Name: Garlic Butter Herb Focaccia Muffins Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 1 h 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet); 1 cup warm water (110°F/45°C); 1 tbsp honey or sugar; 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour or bread flour; 1 tsp salt; ¼ cup olive oil; 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted; 2 tbsp olive oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; ½ tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper; 1 tbsp fresh rosemary or thyme, chopped; ¼ cup grated Parmesan (optional)

Jump to Recipe

Introduction

Garlic Butter Herb Focaccia Muffins are a delightful twist on traditional focaccia, offering individual, soft, and flavorful bread bites. Perfect as a snack or a side, these muffins combine fragrant herbs, garlic, and a buttery finish that’s sure to please any palate.

A close-up image shows a spoon drizzling golden, herbed oil over a raw, pale beige batter inside a round cup of a black muffin tray. The batter is thick and uneven with soft peaks and small lumps, filling the mold almost to the top. The oil has green herb bits floating in it, and small drops rest on the surface of the batter like shiny beads. The spoon is tilted, letting the oil slowly drip down. The background is slightly blurred with more muffin cups filled with the same batter visible, all set on a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
1 cup warm water (110°F/45°C)
1 tbsp honey or sugar
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or bread flour)
1 tsp salt
¼ cup olive oil
3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
2 tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tbsp fresh rosemary or thyme, chopped
¼ cup grated Parmesan (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: In a small bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and honey. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy.
Step 2: In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt. Add the olive oil and the yeast mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.
Step 3: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Step 4: Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
Step 5: While the dough is rising, prepare the garlic butter herb topping by mixing the melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl.
Step 6: Grease or line a 12-cup muffin tin. Divide the risen dough into 12 equal pieces and roll each into a ball.
Step 7: Place the dough balls into the muffin cups and brush each with half of the garlic butter mixture.
Step 8: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and let the dough rest for 10 minutes.
Step 9: Bake the muffins for 18-20 minutes or until they turn golden brown.
Step 10: As soon as the muffins come out of the oven, brush them with the remaining garlic butter mixture, then sprinkle with fresh herbs and Parmesan if using.
Step 11: Serve warm for the best flavor and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

Use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour for a chewier texture.
Add sun-dried tomatoes or olives to the dough for an extra savory touch.
Substitute fresh herbs with dried ones if fresh is not available, adjusting quantity to taste.
For a dairy-free option, omit the butter and Parmesan, and use additional olive oil instead.

Storage

Store leftover focaccia muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep them longer, freeze in a sealed bag for up to 1 month. Reheat by warming in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-8 minutes to restore their softness and flavor.

How to Serve

A round metal pan filled with ten golden-brown dinner rolls, each roll showing a puffy, soft texture with a slightly crisp and browned bottom layer. The tops are uneven with a light golden color, sprinkled with coarse salt and small green rosemary leaves, giving a speckled look. The rolls have a twisted shape, showing layers of dough folded into each other, creating a rich texture. Around the pan, fresh sprigs of rosemary are placed on a white marbled surface, creating a fresh and rustic feel. Near the top left corner is a small white bowl holding salt and rosemary, and a soft light gray cloth is draped beside the pan. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this dough without yeast?

This recipe relies on yeast for the rise and traditional focaccia texture, so it’s best to use yeast. Substituting with baking powder would change the texture significantly.

How can I make the garlic flavor more intense?

For a stronger garlic taste, increase the amount of minced garlic in the butter mixture or add roasted garlic to the dough. Fresh garlic minced finely also enhances the aroma.