Focaccia Muffins Recipe

Introduction

Focaccia muffins are a delightful twist on classic Italian focaccia bread, baked in individual portions that are perfect for snacking or serving alongside meals. These fluffy, flavorful muffins are infused with garlic, Italian seasoning, and olive oil, making them an irresistible treat fresh from the oven.

Ingredients

• 1 cup warm water (105°-110°F)
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
• ⅓ cup (71 g) extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
• 2 ½ cups (312.5 g) all-purpose flour

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the warm water, granulated sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently to dissolve the yeast and let it sit for 5 minutes, or until the mixture becomes foamy.
2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, and ½ teaspoon of the kosher salt.
3. Step 3: Pour half of the seasoned oil mixture (about 2 ½ tablespoons) into the yeast mixture and stir to combine.
4. Step 4: Add the all-purpose flour to the wet ingredients and stir until a shaggy dough forms and the flour is fully incorporated.
5. Step 5: Transfer the dough to a lightly greased large bowl, cover it with a clean tea towel, and let it rest in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
6. Step 6: Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C).
7. Step 7: Spoon about ½ teaspoon of the remaining oil mixture into each cup of a standard 12-cup muffin tin. Use a pastry brush to coat the bottom and sides of each cup. Reserve any leftover oil mixture for brushing the tops later.
8. Step 8: Once the dough has risen, divide it evenly among the muffin cups. Use your fingers to gently press the dough down and create small dimples in each muffin.
9. Step 9: Brush the tops of the dough with the remaining oil mixture and sprinkle with the remaining ½ teaspoon of kosher salt.
10. Step 10: Bake the focaccia muffins for 11-14 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the bottoms are crisp.
11. Step 11: Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool slightly. Serve warm for the best flavor.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add chopped fresh rosemary or thyme to the oil mixture before brushing the muffins.
• Try sprinkling coarse sea salt on top just before baking for a crunchy finish.
• Use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour for a chewier texture.
• To make these focaccia muffins vegan, substitute sugar with maple syrup and ensure the kosher salt does not contain additives derived from animal products.

Storage

Store focaccia muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep them longer, freeze the muffins in a sealed plastic bag for up to 1 month. Reheat by warming in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes to restore their crispy exterior.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can substitute instant yeast for active dry yeast. If using instant yeast, mix it directly with the flour and reduce the rising time slightly.

What can I serve with focaccia muffins?

Focaccia muffins pair wonderfully with soups, salads, or as a side to pasta dishes. They also make great sandwich bases when split open.

Focaccia Muffins Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 134 reviews

Deliciously soft and aromatic focaccia muffins infused with garlic and Italian seasoning, perfect as a snack or accompaniment to meals. These easy-to-make muffins feature a light, olive oil-rich dough with a crisp golden top and tender inside, prepared using simple ingredients and baked to perfection.

• Author: rami
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 14 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 29 minutes
• Yield: 12 muffins 1x
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dough Ingredients

• 1 cup warm water (105°-110°F)
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
• ⅓ cup (71 g) extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided (½ tsp for dough, ½ tsp for topping)
• 2 ½ cups (312.5 g) all-purpose flour

Instructions

1. Activate yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm water, granulated sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently to dissolve and let the mixture rest for 5 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
2. Prepare seasoning oil: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, and half of the kosher salt (½ teaspoon).
3. Combine oil and yeast mixtures: Pour half of the seasoned oil mixture (about 2 ½ tablespoons) into the foamy yeast mixture and stir to combine.
4. Add flour and mix dough: Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the wet ingredients, stirring until a shaggy dough forms and all flour is incorporated.
5. Let dough rise: Transfer the dough to a lightly greased large bowl. Cover it with a clean tea towel and place it in a warm spot to rest and rise for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
6. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) to get it ready for baking the focaccia muffins.
7. Prepare muffin tin: Spoon about ½ teaspoon of the remaining seasoned oil mixture into each cup of a 12-cup muffin tin. Use a pastry brush to coat the bottom and sides of each cup. Reserve any leftover oil for brushing the tops later.
8. Divide and shape dough: Once risen, divide the dough evenly among the muffin cups. Use your fingers to gently press the dough down and create characteristic dimples in each muffin.
9. Brush toppings: Brush the tops of the dough in each muffin cup with the remaining oil mixture, then sprinkle the remaining ½ teaspoon kosher salt over the tops.
10. Bake: Bake the muffins in the preheated oven for 11-14 minutes, or until the tops turn golden brown and the bottoms are crisp.
11. Cool and serve: Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool slightly. Serve the focaccia muffins warm for best flavor and texture.

Notes

• Ensure water temperature is between 105°-110°F to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
• Use a light hand when creating dimples; this traps the oil and flavor in the dough for authentic focaccia texture.
• For extra flavor, sprinkle additional herbs or grated Parmesan cheese on top before baking.
• Store baked muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.
• Allow muffins to cool slightly before serving to let the flavors settle and prevent burning your mouth.

Keywords: focaccia muffins, Italian bread, savory muffins, garlic focaccia, Italian seasoning bread, olive oil bread