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Quick Garlic Rosemary Muffins

Featured in Homemade Bread: Nothing Beats the Aroma.

Turn pre-made pizza dough into tasty garlic rosemary muffins that are light and flavorful. Shaped in a muffin pan and topped with olive oil, fresh herbs, and garlic, each one has a golden, crispy crust with a soft center. These easy-to-make focaccia-inspired bites take only 45 minutes and make excellent sides for soups, salads, or Italian dishes.
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Updated on Mon, 03 Mar 2025 00:09:28 GMT
A basket filled with herb-topped muffins. Pin it
A basket filled with herb-topped muffins. | linacooks.com

Experience the perfect bite-sized Italian bread with these homestyle focaccia muffins. Each golden-brown treasure combines a delicately crisp exterior with a pillowy soft center, infused with fragrant herbs and garlic. These individual portions bring authentic focaccia flavor to any meal with remarkable ease.

This recipe emerged during an impromptu lunch gathering when I needed something special yet achievable. The heavenly aroma of rosemary and garlic filled the kitchen, and guests were requesting the recipe before their first bite. These focaccia muffins have since become a staple at family meals.

Key Ingredients

  • Pizza dough: Provides the essential chewy texture and structure. Quality store-bought dough works perfectly and saves preparation time. Select fresh dough without unnecessary additives.
  • Extra virgin olive oil: Creates the signature golden crust and rich flavor. Select a mild, fruity variety that will enhance without overpowering. The oil ensures proper browning and even baking.
  • Fresh garlic: Delivers intense aromatic flavor throughout the dough. Fine mincing ensures even distribution and creates perfect bursts of garlic in every bite.
  • Fresh rosemary: Offers classic Italian herb notes. Remove leaves carefully from stems before chopping. The oils release during baking for authentic focaccia fragrance.
  • Flaky salt: Enhances overall flavor and provides satisfying crunch. Large crystal varieties like Maldon maintain texture through baking.

Preparation Method

Dough Temperature:
Let dough warm for 30 minutes covered with a kitchen towel. This ensures proper stretching and air pocket development.
Pan Preparation:
Oil each muffin cup thoroughly with olive oil, including sides. This creates the characteristic golden crust.
Portioning:
Cut dough into 12 equal pieces and form loose balls. Gentle handling preserves the airy texture.
Initial Rest:
Place dough balls in prepared tin and rest near preheating oven for 15 minutes. This allows proper gluten relaxation.
Herb Oil:
Warm olive oil until just shimmering, then add herbs and garlic off heat. The residual warmth gently releases flavors.
Shaping:
Create signature dimples in each portion using oiled fingertips. These indentations hold seasonings and create authentic texture.
Baking:
Cook at 400°F for 14-16 minutes until deeply golden. Monitor browning and tent with foil if needed.
A bowl of bread with herbs on top. Pin it
A bowl of bread with herbs on top. | linacooks.com

The classic rosemary version remains a favorite, though experimenting with herbs like thyme offers delightful variations. Through multiple preparations, we discovered that increasing the garlic creates an even more satisfying result for those who appreciate bold flavors.

Serving Suggestions

These focaccia muffins shine brightest when served warm alongside Italian soups or stews. Their sturdy texture holds up well to dipping while remaining tender inside.

Flavor Variations

Experiment with different herb combinations to create unique flavor profiles. Fresh thyme adds earthiness, while oregano provides Mediterranean character. Adding fresh basil after baking introduces bright notes.

Storage Instructions

Keep cooled muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for two days maximum. The olive oil content helps maintain moisture, though the exterior gradually softens.

A bowl of bread with herbs on top. Pin it
A bowl of bread with herbs on top. | linacooks.com

These focaccia muffins exemplify rustic Italian baking at its finest - simple ingredients elevated through proper technique. They transform everyday meals into memorable dining experiences, proving that authentic flavor need not be complicated.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Is it okay to swap out rosemary for a different herb?
Absolutely! Fresh thyme, sage, or oregano all work well, either individually or mixed together.
→ What substitutes do I have if pizza dough isn’t available?
You can use canned pizza crust dough or any ready-made bread dough as a backup option.
→ Can I prepare these a day ahead?
Sure! Bake them and store them, then reheat for around 5 minutes at 350°F before serving.
→ Why are my muffins too heavy and dense?
You might’ve kneaded the dough too much. Be gentle to keep the dough’s airiness intact.
→ What dishes pair well with these muffins?
They go great with salads, soups, pasta, or as a starter served with olive oil for dipping.

Garlic Herb Muffins

Simple, tasty mini focaccia-style breads baked in a muffin tin using pizza dough. Flavored with garlic, rosemary, and olive oil.

Prep Time
30 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
45 Minutes
By: Paolina

Category: Breads

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Italian

Yield: 12 Servings (12 muffins)

Dietary: Vegan, Vegetarian, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Base

01 24 ounces of pizza dough from the store
02 A little less than ½ cup of high-quality olive oil

→ Flavoring

03 8 cloves of garlic, sliced small
04 Leaves from 4 sprigs of fresh rosemary, chopped finely
05 Some coarse flaky salt

Instructions

Step 01

Grease a bowl lightly, put in the pizza dough, and let it warm up to room temp. Cut the dough into 12 equal parts using a knife or scraper. Keep the dough’s texture intact by not working with it too long.

Step 02

Add 1 teaspoon of olive oil into every space in a regular-sized muffin tray.

Step 03

Take each dough piece and shape it gently into a ball. Place them into the tray’s oiled cups. Cover it up with a towel and let them rest in a warm spot, like near the oven as it heats to 400°F.

Step 04

Heat the remaining oil in a small pan at medium heat. When it’s hot enough (a water drop should sizzle if it hits), pull it off the heat. Mix in the garlic and rosemary and stir while it cools off.

Step 05

Generously spoon the herb oil evenly over the dough balls. Poke the dough with your fingers to make little dimples and help the herbs stick. Sprinkle flaky salt on top.

Step 06

Bake in a 400°F oven for around 14-16 minutes. If the tops are getting too dark too fast, loosely set some foil over them.

Notes

  1. Look for fresh pizza dough in the fridge section near the baked goods.
  2. Don’t knead the dough too much, or you’ll lose the little air pockets that make it soft.
  3. Letting the dough have time to sit gives it better taste and texture.

Tools You'll Need

  • Tray with muffin cups
  • Sharp knife or a dough scraper
  • Small stovetop pot for heating oil

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • This recipe has wheat in the pizza dough

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 143
  • Total Fat: 2 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 28 g
  • Protein: 5 g