Name: Herb Focaccia Muffins Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 1 h 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
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)

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Introduction

Herb focaccia muffins are a delightful twist on classic Italian bread, combining soft, fluffy dough with a flavorful garlic butter herb topping. Perfect as a snack or alongside your favorite meal, these bite-sized breads are easy to make and irresistibly aromatic.

The image shows four soft, golden-brown muffins with a slightly cracked top surface, revealing a moist texture inside. Each muffin is topped with a sprinkling of finely chopped green herbs and a light dusting of grated white cheese that adds texture and color contrast. The muffins sit in pale white cupcake liners on a round white plate with a subtle brown rim, placed on a white marbled surface. Fresh green herb sprigs are scattered around the plate, adding a fresh touch to the scene. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

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

Tips & Variations

Substitute fresh herbs with dried if fresh are not available, but reduce the quantity to avoid overpowering.
For a cheesy twist, mix shredded mozzarella into the dough before rising.
Use bread flour for a chewier texture or all-purpose flour for a softer crumb.
Try adding sun-dried tomatoes or olives to the dough for extra flavor.

Storage

Store leftover focaccia muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them wrapped tightly for up to 1 month. Reheat in a warm oven or toaster oven to restore crispness before serving.

How to Serve

A close-up image of four savory muffins with a golden-brown top, each topped with light green herbs and shredded white cheese. The muffins have a soft, uneven cracked texture on top showing a slight rise and fluffy crumb inside. They are placed closely together on a white round plate with lemon-sized muffins paper liners visible along the sides. Fresh green herb sprigs with tiny leaves are placed next to the plate on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

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

What if I don’t have a muffin tin?

You can shape the dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake as directed, but watch the baking time closely as it might vary slightly.