These savory, fluffy Garlic Butter Herb Focaccia Muffins are infused with garlic, butter, and aromatic herbs, making them a perfect side for soups, salads, or a delicious snack on their own. With a crispy golden exterior and a soft, airy inside, these muffins offer all the comforting flavors of traditional focaccia in a fun, individual-sized portion.
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Dough:
2 ¼ teaspoon active dry yeast (1 packet)
1 cup warm water (about 110°F/45°C)
1 tablespoon honey or sugar
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or bread flour)
1 teaspoon salt
¼ cup olive oil
For the Garlic Butter Herb Topping:
3 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoon olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary or thyme, chopped
¼ cup grated Parmesan (optional, for extra flavor)
Directions
Activate the Yeast:
In a small bowl, mix warm water, yeast, and honey. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
Make the Dough:
In a large bowl, mix flour and salt. Add olive oil and the yeast mixture, stirring to form a soft dough. Knead on a lightly floured surface for 5-7 minutes, until smooth. Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Prepare Muffin Cups:
Grease or line a 12-cup muffin tin.
Shape & Assemble:
Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces and roll each into a ball. Place each ball into a muffin cup and brush with half of the garlic butter herb mixture.
Bake the Muffins:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Let the dough rest for 10 more minutes. Bake for 18-20 minutes, until golden brown.
Finish with More Flavor:
While the muffins are still warm, brush them with the remaining garlic butter. Sprinkle with Parmesan and fresh herbs.
Serve & Enjoy!
These muffins are best enjoyed warm, straight out of the oven!
Servings and Timing
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Rise Time: 1 hour
Bake Time: 18-20 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour 35 minutes
Servings: 12 muffins
Variations
Cheesy Version: Add shredded mozzarella or cheddar inside the dough before baking for an extra cheesy bite.
Spicy Kick: Mix red pepper flakes into the butter mixture for a touch of heat.
Whole Wheat Option: Replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier texture.
Garlic Lover’s Twist: Roast the garlic before adding it to the butter mixture for a deeper, sweeter garlic flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
To reheat, warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5 minutes or microwave for 15-20 seconds.
For longer storage, freeze the muffins in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Reheat directly from frozen in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes.
FAQs
How do I know if my yeast is active?
If your yeast mixture doesn’t become foamy after 10 minutes, the yeast may be expired or the water temperature may have been too hot or too cold. Try again with fresh yeast and ensure the water is around 110°F.
Can I make these muffins ahead of time?
Yes! I can prepare the dough and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight. When ready to bake, let the dough sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before shaping and baking.
What can I serve with these focaccia muffins?
They pair well with soups, stews, salads, or even as a base for mini sandwiches. I also love serving them with a side of marinara or pesto for dipping.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh ones?
Yes! If using dried herbs, I use half the amount since dried herbs have a more concentrated flavor.
Why are my muffins dense instead of fluffy?
Dense muffins may be due to under-kneading, using expired yeast, or not allowing enough rise time. I make sure my dough is smooth and elastic before letting it rise fully.
Conclusion
These garlic butter herb focaccia muffins are a must-try for anyone who loves soft, fluffy bread with a crispy golden top. They are easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for any occasion. Whether I serve them as a side dish or enjoy them on their own, they always bring a warm, comforting touch to the table.
Recipe:
Garlic Butter Herb Focaccia Muffins
- Total Time: ~1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Garlic Butter Herb Focaccia Muffins are soft, fluffy, and packed with rich flavors of garlic, butter, and aromatic herbs. With a crispy golden crust and a tender inside, they make the perfect side for soups, salads, or even a quick snack. Easy to make and versatile, these muffins are a fun twist on classic focaccia bread.
Ingredients
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.
2. Make the Dough
- In a large bowl, combine flour and salt.
- Add olive oil and yeast mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.
- Knead on a lightly floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth.
- Place in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour (until doubled).
3. Prepare the Muffin Tin
- Grease or line a 12-cup muffin tin.
4. Shape & Assemble
- Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces, rolling each into a ball.
- Place in the muffin cups and brush with half of the garlic butter mixture.
5. Bake the Muffins
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Let the dough rest for 10 minutes.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, until golden brown.
6. Finish with More Flavor
- While warm, brush with the remaining garlic butter.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan and fresh herbs.
7. Serve & Enjoy
- Best served warm for ultimate flavor!
Notes
Cheesy Version: Add shredded mozzarella or cheddar before baking.
Spicy Kick: Mix red pepper flakes into the butter mixture.
Whole Wheat Option: Replace half of the flour with whole wheat flour.
Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature (2 days) or in the fridge (5 days). Freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Warm in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes or microwave for 15-20 seconds.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Rise Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 18-20 minutes
- Category: Bread, Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12 muffins
