These Golden Crust Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Muffins are fluffy, savory delights! Packed with garlic and fragrant rosemary, they’re perfect as a side or snack.
Honestly, who can resist the smell of fresh bread? I love serving these warm, straight from the oven, and watching them disappear in seconds. 🥖✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for the muffins, providing structure. You can swap it with bread flour for a chewier texture or a gluten-free blend for those with gluten sensitivity.
Active Dry Yeast: Essential for making the muffins rise. If you have instant yeast, that works too. Just skip the proofing step—mix it directly with the dry ingredients!
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds robust flavor. I used minced garlic here, but roasted garlic will give a sweeter taste. If you don’t have fresh garlic, garlic powder can be a good substitute (1/4 tsp = 1 clove).
Fresh Rosemary: This herb gives a wonderful aroma and flavor. Dried rosemary can be used if fresh isn’t available, but use a bit less as it’s more concentrated. Thyme or oregano could work as alternatives too.
Coarse Sea Salt: Important for flavor on top. If you don’t have it, regular salt is fine, but be mindful to use less as it’s saltier by volume.
How Do I Knead Dough Properly?
Kneading is a key step that helps develop gluten, giving your muffins a delightful texture. Here’s how to do it effectively:
- Start by sprinkling flour on a clean, flat surface to prevent sticking.
- Place your dough on the surface, and use the heels of your hands to push the dough away from you.
- Fold it back over towards you and give it a quarter turn. Repeat this process for about 8-10 minutes.
- If the dough gets sticky, just add a sprinkle of flour to your hands or the surface, don’t add too much flour or the muffins will be dense.
This kneading technique helps create a light and airy muffin that’s golden brown on the outside. Enjoy baking!
Golden Crust Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Muffins
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (plus extra for drizzling)
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
For Flavoring:
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 tbsp dried rosemary)
For Topping:
- Coarse sea salt, for sprinkling on top
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and around 20 minutes to bake. Plus, you’ll need about 1 hour for the dough to rise. In total, you can expect about 1 hour and 35 minutes from start to finish before you have warm, tasty muffins ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Yeast:
In a small bowl, mix together the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently, then let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This shows that the yeast is activated and ready to go!
2. Mix Your Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. Once mixed, gradually pour in the yeast mixture along with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Stir until everything comes together to form a dough.
3. Knead the Dough:
Dust a clean surface with flour and transfer your dough onto it. Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. If it feels sticky, sprinkle a bit more flour as needed.
4. Let It Rise:
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp towel or plastic wrap, and set it in a warm spot. Let it rise for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
5. Preheat and Prepare:
Once the dough has risen, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease your muffin tin so the muffins won’t stick.
6. Shape the Muffins:
Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 10-12 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a small ball and place them in the greased muffin tin. Make a slight indentation in the center of each ball using your fingers to create those famous focaccia dimples.
7. Flavor the Muffins:
In a small bowl, mix together the minced garlic and chopped rosemary with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Brush this mixture generously on top of each muffin. It will bring warmth and flavor to each bite!
8. Finish with Sea Salt:
Sprinkle a pinch of coarse sea salt on each muffin for that extra touch of flavor!
9. Bake the Muffins:
Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, until the tops are golden brown and crusty. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!
10. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack. They are best enjoyed warm!
Enjoy these savory, golden focaccia muffins with the aromatic touch of garlic and rosemary! They’re perfect as an appetizer or served alongside soups and salads. Happy baking!
Can I Use a Different Type of Flour?
Yes, you can! While all-purpose flour gives the best results, bread flour will provide a chewier texture. For a gluten-free option, look for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Just be mindful that texture may vary slightly.
Can I Make These Muffins Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and let it rise, then cover it and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking. Alternatively, you can bake them in advance and reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to freshen them up!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, they can be frozen for up to 2 months. Just thaw them at room temperature or reheat in the oven before serving!
Can I Customize the Flavors?
Definitely! If you want to switch things up, try adding different herbs like thyme or oregano, or include grated cheese such as Parmesan for extra flavor. You can also experiment with different types of garlic, like roasted garlic, for a sweeter taste!
