Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Muffins

Garlic rosemary focaccia muffins are my secret weapon when I need impressive bread in under 40 minutes. These soft, fluffy muffins pack all the aromatic flavors of traditional focaccia into individual portions, perfect for pairing with soups, salads, or pasta without the long rising time that yeast dough requires.

I discovered this recipe on a hectic weeknight when I was making soup and realized I had no bread to serve with it. Instead of running to the store, I threw together these quick muffins using ingredients I already had. As they baked, filling the house with garlic and rosemary, I couldn’t believe something so simple could smell so incredible. Now these garlic rosemary focaccia muffins are my go-to whenever I need a delicious bread side without the fuss. The combination of fresh herbs and aromatic garlic creates a flavor that rivals any artisan bakery, and the no-yeast focaccia muffins are ready before you know it.

Everything You Need for Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Muffins

I always use fresh rosemary instead of dried when possible because it provides the most vibrant, aromatic flavor. Pro tip: room temperature ingredients mix together more smoothly and create a lighter, fluffier texture in the finished muffins.

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 tablespoon honey

Pro tip: Don’t overmix the batter once you combine the wet and dry ingredients. A few lumps are perfectly fine and will disappear during baking. Overmixing develops the gluten too much, resulting in tough, dense muffins instead of light and fluffy ones.

How to Make Perfect Focaccia Muffins

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease generously with butter or cooking spray. Proper greasing is essential to prevent sticking.

Step 2: In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisk together until evenly combined. The baking powder should be distributed throughout the flour to ensure even rising.

Step 3: In another bowl, whisk milk, olive oil, garlic, rosemary, and honey. The mixture should be well combined with the olive oil fully incorporated. The honey adds a subtle sweetness that balances the savory garlic and herbs beautifully.

Step 4: Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed. Use a spatula or wooden spoon and fold gently. Stop mixing as soon as you no longer see dry flour. The batter will be slightly lumpy and thick, which is exactly what you want for tender muffins.

Step 5: Spoon the mixture into a greased muffin tin, filling each cup about 2/3 full. This allows room for the muffins to rise without overflowing. Use an ice cream scoop for even portioning if desired.

Step 6: Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown. The tops should be lightly golden and spring back when gently pressed. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Let cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. These garlic rosemary focaccia muffins are best served warm when the aroma is most intense.

Delicious Ways to Serve Focaccia Muffins

These aromatic muffins complement a wide variety of dishes and are especially wonderful with Italian-inspired meals.

Creamy Soups: Garlic rosemary focaccia muffins are the best sides for any creamy soup because their herby flavor enhances the richness while the soft texture is perfect for dipping and soaking up every drop of broth.

Italian Pasta Dishes: Serve alongside pasta with marinara, alfredo, or pesto sauce. The garlic and rosemary echo traditional Italian flavors and the muffins are ideal for mopping up extra sauce from the plate.

Fresh Salads: Pair with a crisp salad dressed in balsamic vinaigrette. The muffins add substance to lighter meals while the herbs complement fresh vegetables beautifully, making this a balanced and satisfying lunch.

Warm Butter or Olive Oil: Serve with softened butter or a small dish of olive oil for dipping. This simple presentation allows the garlic and rosemary flavors to shine and creates an elegant appetizer or side dish.

More Delicious Bread Recipes and Pairings

These garlic rosemary focaccia muffins pair beautifully with comforting soups and Italian-inspired dishes. Serve them alongside the Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup for a cozy meal where the herby muffins complement the rich, cheesy broth. The Creamy Smoked Kielbasa and Potato Soup is another perfect pairing that benefits from these muffins for dipping.

For Italian-inspired meals, try serving these muffins with the Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread for a complete bread basket, or alongside the Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup. The Marry Me Chicken Pasta creates an elegant dinner when paired with these aromatic muffins.

Keeping Your Focaccia Muffins Fresh

Store leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 3 days. The airtight seal prevents them from drying out and keeps them soft.

For longer storage, I recommend freezing these garlic rosemary focaccia muffins for up to 1 month. Wrap individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw at room temperature for about an hour, or warm directly from frozen in a 350 degrees F oven for 5 to 10 minutes.

Pro tip: To refresh day-old muffins and restore that fresh-baked aroma, warm them in a 350 degrees F oven for 5 to 7 minutes. This brings back the soft texture and makes the garlic and rosemary fragrance bloom again, making them taste like they just came out of the oven.

Common Questions About Focaccia Muffins

Print