Garlic rosemary focaccia muffins bring the savory charm of traditional focaccia bread into convenient, muffin-sized portions. These tender, herby treats are golden on the outside, fluffy in the center, and infused with the bold flavors of garlic and fresh rosemary. They come together easily with no kneading, making them perfect for home cooks of any skill level. Serve them as a snack, side dish, or appetizer — they’re satisfying, aromatic, and ready to impress.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These muffins offer bakery-style results with minimal effort. Their rich aroma of rosemary and garlic fills the kitchen, while olive oil creates a crisp, flavorful crust. You don’t need to knead or shape the dough — just mix, rise, and bake. This recipe uses simple ingredients you likely have on hand and comes together in just over an hour. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight meal or weekend brunch, these muffins make a delicious and versatile addition to your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient has a purpose. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters.
Instant Yeast (2¼ teaspoons)
This leavening agent helps the dough rise, giving the muffins their soft, airy interior.
Warm Water (1 cup at about 110°F)
Water activates the yeast. Ensure it’s warm to the touch, not hot, to keep the yeast alive.
Honey or Sugar (1 tablespoon)
This small addition boosts yeast activity and adds a mild sweetness to balance the savory elements.
All-Purpose Flour (3 cups)
Flour forms the base of the dough, offering the ideal structure for soft, chewy muffins.
Salt (1 teaspoon)
Salt enhances flavor and supports the dough’s structure during rising.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil (¼ cup, plus more for drizzling)
Used in the dough and for the topping, olive oil adds richness and helps form the signature crispy edge.
Fresh Rosemary (2 tablespoons, finely chopped)
Rosemary gives a woodsy, fragrant depth that pairs naturally with garlic.
Minced Garlic (2 cloves)
Garlic brings warmth and boldness to the flavor profile, blending beautifully with olive oil and herbs.
Flaky Sea Salt (1 teaspoon)
Sprinkled on top before baking, this adds crunch and an extra punch of flavor.
Optional Add-Ins
You can add Parmesan cheese, chopped olives, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra character. Swap rosemary with thyme or oregano for a flavor variation.
How to Make Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Muffins
The dough is simple to make and doesn’t require any kneading. After a quick mix, it rises in the bowl, then again in the muffin tin. The rosemary-garlic topping is spooned on just before baking to ensure the flavors infuse into the dough as it cooks. The result is soft, flavorful muffins with crisp, golden tops.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a large bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and honey. Stir lightly and let sit for 5 to 10 minutes, until the surface becomes foamy. This signals that the yeast is active.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
Add flour, salt, and ¼ cup of olive oil to the yeast mixture. Stir using a wooden spoon until a sticky, loose dough forms. It won’t look smooth, and that’s okay.
Step 3: First Rise
Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let the dough rise in a warm spot for about 45 minutes, or until it’s noticeably puffed and nearly doubled in size.
Step 4: Prepare the Muffin Tin
Grease a 12-cup muffin tin generously with olive oil. Scoop the risen dough evenly into the muffin cups. You may want to use lightly oiled hands or a spoon to avoid sticking.
Step 5: Second Rise
Loosely cover the muffin tin and allow the dough to rest for another 15 minutes. During this time, preheat your oven to 400°F.
Step 6: Add Toppings
In a small bowl, stir together the chopped rosemary and minced garlic with a tablespoon of olive oil. Spoon this aromatic blend over each muffin. Sprinkle a little flaky salt over the top for added flavor and texture.
Step 7: Bake
Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes. The muffins should rise slightly and turn a golden brown. If you like them extra crisp on top, broil for 1 minute at the end, watching closely to avoid burning.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Allow the muffins to rest in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Serve them warm or at room temperature.
Helpful Tips
Use a flavorful olive oil for the best results. It influences both taste and texture
A sticky dough is good — it leads to a light, airy interior
Fresh herbs and garlic give the most vibrant flavor, but dried herbs can be used if needed
Make sure your yeast is active before adding flour
Don’t overbake. The muffins should be golden, not dry
Details
Flavor: Bold and savory with the earthy aroma of fresh herbs
Texture: Crispy edges with a soft, fluffy center
Occasion: Ideal for gatherings, holidays, or a comforting weeknight side
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Rise Time: 45 minutes
Bake Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Notes
These muffins freeze well. Once cooled, wrap them individually and store in a freezer-safe bag. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes to restore their texture. Feel free to customize the dough with different herbs, cheeses, or flavorful mix-ins like olives or roasted peppers.
Nutritional Information (Per Muffin)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 200 |
| Fat | 7g |
| Carbohydrates | 30g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Protein | 4g |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can focaccia dough be baked in muffin tins?
Yes, using muffin tins helps portion the dough and gives each serving a golden, crispy edge.
Do focaccia muffins need yeast to rise properly?
Yes, yeast is essential for proper rise and texture. Without it, the muffins will be dense and flat.
How do you keep focaccia muffins soft and airy?
Allow the dough to rise fully and avoid adding excess flour. Keep the dough sticky, and handle it gently.
What toppings work best for garlic rosemary focaccia muffins?
Rosemary and garlic are classic, but you can also try Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, or olives for added flavor.
Storage Instructions
Let muffins cool completely before storing. Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To freeze, wrap each one separately and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month. Reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through and slightly crisp on the outside.
Print
Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Muffins | Easy, Golden, and Flavor-Packed
- Total Time: 1 hr 15 min
- Yield: 12 muffins 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy on the edges and soft in the center, these garlic rosemary focaccia muffins are easy to make and full of bold, herby flavor. Perfect as a savory side or snack, no kneading required.
Ingredients
2¼ tsp instant yeast (or active dry yeast)
1 cup warm water (110°F / 43°C)
1 tbsp honey (or sugar)
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp flaky sea salt
Optional: Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, chopped olives
Instructions
1. Combine warm water, yeast, and honey in a large bowl. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. Add flour, salt, and olive oil. Stir until dough is sticky.
3. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 45 minutes.
4. Grease a 12-cup muffin tin. Divide the dough into cups.
5. Let rise for 15 minutes while preheating oven to 400°F.
6. Mix rosemary and garlic with olive oil. Spoon on muffins and sprinkle with salt.
7. Bake for 18–20 minutes until golden.
8. Cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Use fresh herbs and garlic for stronger flavor.
Freeze leftovers and reheat in the oven before serving.
Try with Parmesan or olives for variation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 muffin
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Conclusion
Garlic rosemary focaccia muffins offer the comfort of homemade bread in an approachable, mess-free format. They come together quickly with no kneading, and the result is incredibly flavorful. Crispy on the outside, tender in the middle, and infused with garlic and herbs, they’re a perfect savory bake for any occasion. Whether you’re entertaining guests or just want a warm treat with dinner, these muffins are a simple, satisfying solution you’ll make again and again.