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Easy Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Muffins Recipe

Let me tell you about one of my new favorite bread recipes: the Easy Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Muffins Recipe. These little gems pack all the cozy, aromatic flavors of traditional focaccia into perfectly portioned muffins that bake up golden and fluffy every single time. Whether you’re serving guests or just craving a flavorful snack, this recipe hits that sweet spot between simplicity and wow-factor.

What I love most about this Easy Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Muffins Recipe is how effortlessly it comes together using store-bought pizza dough, making it accessible even on busy weeknights. Plus, the combination of fresh garlic, rosemary, and plenty of olive oil delivers that irresistibly fragrant crust we all crave with focaccia, but in muffin form—so easy to share and enjoy warm from the oven.

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Simple Ingredients: Uses just a handful of pantry staples and fresh herbs for a straightforward yet flavorful bread.
  • Store-Bought Convenience: Starting with premade pizza dough cuts down prep time without compromising texture.
  • Perfect Portion Control: Muffin-sized servings make these easy to share and fantastic for sandwiches or snacks.
  • Olive Oil-Infused Flavor: Generous olive oil soaking ensures a moist, tender crumb and crisp edges that’s true to focaccia.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Easy Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Muffins Recipe lies in its simple, complementary ingredients that balance texture and taste effortlessly. Using fresh rosemary and garlic gives these muffins a warm, inviting aroma, while quality olive oil ensures every bite is rich and moist.

  • Store-bought pizza dough: A fantastic shortcut that keeps things easy while still yielding fluffy, airy muffins—look for fresh dough in the refrigerated section.
  • Extra virgin olive oil: Key for that authentic focaccia flavor and crisp, golden tops; don’t skimp here!
  • Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic infuses the oil with that irresistible depth of flavor everyone loves.
  • Fresh rosemary sprigs: Adds a fragrant, earthy herbal note that pairs beautifully with garlic and olive oil.
  • Flaky salt: A finishing touch that enhances flavors and adds a satisfying crunch.
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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.

Make It Your Way

I love keeping this recipe flexible because the base focaccia muffins are such a great canvas for all kinds of flavors. You can easily swap out herbs or add toppings, so don’t hesitate to make it your own – that’s part of the fun!

  • Variation: I once added some sun-dried tomatoes and shaved parmesan on top before baking, and it took these muffins to a new savory level—definitely one to try if you love bold flavors.
  • Dietary modifications: For a dairy-free twist, just skip any cheese toppings, and they’re naturally vegan-friendly too!
  • Seasonal changes: During summer, chopped fresh basil works wonderfully instead of rosemary; in fall, try sage for something warmer.

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

Step 1: Bring That Pizza Dough To Life

First things first: take the pizza dough out of the fridge and let it rest in a lightly greased bowl until it reaches room temperature. This step is crucial—it lets the dough relax and come alive, so your muffins will be airy and soft. I usually let mine sit for about 30 minutes, covered with a clean kitchen towel. Trust me, rushing this part makes the muffins dense, and that’s no fun!

Step 2: Cut and Shape With Care

Next, slice the dough into 12 roughly even pieces. I use a bench scraper because it gives me nice clean cuts without squishing the dough too much. Then, gently shape each piece into a rough ball—don’t press too hard or you’ll pop those precious air bubbles. Place each ball into a muffin pan greased with olive oil, and cover the whole pan with a towel. This little rest near your warm oven while it preheats will help the dough puff up beautifully.

Step 3: Infuse the Olive Oil

While the dough is resting, chop your garlic and rosemary leaves finely. In a small pan, heat the rest of your olive oil over medium heat. Here’s a neat trick I use: wet my fingertip and flick a drop of water into the oil to check if it’s hot enough—it should sizzle immediately. Then, remove the oil from heat and stir in the minced garlic and rosemary. The residual heat gently infuses the oil without burning the garlic, which is what you want for that mellow flavor.

Step 4: Dress and Dimple

Now comes the fun part! Spoon a generous amount of your fragrant garlic-rosemary oil onto each dough ball. Don’t be shy—this oil is what gives focaccia its signature taste and moist crumb. Then, using two fingers, press into the dough to create lots of little dimples; this not only helps hold the oil, garlic, and rosemary in place but also adds that classic focaccia texture.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake the muffins at 400°F for 14-16 minutes until they’re beautifully golden on top. If you notice the tops browning too fast, lightly cover them with foil to avoid burning. When they’re done, sprinkle flaky salt over each muffin for that perfect burst of flavor and texture that’ll keep you reaching for more.

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Tips from My Kitchen

  • Don’t Overwork The Dough: I’ve learned that handling the dough gently keeps those air pockets intact and makes all the difference in fluffiness.
  • Olive Oil Is Your Friend: Be generous with the oil—this isn’t just for flavor, but also for that irresistible golden crust and moist crumb.
  • Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh rosemary packs far more aroma and flavor than dried, so I always grab fresh when I can.
  • Rest Dough Near Warm Oven: Letting the dough rest while the oven preheats gives it a nice little yeast boost, resulting in a more tender muffin.

How to Serve Easy Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Muffins Recipe

Easy Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Muffins Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

I usually finish these muffins with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt right out of the oven—just enough to give that perfect crunch and pop of flavor. Sometimes, I add a smear of good-quality herb butter or a drizzle of extra olive oil when serving to amp up the richness. If I’m feeling festive, a touch of grated Parmesan also makes a lovely garnish.

