Description
These delicious Focaccia Muffins offer a simple no-knead dough recipe that requires minimal effort and uses three delightful topping variations: basil pesto, rosemary and salt, and cherry tomatoes with olives and oregano. Perfectly golden and fluffy, these muffins are a convenient twist on traditional focaccia bread, ideal as a snack or accompaniment to meals.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 1.1 lb / 500 g all purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 cups warm water (1 ½ cups room temperature, ½ cup boiling water)
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Toppings
- Basil pesto
- Rosemary and salt
- Cherry tomatoes, olives, and oregano
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt thoroughly, ensuring an even distribution.
- Activate Yeast: In a separate cup, mix the warm water with sugar and instant yeast. If using active dry yeast, wait for bubbles or foam before proceeding.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Slowly pour the yeast mixture into the flour bowl while stirring. Mix until the dough is well combined and no dry flour remains at the bottom.
- Initial Proof: Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the dough, cover the bowl with plastic wrap, and place it in the fridge overnight (10-14 hours) to proof. The dough should triple in size and become bubbly and jiggly.
- Prepare Muffin Tin: Brush a non-stick muffin tin generously with olive oil around all the edges.
- Shape Dough: Using an oiled measuring cup or ladle, distribute the sticky dough evenly into the muffin tin compartments.
- Second Proof: Cover the muffin tin with an elevated baking tray that won't stick to the muffins and let it proof at room temperature in a warm place for 1 hour until it rises.
- Preheat Oven & Dimple Dough: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Drizzle olive oil on top of the dough, and using oiled fingers, press dimples into each muffin surface to create the characteristic focaccia texture.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle each muffin with salt, then add your chosen toppings (basil pesto; rosemary and salt; or cherry tomatoes, olives, and oregano). Press toppings firmly into the dough to ensure they stick during baking.
- Bake: Place the muffins on the bottom rack of the oven and bake for 18-23 minutes until they have risen fully and turned a golden brown color.
- Cool and Serve: Remove muffins from the oven, carefully pop them out of the tin using a toothpick if needed, and transfer to a cooling rack. Serve warm, optionally with bread dipping oil or basil oil for extra flavor.
Notes
- Use instant yeast for a quicker process or active dry yeast but allow time for it to bubble before mixing.
- The dough is very sticky; lightly oiling hands and utensils will help in handling.
- Proofing the dough overnight in the refrigerator develops a better flavor and texture.
- If you prefer, toppings can be customized according to taste.
- The muffins are best eaten fresh but can be reheated gently before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian