Name: Easy Focaccia Muffins Recipe
Prep time: 6 h 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 6 h 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 frozen dinner rolls; Cherry tomatoes, sliced, to taste; Black olives, sliced, to taste; Green olives, sliced, to taste; Feta cheese, crumbled, to taste; 6 teaspoons grated Parmesan cheese; 1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano; Dash of salt; 12 teaspoons olive oil (for drizzling before toppings)

Print Recipe· 4.3 from 6 reviews

If you’re craving a delightful twist on a classic Italian favorite, this Easy Focaccia Muffins Recipe is about to become your new go-to. Imagine the airy softness of dinner rolls transformed into perfectly sized focaccia bites, topped with a colorful medley of olives, cherry tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese. The simple ingredients come together to create an irresistible snack or side that’s bursting with Mediterranean flavors, and the ease of preparation means anyone can enjoy this at home without breaking a sweat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A gray metal muffin tray holds twelve unbaked dough cups, each filled with a smooth, light beige batter topped with irregular golden-yellow drizzles that spread unevenly over the surface. The batter in each cup looks soft with gentle folds and slight indentations, showing a creamy texture. The tray sits on a white marbled surface, and the image is taken from above, showing the uniform arrangement of the cups in three rows of four. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward yet vital to achieving the character and charm of this dish. Each component adds its own magic, from the fluffy base to the fresh, savory toppings that make every bite a flavor celebration.

12 frozen dinner rolls: These serve as the soft and pillowy base, perfect for rising into muffin-shaped focaccia pieces.
Cherry tomatoes (to taste, sliced): They add a juicy burst of sweetness and vibrant color.
Black olives (to taste, sliced): Provide a salty contrast and deepen the Mediterranean vibe.
Green olives (to taste, sliced): Bring a slightly tangy and briny note to the mix.
Feta cheese (to taste, crumbled): Its creamy and salty flavor complements the other toppings beautifully.
6 teaspoons grated Parmesan cheese (to taste): Adds a nutty, sharp touch that enhances the overall taste.
1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano: Infuses that classic Italian herb aroma and flavor.
Dash of salt: Balances all the flavors perfectly.
12 teaspoons olive oil (for drizzling): Drizzled generously, olive oil moistens and enriches each muffin.

How to Make Easy Focaccia Muffins Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the rolls

Start by placing one frozen dinner roll into each cup of an ungreased muffin tin. This simple step sets the stage for a perfect little focaccia muffin with a soft interior, ready for a golden crust.

Step 2: Let the dough rise

Cover the muffin tin tightly with plastic wrap and rest the dough at room temperature. Give it about six hours or until the rolls have doubled in size, allowing the yeast to work its magic and create that airy texture.

Step 3: Create the focaccia texture

Once the dough has risen, gently press down on each roll with your fingertips to make characteristic dimples across the surface. This not only mimics traditional focaccia but also creates little pockets that will hold the olive oil and toppings.

Step 4: Drizzle with olive oil

Generously drizzle about a teaspoon of olive oil over each muffin, making sure the oil pools in the dimples. This step is crucial for achieving that rich, moist mouthfeel and glossy appearance.

Step 5: Add the toppings

Now’s the fun part—sprinkle your sliced cherry tomatoes, black and green olives, crumbled feta, Parmesan cheese, oregano, and a dash of salt into the indentations. The toppings should nestle perfectly in the dimples, enhancing every bite.

Step 6: Bake to perfection

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Bake the rolls for 15-20 minutes or until they turn a beautiful golden brown. The aroma filling your kitchen will be irresistible!

Step 7: Cool and serve

Let the focaccia muffins cool for a few minutes in the tin to set their shape, then carefully transfer them to a serving plate. Serve them warm for the best flavor experience.

How to Serve Easy Focaccia Muffins Recipe

A grey muffin tray with 12 cups filled with dough, each cup topped with a mix of colorful ingredients. The top row has dough with dark purple olive slices and a sprinkle of herbs. The second row features dough topped with a combination of green and dark purple olive slices, with some golden olive oil and sprinkled herbs. The third row shows dough topped with a mix of green olives, dark purple olives, and red cherry tomato halves, along with herbs and oil. The bottom row has dough with shredded light yellow cheese on top, one cup also has a small green leaf, and a few cherry tomato pieces. The tray is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like rosemary or basil can be sprinkled on just before serving to add a fresh, fragrant burst. A light sea salt sprinkle over the top right after baking can also make the flavors pop even more.

Side Dishes

These muffins pair spectacularly with a crisp green salad or alongside a bowl of tomato soup for a cozy meal. They’re also perfect as an appetizer with a selection of cured meats and cheeses.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving Easy Focaccia Muffins Recipe as individual sandwich bites by slicing them horizontally and stuffing with roasted vegetables or grilled chicken. Alternatively, place a few on a wooden board alongside dips like hummus or tzatziki for a Mediterranean appetizer spread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps the muffins soft, ready for a quick snack or side.

Freezing

You can freeze the baked focaccia muffins by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They freeze well for up to one month and thaw quickly when needed.

Reheating

To reheat, pop the muffins into a 350-degree Fahrenheit oven for 5-7 minutes or microwave for about 20 seconds. This brings back that fresh-baked warmth and restores the lovely olive oil aroma.

FAQs

Can I use fresh rolls instead of frozen dinner rolls?

Absolutely! While frozen rolls are convenient and rise beautifully, fresh rolls can work just as well. Just make sure to allow enough time for the dough to rise until doubled in size.

What can I substitute for feta cheese?

If feta isn’t your favorite, goat cheese or ricotta make great alternatives that still provide creamy, tangy notes complementing the toppings.

Can I add other toppings to this Easy Focaccia Muffins Recipe?

Definitely! Feel free to get creative with toppings like caramelized onions, sun-dried tomatoes, or even thinly sliced prosciutto to tailor each muffin to your taste.

Is there a way to speed up the rising process?

To speed things up, place the covered muffin tin in a warm, draft-free spot like a closed oven with the light on. This can reduce rising time significantly, but be careful not to rush it too much as flavor develops best with slow rises.

Can I use whole wheat dinner rolls for a healthier option?

Yes, whole wheat rolls can be used and will add a nuttier flavor and denser texture. Just monitor the rising time as it may vary slightly with whole wheat dough.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Focaccia Muffins Recipe is a fantastic way to bring Mediterranean charm into your kitchen with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. Whether for a casual snack, a party appetizer, or a delightful side, these muffins will quickly become a beloved staple. Give them a try and enjoy the comforting warmth and fresh, vibrant toppings that make every bite feel special!