Rosemary Garlic Focaccia Muffins bring the beloved flavors of traditional Italian focaccia bread into convenient, individual portions that are perfect for any meal or occasion. These tender, fluffy muffins capture the essence of classic focaccia with their herb-infused dough, golden olive oil coating, and aromatic toppings of fresh rosemary and roasted garlic. Unlike traditional focaccia that requires lengthy rising times and careful handling, these muffins offer all the same wonderful flavors with the convenience of quick preparation and portion-controlled servings. The combination of fragrant rosemary and mellow roasted garlic creates an irresistible savory aroma that fills your kitchen, while the olive oil ensures each muffin has a tender crumb and authentic Mediterranean flavor. Perfect for serving alongside pasta dishes, soups, salads, or as part of a bread basket, these muffins also make excellent sandwich bases or can be enjoyed on their own as a satisfying snack. This recipe yields 12 generous muffins that deliver bakery-quality results with home kitchen simplicity.
Ingredients
For the muffins:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3/4 cup whole milk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped
For the topping:
- 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary sprigs
- 1/2 teaspoon coarse sea salt or flaky salt
- Freshly cracked black pepper
Preparing the Garlic
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and line a standard 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease thoroughly with olive oil. The olive oil greasing method will give you more authentic focaccia flavors and help create golden, crispy edges.
Slice the garlic cloves as thinly as possible using a sharp knife or mandoline. In a small skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over low heat and add the sliced garlic. Cook gently for 2-3 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant and just begins to turn golden. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
This gentle cooking process removes the harsh bite of raw garlic while intensifying its sweet, nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with rosemary.
Making the Muffin Batter
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and garlic powder until well combined. The dry ingredients should be evenly distributed with no lumps.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the olive oil, milk, and egg until smooth and well combined. The olive oil should be fully incorporated rather than separated, creating a cohesive liquid mixture.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and add the finely chopped fresh rosemary. Using a wooden spoon or spatula, stir gently just until the ingredients are combined. The batter should be slightly lumpy and thick, similar to a regular muffin batter, but don’t overmix as this will result in tough muffins.
Filling the Muffin Cups
Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full. The muffins will rise during baking, so don’t overfill the cups or they may overflow and lose their shape.
Using the back of a spoon or your finger, create small dimples on the surface of each muffin, similar to traditional focaccia. These dimples will hold the olive oil and toppings, creating pockets of concentrated flavor.
Adding the Toppings
Brush the top of each muffin with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil, making sure to fill the dimples you created. The olive oil will help create a golden, crispy top and authentic focaccia flavor.
Distribute the cooked garlic slices evenly among the muffins, pressing them gently into the surface. Place a few fresh rosemary sprigs on each muffin, then sprinkle with coarse sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
Baking the Muffins
Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the muffins are golden brown on top and spring back when lightly touched. The tops should be beautifully golden with crispy edges, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
The aroma of rosemary and garlic should fill your kitchen, indicating that the herbs have released their essential oils and flavors into the muffins.
Cooling and Serving
Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This brief cooling period prevents them from breaking apart while still ensuring they don’t become soggy from trapped steam.
These muffins are best served warm when the olive oil is still aromatic and the herbs are at their most fragrant. They can be reheated briefly in a 350-degree oven for 3-4 minutes to refresh their texture and aroma.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these focaccia muffins alongside Italian dishes such as minestrone soup, pasta with marinara sauce, or a fresh caprese salad. They also make excellent accompaniments to grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or cheese plates.
For a simple but elegant appetizer, slice the muffins in half and toast them lightly, then top with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil for a deconstructed bruschetta presentation.
Storage and Reheating
Store cooled muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap them individually and freeze for up to 3 months.
To reheat, wrap in aluminum foil and warm in a 350-degree oven for 8-10 minutes, or microwave individual muffins for 15-20 seconds. The oven method will help restore the crispy exterior texture.
Variations
These muffins are easily customizable with different herb combinations. Try substituting or adding fresh thyme, oregano, or sage for varied Mediterranean flavors. Sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or grated Parmesan cheese can also be folded into the batter for additional complexity.
For a heartier version, add a handful of chopped sun-dried tomatoes or kalamata olives to the batter, or sprinkle the tops with grated Pecorino Romano cheese before baking.
Make-Ahead Tips
The dry ingredients can be mixed and stored in an airtight container for up to a week, making it easy to prepare fresh muffins quickly. The batter can also be mixed and refrigerated for up to 24 hours, though you may need to add an extra minute or two to the baking time.
These Rosemary Garlic Focaccia Muffins deliver all the beloved flavors of traditional Italian focaccia in a convenient, individual format that’s perfect for busy schedules while maintaining the authentic taste that makes focaccia so special. Each bite provides the perfect balance of herbs, garlic, and olive oil that transports you straight to a cozy Italian kitchen.
