Warm, crisp, and bursting with flavor—these Golden Crust Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Muffins are my favorite way to enjoy all the goodness of focaccia in a fun, muffin-sized form. With their golden-brown tops, soft interiors, and herby-garlicky aroma, they’re the perfect side dish, snack, or even breakfast bite. Whether I’m pairing them with a hearty soup or serving them fresh out of the oven at a dinner party, they never fail to impress.

Golden Crust Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Muffins

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how easy and adaptable this recipe is. The overnight proofing means I can prep ahead and enjoy fresh, homemade bread with minimal effort the next day. These muffins look beautiful on the table with their golden crusts and optional toppings like rosemary, cherry tomatoes, or olives. I can switch them up depending on what I have in the pantry. They’re also fun to eat—each muffin is like a personal portion of focaccia, complete with a crispy edge and soft, airy middle. It’s comfort food made fancy and simple.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1.1 lb all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons instant yeast
1 teaspoon sugar
2 cups warm water
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
Toppings (optional): fresh rosemary, basil pesto, cherry tomatoes, olives, oregano, salt to taste

Directions

Step 1: Mix the dry ingredients
I start by stirring the flour and salt together in a large mixing bowl.

Step 2: Activate the yeast
In a separate cup, I mix the warm water with sugar and yeast. If I’m using active dry yeast, I wait a bit until it bubbles.

Step 3: Combine the mixtures
I slowly pour the liquid into the flour while stirring, making sure everything is well combined and there’s no dry flour left.

Step 4: First rise (overnight)
I drizzle a tablespoon of olive oil over the dough, cover the bowl with plastic wrap, and let it proof in the fridge for 10–14 hours.

Step 5: Prepare the muffin tin
The next day, once the dough is bubbly and has tripled in size, I brush olive oil into a muffin tin and evenly portion the sticky dough into the cups.

Step 6: Second rise
I cover the tin with an inverted tray and let it sit in a warm spot for about an hour.

Step 7: Preheat and prep
I preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Once the dough has risen, I drizzle olive oil over the top and dimple each muffin gently with oiled fingers.

Step 8: Add toppings and bake
I sprinkle salt and press in my chosen toppings before placing the tin on the bottom oven rack. I bake for 18–23 minutes until golden and crisp.

Step 9: Cool and serve
Once out of the oven, I let the muffins cool on a wire rack. If they’re sticking, a toothpick around the edges helps them pop out easily.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 12 muffins.

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Resting/proofing time: 10 hours
Total time: approximately 10 hours 25 minutes
Calories per muffin: 191 kcal

Variations

I love playing around with the toppings for different flavor combinations. Sometimes I add sun-dried tomatoes and feta for a Mediterranean twist. Other times I use garlic-infused olive oil and a sprinkle of parmesan. I’ve even tried folding shredded cheese directly into the dough for cheesy centers—it’s amazing! Using dried herbs instead of fresh still works great too, especially when I’m low on fresh ingredients.

Storage/Reheating

I store these muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. When I want to reheat them, I pop them into a 350°F oven for 5–10 minutes to bring back their crisp texture. They also freeze well—just wrap them individually and thaw before reheating.

FAQs

What is Golden Crust Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Muffins?

These muffins are a creative twist on traditional focaccia bread, baked in a muffin tin for individually sized servings. They feature a crispy golden crust, soft interior, and bold flavors from garlic, rosemary, and olive oil.

How do I store Golden Crust Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Muffins?

I keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, I freeze them and reheat in the oven when needed.

Can I use different toppings on my Golden Crust Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Muffins?

Absolutely! I often switch things up with pesto, parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, or even caramelized onions. It’s an easy way to tailor the muffins to whatever I’m craving.

What occasions are best for serving Golden Crust Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Muffins?

They’re perfect for dinner parties, holiday spreads, or simple weeknight meals. I love serving them with soups, salads, or charcuterie boards. They also make great gifts for food-loving friends.

Can I make these muffins gluten-free?

Yes, I can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, though the texture may vary slightly. I just make sure the blend includes a binder like xanthan gum for best results.

Conclusion

Golden Crust Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Muffins are everything I want in a homemade bread recipe: easy, delicious, and incredibly versatile. With just a few simple ingredients, I can make something that feels gourmet without the fuss. Whether I’m enjoying them fresh out of the oven or reheating one for a quick snack, these muffins always bring warmth and joy to the table. I hope they do the same for you.