Description
These Easy Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Muffins are a flavorful twist on traditional focaccia bread, made convenient by using store-bought pizza dough. Infused with fragrant garlic and fresh rosemary, and baked to golden perfection in a muffin pan, these soft and savory muffins are perfect as a snack, side dish, or appetizer. The crispy edges and tender interior make them irresistibly delicious and easy to prepare in under an hour.
Ingredients
Focaccia Dough
- 1.5 pounds store-bought pizza dough
Garlic Rosemary Oil
- 1/2 scant cup extra virgin olive oil
- 8 cloves garlic, chopped
- 4 sprigs fresh rosemary, leaves removed and chopped
- Flaky salt, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: If possible, place the pizza dough in a lightly greased bowl and let it come to room temperature. Using a bench scraper or sharp knife, cut the dough ball into 12 even pieces, taking care not to overwork the dough to preserve the air bubbles.
- Oil the muffin pan: Pour 1 teaspoon of extra virgin olive oil into each cup of a standard muffin pan to prevent sticking and add flavor.
- Shape and rest the dough balls: Gently shape each dough piece into a rough ball without deflating the air bubbles and place them into the oiled muffin cups. Cover the pan with a towel and set it near the oven as it preheats to 400°F. The warmth will encourage the dough to rise.
- Prepare garlic and rosemary: While the dough rests, chop the garlic cloves finely and remove rosemary leaves from sprigs and chop them. Set aside for the next step.
- Infuse the olive oil: Heat the remaining olive oil over medium heat. Test if the oil is hot by flicking a drop of water into it; if it sizzles, it’s ready. Remove the oil from heat, then carefully add the chopped garlic and rosemary, stirring until the sizzling stops. This process flavors the oil without burning the ingredients.
- Top the dough with flavored oil: Spoon a generous amount of the infused olive oil onto each dough ball, using all of the prepared oil for maximum flavor.
- Create dimples and season: Use two fingers to press into the dough balls, creating multiple dimples that help the garlic and rosemary stick and infuse the bread.
- Bake: Place the muffin pan in the preheated oven and bake the focaccia muffins for 14-16 minutes until golden brown. If the tops brown too quickly, loosely cover the pan with foil to prevent burning.
Notes
- Allowing the dough to come to room temperature is important for even rising and texture.
- Use a light hand when shaping to keep air bubbles intact for a fluffy focaccia.
- The infused olive oil should be hot enough to release flavors but not so hot as to burn the garlic.
- Flaky salt gives a nice finishing touch but can be adjusted or omitted according to preference.
- These focaccia muffins are best enjoyed warm but can be stored and reheated gently.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
