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Herb Focaccia Muffins Recipe

4.7 from 97 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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 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.
  2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine flour and salt thoroughly to prepare for the dough.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. Prepare muffin tin: Grease or line a 12-cup muffin tin to prevent sticking and ease removal of muffins.
  7. 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.
  8. Apply garlic butter: Brush the dough balls with half of the prepared garlic butter herb mixture to infuse flavor before baking.
  9. Rest dough: Let the dough rest in the muffin tin for 10 minutes to relax and puff slightly before baking.
  10. 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.
  11. Brush remaining topping: When muffins are warm from the oven, brush them with the remaining garlic butter mixture for extra flavor and moisture.
  12. 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