Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: Utilizing store-bought pizza dough simplifies the preparation, making this recipe accessible even for novice bakers.
- Quick Preparation: With minimal hands-on time, you can have these muffins ready in under an hour.
- Versatile Pairing: These muffins complement a variety of dishes, from hearty soups to fresh salads, enhancing any meal.
- Customizable: Feel free to experiment with additional herbs, cheeses, or toppings to suit your personal taste.
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds store-bought pizza dough
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 8 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 4 sprigs fresh rosemary, leaves removed and chopped
- Flaky salt, for sprinkling
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Prepare the Dough:
- Allow the pizza dough to come to room temperature in a lightly greased bowl to make it easier to work with.
- Using a bench scraper or sharp knife, divide the dough into 12 equal pieces, handling gently to preserve air bubbles.
- Prepare the Muffin Pan:
- Pour 1 teaspoon of olive oil into each cup of a standard 12-cup muffin pan, ensuring even coating.
- Shape and Rest the Dough:
- Gently shape each piece of dough into a rough ball and place it into the oiled muffin cups.
- Cover the pan with a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rest near the preheating oven for about 30 minutes to allow for a slight rise.
- Prepare the Garlic-Rosemary Oil:
- While the dough rests, heat the remaining olive oil over medium heat until shimmering.
- Remove from heat and carefully add the chopped garlic and rosemary, stirring until the sizzling subsides. This infusion enhances the flavor of the muffins.
- Assemble and Bake:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Using your fingers, create dimples in each dough ball to help the toppings adhere.
- Generously spoon the garlic-rosemary oil over each muffin, ensuring even distribution.
- Sprinkle flaky salt on top for added flavor.
- Bake for 14-16 minutes, or until the muffins are golden brown. If the tops brown too quickly, loosely cover with foil.
- Cool and Serve:
- Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
- Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally garnished with additional rosemary or a light drizzle of olive oil.
Servings and Timing
- Yield: 12 muffins
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 14-16 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 45 minutes
Variations
- Cheesy Twist: Sprinkle shredded Parmesan or mozzarella cheese over the muffins before baking for a cheesy crust.
- Herb Infusion: Substitute or add other fresh herbs like thyme, oregano, or basil to the garlic-rosemary oil for a different flavor profile.
- Spicy Kick: Incorporate a pinch of red pepper flakes into the oil mixture for a subtle heat.
- Olive Addition: Press a few sliced olives into the top of each muffin before baking for a Mediterranean flair.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store cooled muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: To reheat, place muffins in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-10 minutes until warmed through. If reheating from frozen, extend the time to 10-15 minutes.
FAQs
1. How do I prevent the muffins from becoming too dense?
Handle the dough gently to avoid deflating the air bubbles, and ensure adequate resting time to allow for proper rise.
2. Can I use homemade pizza dough instead of store-bought?
Yes, homemade pizza dough works well and allows for more control over ingredients and flavor.
3. What other toppings can I add to these muffins?
Consider adding sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or different cheeses to customize the flavor.
4. Are these muffins suitable for freezing?
Yes, they freeze well. Ensure they are completely cooled before placing them in an airtight container or freezer bag.
5. How can I make these muffins gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free pizza dough to accommodate dietary restrictions.
6. Can I substitute dried herbs for fresh rosemary?
Yes, but use them sparingly, as dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor.
7. What dishes pair well with these focaccia muffins?
They complement soups, salads
Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Muffins
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Muffins are savory, individual-sized treats that feature a soft crumb, crispy crust, and the perfect infusion of garlic and rosemary. Easy and quick to make, these muffins are an ideal side dish or snack for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds store-bought pizza dough
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 8 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 4 sprigs fresh rosemary, leaves removed and chopped
- Flaky salt, for sprinkling
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough:
- Let the pizza dough come to room temperature in a lightly greased bowl.
- Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces using a bench scraper or knife.
- Prepare the Muffin Pan:
- Add 1 teaspoon of olive oil to each cup of a 12-cup muffin pan.
- Shape and Rest the Dough:
- Shape dough into balls and place them in the muffin cups.
- Cover with a kitchen towel and let rest for 30 minutes.
- Prepare Garlic-Rosemary Oil:
- Heat remaining olive oil over medium heat.
- Add garlic and rosemary off-heat; stir until sizzling subsides.
- Assemble and Bake:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Dimple dough, spoon oil mixture on top, and sprinkle with flaky salt.
- Bake for 14-16 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool and Serve:
- Let muffins cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Customize by adding cheese, olives, or red pepper flakes.
- Use homemade or gluten-free dough as needed.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 14-16 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
