffins individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
3. To reheat frozen muffins, thaw them at room temperature and then warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave them for a shorter amount of time, but be careful not to overcook them.

Tips and Variations:

• Use high-quality olive oil: The flavor of the olive oil will shine through in these muffins, so it’s important to use a good quality extra virgin olive oil.
• Don’t overwork the dough: Overworking the dough can result in tough muffins. Knead it just until it becomes smooth and elastic.
• Adjust the amount of rosemary and garlic to your liking: If you prefer a stronger flavor, you can add more rosemary and garlic.
• Add other herbs: You can also add other herbs to the dough, such as thyme, oregano, or sage.
• Add cheese: For a cheesy focaccia muffin, sprinkle some grated Parmesan or Romano cheese on top of the muffins before baking.
• Make mini muffins: For smaller, bite-sized muffins, use a mini muffin tin. Reduce the baking time accordingly.
• Experiment with toppings: Get creative with your toppings! Try adding sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or caramelized onions.
• For a crispier crust: Place a baking sheet on the bottom rack of your oven while preheating. When you put the muffins in to bake, pour a cup of hot water into the baking sheet. The steam will help create a crispier crust. Be careful when pouring the water into the hot baking sheet!
• Make a big batch: This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled to make a larger batch of muffins.
• Use a stand mixer: If you have a stand mixer, you can use it to knead the dough. Use the dough hook attachment and knead on low speed for 5-7 minutes.
• Let the dough rise in a warm place: A warm environment helps the yeast to activate and the dough to rise properly. You can place the dough in a warm oven (turned off), or in a sunny spot in your kitchen.
• Don’t skip the second proofing: The second proofing is important for creating light and airy muffins.
• Check for doneness: The muffins are done when they are golden brown and the bottoms sound hollow when tapped. You can also insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin. If it comes out clean, the muffins are done.

Enjoy your homemade Rosemary Garlic Focaccia Muffins! They are a delicious and easy way to enjoy the flavors of focaccia in a convenient muffin form.

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These Rosemary Garlic Focaccia Muffins are truly a must-try for anyone who appreciates simple pleasures and incredible flavor. From the intoxicating aroma that fills your kitchen as they bake to the satisfyingly chewy texture and the burst of herbaceous garlic in every bite, these muffins are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. I know I’ll be making them again and again!

But why are they so special? It’s the perfect marriage of rustic charm and modern convenience. We’ve taken the beloved flavors of traditional focaccia and transformed them into individual, perfectly portioned muffins. This means no more wrestling with a large, unwieldy loaf – just grab a muffin and enjoy! Plus, the smaller size makes them ideal for dipping, snacking, or even using as mini sandwich rolls.

These aren’t just muffins; they’re an experience. The rosemary and garlic infuse every crumb with their distinctive character, creating a savory sensation that’s both comforting and sophisticated. The olive oil adds richness and moisture, ensuring that each muffin is tender and delicious. And the sprinkle of sea salt on top provides the perfect finishing touch, enhancing all the other flavors and adding a delightful crunch.

Looking for serving suggestions? The possibilities are endless! These Rosemary Garlic Focaccia Muffins are fantastic on their own, warm from the oven. But they also pair beautifully with a variety of dishes. Serve them alongside a hearty bowl of soup or stew for a comforting meal. Use them as a base for bruschetta, topping them with fresh tomatoes, basil, and balsamic glaze. Or, slice them in half and use them as mini sandwich rolls for a quick and easy lunch.

Variations to Explore:

* Cheese Lover’s Delight: Add a generous handful of grated Parmesan or Asiago cheese to the dough for an extra layer of savory flavor.
* Spicy Kick: Incorporate a pinch of red pepper flakes into the dough for a subtle heat.
* Olive Obsession: Add chopped Kalamata olives to the dough for a briny and flavorful twist.
* Sun-Dried Tomato Sensation: Mix in chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of tangy sweetness.
* Herb Garden Medley: Experiment with different herbs, such as thyme, oregano, or sage, to create your own unique flavor combination.

I truly believe that this recipe for Rosemary Garlic Focaccia Muffins is a winner. It’s easy to follow, uses simple ingredients, and delivers exceptional results. But don’t just take my word for it – try it yourself! I’m confident that you’ll be amazed by how delicious and versatile these muffins are.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake up a batch of these irresistible muffins. I can’t wait to hear what you think! Please, share your experience in the comments below. Let me know if you tried any variations, what you served them with, and most importantly, how much you enjoyed them. Happy baking! I am sure you will love this recipe as much as I do.

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