Side Dishes

These focaccia muffins shine alongside soups like tomato basil or creamy mushroom. They’re also fantastic paired with a fresh salad or antipasto platter for light lunches. I’ve even used them as buns for mini sandwiches filled with mozzarella and prosciutto when hosting casual get-togethers.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I like arranging these muffins in a circle on a wooden board surrounded by small bowls of olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping. Another favorite is topping each muffin with an olive or sun-dried tomato before baking for extra flair. It’s a simple way to make them feel a bit more festive without much fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover focaccia muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They stay deliciously soft, but if they start to lose their charm, reheating helps bring them back to life. Just be sure to let them cool completely before storing.

Freezing

If I want to save some for later, I wrap each muffin tightly in plastic wrap then pop them all in a freezer bag. They freeze beautifully for up to 3 months, so you can enjoy fresh focaccia anytime you want without extra effort.

Reheating

To reheat, I unwrap the muffins and place them in a 350°F oven for about 8-10 minutes until warmed through and crisp on the outside. Microwave works in a pinch, but the oven is the best way to recapture that freshly baked texture.

FAQs

  1. Can I make Easy Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Muffins Recipe without fresh rosemary?

    Yes! While fresh rosemary offers the best flavor and aroma, you can substitute dried rosemary in a pinch. Use about one-third the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated. Just keep in mind the flavor will be less vibrant.

  2. Is store-bought pizza dough the best option for this recipe?

    Store-bought pizza dough is ideal for ease and consistent results, but you can absolutely use homemade dough if you prefer. Just make sure your dough is well rested and soft to the touch for the best rising and texture.

  3. How do I prevent the focaccia muffins from sticking to the pan?

    Generously oiling each muffin cup with extra virgin olive oil is key. The oil acts as a non-stick barrier and also adds to the muffins’ delicious flavor and crispy edges.

  4. Can I add toppings like cheese or olives?

    Absolutely! Adding toppings like shredded Parmesan, mozzarella, or sliced olives before baking adds extra flavor and a fun twist. Just press them gently into the dough balls so they stick well.

  5. How long do these focaccia muffins keep fresh?

    Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these muffins stay fresh for about 2 days. For longer storage, freezing is your best bet.

Final Thoughts

I really think you’ll love how approachable and delightful this Easy Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Muffins Recipe is. It’s become my go-to when I want homemade bread without the fuss, and the flavors feel just right every time. Whip up a batch, share with your loved ones, and enjoy that warm, cozy comfort that only fresh focaccia can bring. Seriously, once you try these, you’ll find yourself making them again and again!

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Easy Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Muffins Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.4 from 7 reviews
  • Author: Lily
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 16 minutes
  • Total Time: 46 minutes
  • Yield: 12 muffins
  • Category: Bread
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Easy Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Muffins are fluffy, flavorful bread bites made with store-bought pizza dough infused with fragrant garlic and fresh rosemary, baked to golden perfection with a generous drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of flaky salt.


Ingredients

Units Scale

Dough and Oil

  • 1.5 pounds store-bought pizza dough
  • 1/2 scant cup extra virgin olive oil

Herbs and Seasoning

  • 8 cloves garlic
  • 4 sprigs fresh rosemary
  • flaky salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare Dough: If time allows, place the pizza dough in a lightly greased bowl and allow it to come to room temperature. Using a bench scraper or a sharp knife, cut the dough ball into 12 even slices. They do not have to be perfect. Avoid overworking the dough to keep the air bubbles intact.
  2. Oil Muffin Pan: In a standard muffin pan, pour 1 teaspoon of olive oil into each muffin cup to prevent sticking and add flavor.
  3. Shape Dough Balls: Gently shape each piece of dough into a rough ball and place it into the oiled muffin pan, taking care not to deflate the air bubbles. Cover the pan with a towel and let it rest near the oven while it preheats to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. The warmth will help the dough rise.
  4. Prepare Garlic and Rosemary: While the dough rests, chop the garlic cloves and remove the leaves from the rosemary sprigs, then chop the leaves finely. Set aside.
  5. Infuse Olive Oil: Heat the remaining olive oil over medium heat. Flick a small drop of water into the oil to check if it’s hot enough; if it sizzles, it’s ready. Remove the oil from the stove and carefully add the chopped garlic and rosemary. Stir until the sizzling stops to infuse the flavors without burning.
  6. Apply Garlic Rosemary Oil: Spoon a generous amount of the infused oil onto each dough ball, using all of it for maximum flavor.
  7. Create Dimples and Add Salt: Using two fingers, press into the dough to create lots of dimples. This helps the garlic and rosemary adhere better and mimics traditional focaccia texture. Sprinkle flaky salt over each muffin.
  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. Remove from oven once golden and cooked through.

Notes

  • Pizza Dough: Fresh pizza dough from the refrigerated bakery section works best, but canned pizza dough can be used as a substitute.
  • Handle Dough Gently: Avoid overworking the dough to keep it light and fluffy with air bubbles intact.
  • Resting the Dough: Letting the dough rest near the warming oven helps it rise and develop better texture and flavor.
  • Generous Olive Oil: Don’t skimp on the olive oil—it enhances flavor, keeps the muffins moist, and prevents sticking.
  • Watch Baking Time: Keep an eye on the muffins to avoid over-browning; cover with foil if needed.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 muffin
  • Calories: 180 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 210 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Fiber: 1.5 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg

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