Garlic Butter Herb Focaccia Muffin Recipe

Introduction

These Garlic Butter Herb Focaccia Muffins are a delightful twist on classic focaccia bread, perfectly sized for individual servings. Soft, fluffy, and bursting with savory garlic and herb flavors, they’re ideal as a snack, side, or appetizer.

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

1. Step 1: In a small bowl, mix the warm water, yeast, and honey. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add olive oil and the yeast mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.
3. Step 3: Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth.
4. Step 4: Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
5. Step 5: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease or line a 12-cup muffin tin.
6. Step 6: Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces and roll each into a ball. Place them into the muffin cups.
7. Step 7: Mix half of the melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to make the garlic butter topping. Brush this mixture over the dough balls.
8. Step 8: Let the dough rest in the muffin tin for 10 minutes.
9. Step 9: Bake for 18-20 minutes or until the muffins turn golden brown.
10. Step 10: While warm, brush the remaining garlic butter over the muffins. Sprinkle with fresh herbs and Parmesan if desired.
11. Step 11: Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.

Tips & Variations

• Substitute fresh herbs like basil or oregano if you prefer different flavors.
• For a cheesy twist, mix shredded mozzarella into the dough before baking.
• If you don’t have a muffin tin, shape the dough into small balls and bake on a lined baking sheet instead.
• Use bread flour for a chewier texture or all-purpose for softer muffins.

Storage

Store the focaccia muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep them fresh longer, refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in a warm oven or toaster oven to restore crispness and flavor.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight. Bring it to room temperature before shaping and baking.

Can I omit the Parmesan cheese?

Absolutely! Parmesan is optional and adds a nice savory finish, but the focaccia muffins will still be delicious without it.

Garlic Butter Herb Focaccia Muffin Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 103 reviews

These Garlic Butter Herb Focaccia Muffins are a savory, soft, and fluffy bread treat infused with fragrant garlic butter and fresh herbs. Perfect as a side for meals or a flavorful snack, they combine the classic Italian focaccia flavors into convenient muffin-sized portions that are easy to make and utterly delicious.

• Author: Grace
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 focaccia muffins 1x
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Dough:

• 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

For the Garlic Butter Herb Topping:

• 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

1. Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and honey, then let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture is foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt to evenly distribute the salt throughout the flour.
3. Form Dough: Add olive oil and the yeast mixture to the flour mixture and stir until a soft dough forms.
4. Knead Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
5. First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
6. Prepare Muffin Tin: Grease or line a 12-cup muffin tin to prevent sticking.
7. Portion Dough: Divide the risen dough into 12 equal pieces and roll each piece into a ball.
8. Fill Muffin Cups: Place each dough ball into the muffin cups and brush the tops with half of the prepared garlic butter mixture.
9. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking.
10. Second Rest: Let the dough balls rest in the muffin tin for 10 minutes to slightly rise and relax before baking.
11. Bake Muffins: Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, until the focaccia muffins are golden brown and cooked through.
12. Add Final Toppings: While still warm, brush the cupcakes with the remaining garlic butter and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh chopped herbs for added flavor and aroma.
13. Serve Warm: These focaccia muffins are best enjoyed warm for the ultimate buttery, garlicky flavor experience.

Notes

• For a dairy-free option, substitute the butter with vegan butter or additional olive oil.
• If fresh herbs are unavailable, dried rosemary or thyme can be used but reduce quantity by half for more balanced flavor.
• You can add sun-dried tomatoes or olives inside the dough for variation.
• Store leftover focaccia muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or freeze for up to 1 month.
• Reheat gently in the oven to restore softness and flavor.

Keywords: focaccia muffins, garlic butter focaccia, herb focaccia, Italian bread muffins, garlic butter bread