These Easy Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Muffins are soft and flavorful! With a hint of garlic and fresh rosemary, they’re perfect for a cozy snack or as a side with dinner.
Who knew muffins could be so fancy? I love whipping these up; they fill the kitchen with a delicious aroma. Just mix, bake, and enjoy with butter—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Active Dry Yeast: Yeast is crucial for the muffin’s rise. If you have instant yeast at home, you can use the same amount. Just mix it directly with dry ingredients without proofing first.
All-Purpose Flour: This is ideal for these muffins. For a gluten-free option, try using a 1:1 baking blend, but check the package for specific instructions since each blend can vary.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil adds great flavor. If you’re out, other oils like avocado or melted butter can work in a pinch. Butter gives a richer taste!
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives a wonderful flavor. If you don’t have fresh, you can use garlic powder, but start with less—about half a teaspoon—since it’s stronger.
Rosemary: Fresh rosemary is best for flavor. In a hurry? You can use dried rosemary instead—just use less, about half the amount since dried herbs are more potent.
How Do I Get My Dough to Rise Perfectly?
Rising the dough is an important step! To ensure your dough rises well, follow these tips:
- Use warm water (not hot!) when activating the yeast. Check it with your wrist to ensure it feels warm.
- Cover the dough with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap to keep the warmth in, creating a cozy environment.
- Place the bowl in a warm, draft-free area, like near an oven or in a turned-off microwave. This helps the yeast work better.
- Let it rise until it doubles in size—usually about an hour—but check it. If it’s a bit chilly, it might take longer!
These steps will help your focaccia muffins turn out light and fluffy, perfect for enjoying fresh from the oven!
Easy Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Muffins
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 cup warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
For the Flavor:
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- Coarse sea salt, for sprinkling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes of preparation time and around 18-22 minutes of baking. Don’t forget to set aside about 1 hour for the dough to rise! So overall, plan for around 1 hour and 45 minutes from start to finish, including the rise and bake time. Enjoy fresh, warm muffins straight from the oven!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Activate the Yeast:
Start by dissolving the yeast in the warm water in a small bowl. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This step is important as it wakes up the yeast!
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Stir these dry ingredients together so they’re evenly mixed before adding the wet ones.
3. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Add the frothy yeast mixture and 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the flour mixture. Mix everything together to form rough dough and don’t worry if it’s not perfectly smooth yet.
4. Knead the Dough:
Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it for about 6-8 minutes, or until the dough feels smooth and elastic. This helps develop the gluten which gives your muffins lightness!
5. Let the Dough Rise:
Place the dough in an oiled bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Put it in a warm place and let it rise for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
6. Preheat the Oven:
While your dough is rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Also, lightly grease a muffin tin to prevent sticking.
7. Shape the Muffins:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release air. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces, shaping each piece into a small ball. Place each ball into the prepared muffin cups.
8. Create Dimples and Add Flavor:
Gently press each ball flat in the muffin cup and make dimples in the surface with your fingers. Drizzle a little olive oil on top of each muffin, then sprinkle with minced garlic, chopped rosemary, and a touch of coarse sea salt.
9. Bake the Muffins:
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the muffins sound hollow when tapped.
10. Cool and Serve:
Remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool slightly in the pan. Enjoy them warm, and consider serving with extra olive oil or butter for spreading!
Enjoy these soft, aromatic focaccia muffins perfect for any meal! They’re great on their own or as a side.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but you might want to use a mix of whole wheat and all-purpose flour for a lighter texture. If using only whole wheat, add an extra tablespoon of water to keep the dough from becoming too dry.
How Do I Store Leftover Focaccia Muffins?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you’d like them to last longer, freeze them in a freezer-safe bag for up to a month. To enjoy, simply thaw and reheat in the oven or microwave!
Can I Add Other Herbs or Seasonings?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other herbs like thyme, oregano, or basil, or even add cheese, like feta or parmesan, for an extra flavor boost. Just adjust the quantities to your taste preference.
What Should I Do If My Dough Doesn’t Rise?
If your dough isn’t rising, it could be due to inactive yeast. Ensure your yeast is fresh and that you use warm, but not hot, water—you want it around 110°F (43°C). If it’s still not rising, try placing it in a warmer spot, like the oven with the light on or on a sunny windowsill.