Herb Focaccia Muffins Recipe
These Herb Focaccia Muffins are a delightful twist on classic focaccia bread, baked in muffin form for easy individual servings. Soft and fluffy on the inside with a fragrant garlic butter and herb topping, they make a perfect appetizer, side, or snack.
- Author: Elena
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins 1x
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
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)
- Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, mix warm water, yeast, and honey. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine flour and salt thoroughly to prepare for the dough.
- Make the dough: Add olive oil and the foamy yeast mixture to the flour mixture. Stir until a soft dough forms that begins to come together.
- Knead the dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic, which develops the gluten for structure.
- First rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise for 1 hour in a warm place until doubled in size.
- Prepare muffin tin: Grease or line a 12-cup muffin tin to prevent sticking and ease removal of muffins.
- Divide and shape: Punch down the risen dough to release air, then divide into 12 equal portions. Roll each portion into a smooth ball and place into muffin cups.
- Apply garlic butter: Brush the dough balls with half of the prepared garlic butter herb mixture to infuse flavor before baking.
- Rest dough: Let the dough rest in the muffin tin for 10 minutes to relax and puff slightly before baking.
- Preheat and bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the muffins for 18-20 minutes until they turn golden brown and cooked through.
- Brush remaining topping: When muffins are warm from the oven, brush them with the remaining garlic butter mixture for extra flavor and moisture.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with fresh herbs and grated Parmesan if using. Serve the herb focaccia muffins warm for the best taste experience.
Notes
- You can substitute fresh herbs with dried herbs if fresh are not available, but reduce quantity slightly as dried herbs are more potent.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the Parmesan or use a vegetarian-friendly cheese alternative.
- These muffins freeze well. After baking, cool completely and freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Reheat before serving.
- Adjust salt in the topping according to your taste preference or if using salted butter.
- Allowing the dough to properly rise is key for soft, airy muffins.
Keywords: herb focaccia muffins, garlic butter focaccia, Italian bread muffins, savory muffins, easy focaccia recipe