Garlic Focaccia Muffins Recipe – Fluffy Italian-Style Garlic Bread in Individual Portions

Introduction

If you love classic Italian focaccia, these Garlic Focaccia Muffins offer everything you crave—golden crisp edges, a soft and airy interior, and rich olive oil flavor—baked into convenient, individual portions. This recipe transforms traditional sheet-pan focaccia into beautifully domed muffins infused with fresh garlic, rosemary, and flaky sea salt.

Perfect as a side dish for pasta, a savory addition to brunch, or an elegant breadbasket option for entertaining, garlic focaccia muffins combine artisan bread texture with everyday practicality. Baking them in a muffin tin increases surface contact with olive oil, creating crispy edges while keeping the crumb tender and light.

This foolproof yeast dough uses proper hydration and fermentation techniques to deliver consistent results. Whether you’re an experienced baker or new to working with yeast, this recipe provides clear instructions, precise measurements, and professional tips for bakery-quality results at home.

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Ingredients

For the Focaccia Dough

• 3 cups bread flour (or all-purpose flour), spooned and leveled

• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 standard packet)

• 2 teaspoons granulated sugar

• 1 ¼ teaspoons kosher salt

• 1 cup warm water (105–110°F)

• ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus 2 tablespoons for greasing

For the Garlic Rosemary Oil

• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

• 3 cloves garlic, finely minced

• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary)

• ½ teaspoon flaky sea salt

• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Optional Garnish:

• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Activate the Yeast

In a small bowl, combine warm water (105–110°F) and sugar. Sprinkle yeast over the surface and allow it to bloom for 5–10 minutes until foamy.

The mixture should appear frothy and aromatic. If not, discard and start with fresh yeast.

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2. Mix and Knead the Dough

In a large bowl, whisk together flour and kosher salt. Add the activated yeast mixture and ¼ cup olive oil.

Mix until a shaggy dough forms. Knead by hand on a lightly floured surface for 8–10 minutes, or use a stand mixer with a dough hook on medium speed for 5–6 minutes.

The dough should become smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky but not sticky.

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3. First Rise

Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning once to coat. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean towel.

Let rise in a warm, draft-free environment for 60–90 minutes, or until doubled in size.

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4. Prepare the Muffin Pan

Generously brush a 12-cup muffin tin with olive oil. This step is crucial for achieving the signature crispy focaccia edges.

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5. Shape the Muffins

Punch down the dough gently. Divide into 12 equal pieces (about 2 ounces each). Shape into smooth balls and place into prepared muffin cups.

Cover loosely and let rise again for 30–40 minutes until puffy.

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6. Prepare Garlic Oil

While the dough rises, stir together olive oil, minced garlic, rosemary, sea salt, and black pepper. Allow flavors to infuse at room temperature.

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7. Dimple and Top

Preheat oven to 400°F.

Using your fingertips, press gentle dimples into the tops of the dough. Spoon about 1 teaspoon of garlic oil over each muffin, ensuring oil settles into the dimples.

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8. Bake

Bake for 18–22 minutes, until golden brown and crisp on the edges. The internal temperature should register approximately 200°F when fully baked.

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9. Cool and Serve

Allow muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Garnish with Parmesan and parsley if desired. Serve warm for best flavor and texture.

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Expert Tips & Variations

Professional Baking Tips

• Use Bread Flour for Structure: Higher protein creates better gluten development and airy crumb.

• Don’t Rush the Rise: Proper fermentation develops flavor and texture.

• Olive Oil is Essential: It creates both moisture and crisp edges.

• Finely Mince Garlic: Large pieces can burn at 400°F.

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Flavor Variations

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Dietary Adaptations

• Vegan: Naturally vegan if Parmesan is omitted.

• Whole Wheat: Substitute 1 cup whole wheat flour; increase water by 1–2 tablespoons.

• Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend formulated for yeast baking.

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Serving Suggestions

Garlic focaccia muffins are versatile and complement a wide variety of meals:

• Serve alongside spaghetti, lasagna, or baked ziti

• Pair with creamy soups like tomato basil or potato leek

• Include in a Mediterranean mezze platter

• Use as mini sandwich buns for sliders

• Offer as a savory brunch bread with eggs and fresh fruit

Their crisp exterior and fluffy interior make them ideal for dipping into olive oil, marinara, or balsamic glaze.

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Storage & Make-Ahead Notes

Room Temperature

Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Refrigeration

Refrigerate up to 5 days. Warm before serving to restore softness.

Freezing

Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.

To Reheat:

• From room temperature: 325°F oven for 8–10 minutes

• From frozen: 325°F for 12–15 minutes

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Make-Ahead Option

After the first rise, refrigerate the dough (covered) for up to 24 hours. Bring to room temperature before shaping and proceeding with the second rise.

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Nutrition Information (Per 1 Muffin)

• Calories: 215

• Protein: 5g

• Fat: 9g

• Saturated Fat: 1.4g

• Carbohydrates: 29g

• Fiber: 1g

• Sugar: 1g

• Sodium: 240mg

Values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

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Why This Garlic Focaccia Muffins Recipe Works

This garlic focaccia muffins recipe succeeds because it balances three essential elements:

1. Proper yeast fermentation for flavor and structure

2. Generous olive oil for crisp edges and tender crumb

3. Balanced garlic infusion that enhances without overpowering

Baking focaccia in muffin tins increases caramelization around the edges while preserving the airy, chewy interior typical of traditional Italian focaccia bread.

Whether you are planning a family dinner, hosting guests, or simply craving homemade garlic bread with elevated flavor, these Garlic Focaccia Muffins deliver professional results with straightforward technique.

Soft, golden, aromatic, and deeply satisfying—this is focaccia reimagined for modern kitchens.