Easy Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Muffins Recipe | Soft & Flavorful

I have to tell you, these Easy Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Muffins Recipe have become my go-to recipe when I’m craving fresh-baked bread without the all-day effort. The aroma of garlic and rosemary filling my kitchen is absolutely heavenly. Using store-bought pizza dough is my secret weapon, making this a quick and simple treat.

These muffins come out perfectly crispy on the outside, wonderfully soft on the inside, and packed with savory flavor. I find myself making them for everything from a side with dinner to a simple afternoon snack. If you’re also in the mood for something sweet afterward, the Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies Recipe is a must-try.

Ingredients for Focaccia Muffins

Here is a list of the simple ingredients you will need to create these delicious muffins at home.

1.5 lbs store-bought pizza dough – Using fresh, refrigerated pizza dough from the bakery section of your grocery store gives the best texture. Canned pizza dough works in a pinch, but the final result might be slightly denser.
1/2 scant cup extra virgin olive oil – A good quality olive oil is key for that classic focaccia flavor. Don’t be afraid to use a generous amount; it creates the signature crispy crust and keeps the muffins from sticking.
8 cloves garlic – Freshly minced garlic provides a potent, aromatic flavor that you just can’t get from the jarred kind.
4 sprigs fresh rosemary – Fresh herbs make a world of difference. Strip the leaves from the woody stems and give them a rough chop to release their fragrant oils.
Flaky salt – A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top before baking adds a satisfying crunch and enhances all the other flavors.

Note: This recipe makes 12 focaccia muffins.

Variations

While the classic garlic and rosemary combination is fantastic, you can easily customize these muffins to your liking.

One of the great things about this recipe is how adaptable it is. For a spicy kick, try adding finely diced jalapeños and about a cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Simply mix these into the dough before placing it in the muffin tin for a cheesy, fiery twist.

You can also experiment with other herbs and toppings. Fresh thyme, oregano, or basil would be delicious substitutes for or additions to the rosemary. For a pop of color and flavor, consider adding sliced black olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or finely chopped red onion on top before baking.

A sprinkle of shredded Parmesan or Romano cheese over the top will add a savory, salty finish. These muffins pair beautifully with hearty meals like an Authentic Southern Shrimp and Grits Recipe, making them perfect for a brunch or dinner spread.

Cooking Time

This recipe is perfect for when you need a quick and satisfying bread side dish.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Equipment You Need

You don’t need any fancy tools to make these focaccia muffins.

Muffin Pan: Used to shape and bake the dough into individual muffin-sized portions.
Bench Scraper: Helps to easily and cleanly divide the pizza dough into even pieces.
Small Saucepan: For gently heating the olive oil and infusing it with garlic and rosemary.
Large Bowl: Useful for letting the pizza dough come to room temperature before you start.

How to Make Easy Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Muffins

This recipe breaks down the process into simple, manageable steps for perfect muffins every time. The key is to handle the dough gently to maintain its airy texture. Following these instructions will lead you to golden, flavorful focaccia muffins.

Prepare the Dough

First, allow the pizza dough to sit out and come to room temperature. This makes it much more pliable and easier to work with. Once it’s ready, use a bench scraper or a sharp knife to divide the dough into 12 equal portions.

Oil the Pan and Rest the Dough

Pour about one teaspoon of olive oil into each cup of a standard muffin pan. Gently form each piece of dough into a rough ball and place it in an oiled cup. Cover the pan with a clean towel and let it rest while your oven preheats to 400°F; the warmth will help the dough rise slightly.

Infuse the Oil

While the dough rests, prepare your aromatic oil. Finely chop the garlic and the fresh rosemary leaves. Heat the remaining olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat, then carefully add the garlic and rosemary. Stir until the oil stops sizzling and becomes fragrant.

Assemble and Bake

Spoon the infused garlic and rosemary oil generously over each ball of dough. Using two fingers, gently press into the dough to create dimples and help the toppings adhere. Sprinkle with flaky salt and bake for 14-16 minutes, until golden brown and crispy.

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

Over the times I’ve made this recipe, I’ve picked up a few tricks that really elevate the final result.

I cannot stress this enough: let your dough come to room temperature! Trying to work with cold, stiff dough is frustrating and can result in dense muffins. A little patience goes a long way.
When you’re pressing the dimples into the dough, don’t be too aggressive. I found that a gentle touch is all you need. You want to create little pockets for the oil, not deflate the dough completely.
I always keep an eye on the muffins around the 12-minute mark. Ovens can vary, and if the tops start browning too quickly, I loosely cover the pan with a piece of aluminum foil for the last few minutes of baking.
For an extra layer of flavor, I sometimes add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the oil along with the garlic and rosemary. It provides a subtle warmth that pairs beautifully with the herbs.

How to Serve Easy Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Muffins

These versatile muffins can be served in a variety of ways. They are fantastic on their own, served warm straight from the oven. For a simple and elegant presentation, arrange them on a wooden board or in a bread basket lined with a cloth napkin and garnish with a few extra sprigs of fresh rosemary.

They are the perfect accompaniment to soups, stews, and saucy pasta dishes, ideal for soaking up every last bit of flavor. You can also serve them as part of an appetizer platter with a side of marinara sauce or a simple dipping oil made from olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and cracked black pepper. For a finishing touch, a drizzle of hot honey or a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese just before serving adds a wonderful contrast of sweet or savory notes.

Nutritional Information

Here is an approximate nutritional breakdown for each focaccia muffin.

Calories: 143kcal
Carbohydrates: 28g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 2g

Make Ahead and Storage

These muffins are best enjoyed fresh, but they also store and reheat well.

To store, allow the muffins to cool completely, then place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them.

To freeze, arrange the cooled muffins on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer until solid. Transfer the frozen muffins to a freezer-safe bag or container, where they will keep for up to 3 months.

To reheat, you can warm them in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes or until heated through. This will help them regain their crispy exterior.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are so many reasons to fall in love with these simple yet impressive focaccia muffins.

Incredibly Easy: Because this recipe uses store-bought pizza dough, it eliminates the most time-consuming part of bread-making. It’s a beginner-friendly recipe that delivers impressive results with minimal effort.
Quick to Make: From start to finish, you can have these warm, aromatic muffins on your table in under an hour. This makes them a perfect solution for last-minute dinner guests or a sudden bread craving.
Full of Flavor: The combination of infused garlic oil, fresh rosemary, and flaky sea salt creates a deeply savory and satisfying flavor profile. They taste like they came from a high-end bakery.
Perfectly Versatile: These muffins are a fantastic side for almost any meal, from a hearty soup to a light salad. They can also be customized with different herbs, cheeses, or toppings to suit any taste.

Ash Tyrrell