Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Muffins

Introduction

Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Muffins are the perfect blend of savory and aromatic flavors, offering the delicious, fluffy texture of traditional focaccia bread in a convenient muffin form. These muffins are infused with fragrant rosemary and roasted garlic, creating a mouthwatering treat that pairs beautifully with soups, salads, or as a side to any meal.

I remember the first time I baked these muffins for a cozy dinner at home. The aroma of rosemary and garlic filled the kitchen, and they disappeared from the table in minutes. What makes these muffins so delightful is their versatility—you can enjoy them warm with a drizzle of olive oil, or even use them to make mini sandwiches. The golden, crispy tops contrast perfectly with the soft, airy crumb inside, making them irresistible with every bite.

With just a handful of ingredients and simple steps, these muffins are easy to make and guaranteed to impress. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, packing a picnic, or just looking for a flavorful homemade bread option, these Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Muffins are sure to be a hit!

Perfect for:

• Dinner sides
• Holiday meals
• Soup pairings
• Sandwiches
• Garlic and herb lovers

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Muffins

Here’s why Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Muffins will become a staple in your baking routine:

• Savory Flavor: The combination of roasted garlic and fresh rosemary adds depth and aromatic richness, creating a muffin that’s full of flavor.
• Fluffy Texture: These muffins have the soft, airy texture typical of focaccia, with a slight crispiness on top that makes them irresistible.
• Versatile: These muffins are perfect for serving with a variety of dishes, from Italian pastas to fresh salads and soups.
• Easy to Make: While they have the flavors of a traditional focaccia, these muffins are easier and quicker to make, without the need for kneading or long rising times.
• Perfectly Golden Crust: The olive oil topping gives the muffins that signature crispy, golden crust we love in focaccia.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
• Servings: 12 muffins
• Calories per serving: Approximately 180-220 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 4g, Carbs: 30g, Fat: 6g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Muffins:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
• 2 large cloves garlic, roasted and mashed
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup olive oil, plus more for topping
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, for topping
• Coarse sea salt, for topping

Ingredient Highlights

• Garlic: Roasting the garlic softens its sharpness and brings out a sweet, rich flavor that blends beautifully with the rosemary.
• Rosemary: Fresh rosemary adds an earthy, pine-like fragrance that complements the garlic, bringing a savory depth to the muffins.
• Olive Oil: The olive oil not only keeps the muffins moist but also contributes to their crisp, golden top when drizzled before baking.
• Buttermilk: Buttermilk helps create a tender crumb and adds a slight tanginess that balances out the rich flavors of garlic and rosemary.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Muffins:

Prepare the Muffin Batter:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line it with paper liners.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Add the chopped rosemary and mix until evenly distributed.
3. Add Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, and olive oil. Add the mashed roasted garlic to the wet mixture and stir to combine.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the batter should be slightly lumpy.
5. Scoop the Batter: Using a spoon or ice cream scoop, divide the muffin batter evenly into the prepared muffin tin.

Bake the Muffins:

6. Top with Olive Oil and Rosemary: Drizzle a little olive oil over the top of each muffin and sprinkle with the remaining fresh rosemary and a pinch of coarse sea salt.
7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the tops are golden brown.
8. Cool: Let the muffins cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Muffins

Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Muffins are incredibly versatile and can be served in many ways:

• With Soups and Stews: These muffins make an excellent side dish for a warm bowl of soup or a hearty stew.
• As a Sandwich Base: Slice them in half and use them as the base for sandwiches or paninis.
• With Salads: They pair wonderfully with fresh, green salads or Mediterranean-style salads.
• With Pasta: Serve alongside pasta dishes for a rustic Italian-inspired meal.
• For Breakfast: These savory muffins also make a great addition to a breakfast spread, especially with a dollop of butter.

Additional Tips for Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Muffins

Here are some tips to ensure your Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Muffins are perfect every time:

• Roast Garlic in Advance: You can roast the garlic a day ahead to save time. Simply wrap the garlic in foil and roast it in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 30 minutes.
• Use Fresh Rosemary: Fresh rosemary provides the best flavor, but you can substitute with dried rosemary if needed (use half the amount).
• Don’t Overmix: To keep the muffins light and fluffy, mix just until the ingredients are combined.
• Add Cheese: For an extra layer of flavor, add grated parmesan cheese to the batter or sprinkle some on top before baking.
• Make Ahead: These muffins can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. They can also be frozen for up to a month.

Recipe Variations for Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Muffins

Here are 10 variations you can try for Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Muffins:

• Cheddar Garlic Rosemary Muffins: Add shredded cheddar cheese to the batter for a cheesy version.
• Olive and Rosemary Focaccia Muffins: Stir in chopped green or black olives for an extra burst of Mediterranean flavor.
• Bacon Rosemary Muffins: Add cooked and crumbled bacon to the batter for a savory twist.
• Sundried Tomato and Rosemary Muffins: Incorporate chopped sundried tomatoes for an added depth of flavor.
• Parmesan Topped Muffins: Sprinkle grated parmesan on top before baking for a crispy, cheesy crust.
• Gluten-Free Focaccia Muffins: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make these muffins gluten-free.
• Herb Focaccia Muffins: Mix in a variety of fresh herbs like thyme, oregano, or basil along with the rosemary.
• Olive Oil and Sea Salt Topped Muffins: Skip the rosemary topping and just drizzle olive oil and sprinkle sea salt on top for a simpler variation.
• Sunflower Seed Topping: Add a handful of sunflower seeds to the batter for extra texture and crunch.
• Spicy Focaccia Muffins: Add red pepper flakes to the batter for a little heat alongside the savory flavors.

Freezing and Storage for Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Muffins

• Freezing: These muffins freeze well. Once cooled, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in a zip-top bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature or heat them up in the oven before serving.
• Storage: Store leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate them for up to a week.

Special Equipment for Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Muffins

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing your Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Muffins easier:

• Muffin Tin: A standard 12-cup muffin tin works best for this recipe.
• Mixing Bowls: Use separate bowls for the dry and wet ingredients to make combining easier.
• Roasting Pan: If you’re roasting garlic in advance, use a small roasting pan or aluminum foil packet.
• Measuring Spoons and Cups: Ensure precise measurements for the best results.
• Cooling Rack: A wire rack is essential for cooling the muffins evenly.

Frequently Asked Questions for Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Muffins

1. Can I use dried rosemary instead of fresh?
   Yes, but use half the amount of dried rosemary as it’s more concentrated.
2. Can I make these muffins without buttermilk?
   Yes, you can substitute buttermilk with regular milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar.
3. Can I add more garlic?
   Absolutely! If you love garlic, you can increase the amount of roasted garlic in the muffins to suit your taste.
4. How do I know when the muffins are done?
   The muffins should be golden brown on top, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.

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Conclusion

Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Muffins are a savory, aromatic treat that combines the rich flavors of traditional focaccia bread in a convenient muffin form. With the perfect balance of garlic, fresh rosemary, and olive oil, these muffins are soft, fluffy, and bursting with flavor. They’re perfect as a side dish, a snack, or even a light breakfast option.

This recipe is as simple as it is delicious, making it an excellent choice for everything from casual dinners to festive gatherings. Serve them warm with a pat of butter or a drizzle of olive oil, and they’ll quickly become a favorite addition to your table.

I’d love to see how your Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Muffins turn out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Happy baking!