Name: Easy Focaccia Muffins with Cherry Tomatoes, Olives, and Feta Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 23 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
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)

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 89 reviews

If you’re on the hunt for a savory treat that’s bursting with Mediterranean flavors and easy to whip up any day of the week, then you’re going to love this Easy Focaccia Muffins with Cherry Tomatoes, Olives, and Feta Recipe. These delightful little muffins take frozen dinner rolls and transform them into golden, fragrant bites topped with juicy cherry tomatoes, tangy olives, creamy feta, and a sprinkle of Parmesan. Each muffin delivers a perfect balance of salty, fresh, and herby notes with a satisfyingly soft texture inside and a lightly crisped surface. Whether as an appetizer, snack, or a side to your meal, these focaccia muffins offer a fun, flavorful way to elevate simple ingredients into something truly special.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a dark gray metal tray holding twelve round dough balls arranged in a 3 by 4 grid. Each dough ball is smooth, pale beige with a soft texture and slight variations in surface showing small air bubbles. The tray is covered with a clear plastic wrap that is slightly wrinkled and reflects light. The tray is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the ingredients for this Easy Focaccia Muffins with Cherry Tomatoes, Olives, and Feta Recipe is both straightforward and rewarding. Each one plays a pivotal role, from the soft base of the frozen dinner rolls to the vibrant toppings that bring layers of flavor and beautiful colors to your muffins.

12 frozen dinner rolls: These serve as the perfect fluffy base, easily transformed into mini focaccia muffins.
Cherry tomatoes, sliced: Offer a burst of juicy sweetness that balances the saltiness of the olives and cheese.
Black olives, sliced: Add deep, savory notes that complement the fresh brightness of the tomatoes.
Green olives, sliced: Bring a mild, slightly tangy twist to keep your taste buds intrigued.
Feta cheese, crumbled: Delivers that irresistible creamy saltiness that’s signature in Mediterranean cooking.
6 teaspoons grated Parmesan cheese: Sprinkled on top, it melts to add a lovely nutty flavor and golden crust.
1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano: Infuses a fragrant herbal touch that ties all the toppings together beautifully.
Dash of salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering the natural freshness.
12 teaspoons olive oil for drizzling: Creates a silky richness and helps achieve that classic focaccia crisp.

How to Make Easy Focaccia Muffins with Cherry Tomatoes, Olives, and Feta Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Rolls

Start by thawing your 12 frozen dinner rolls just enough so they’re soft but still easy to handle. This makes it easier to shape and prepare the muffins while ensuring the inside stays delightfully tender after baking.

Step 2: Shape and Oil the Muffin Tin

Generously drizzle or brush olive oil into each cup of your muffin tin. This step is crucial as it helps prevent the muffins from sticking and also gives the classic focaccia crunch on the edges after baking.

Step 3: Arrange the Dough

Press each dinner roll gently into the muffin cups, spreading them slightly to fill the space but not so thin that the dough loses its soft, fluffy center. This base will soak up the olive oil and hold all the toppings perfectly.

Step 4: Add Toppings

Distribute sliced cherry tomatoes, black and green olives evenly over each muffin. Then sprinkle crumbled feta and Parmesan cheese on top. Finish by scattering dried oregano and a dash of salt over the group to invoke that authentic Italian flavor profile.

Step 5: Drizzle Olive Oil

Before sliding the tray into the oven, add a final generous drizzle of olive oil onto each muffin. This ensures a moist interior and lends that irresistible golden sheen once baked.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden

Bake the muffins in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for approximately 18–22 minutes or until the tops are beautifully golden and the cheeses have melted into a bubbly, savory crust. Keep an eye on them to avoid over-browning.

How to Serve Easy Focaccia Muffins with Cherry Tomatoes, Olives, and Feta Recipe

This image shows a metal muffin tray with 12 cups filled with dough topped with different ingredients. Each dough layer is pale and soft, filling the cups halfway. The top nine cups hold dough with various sliced olives in dark purple and green, along with red cherry tomato slices and sprinkled seasoning. The bottom left and middle cups have shredded cheese piled over the dough with some red cherry tomato pieces, while the bottom right cup contains shredded cheese with small tomato bits and a few green leaves for garnish. The tray is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your muffins, consider a light garnish of freshly chopped basil or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt right after baking. Both options enhance the colors and add a fresh aroma that excites the senses.

Side Dishes

These focaccia muffins are incredibly versatile. Pair them with a crisp green salad, a bowl of light minestrone soup, or alongside your favorite antipasti platter for a well-rounded meal that feels both rustic and festive.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or gatherings, arrange your Easy Focaccia Muffins with Cherry Tomatoes, Olives, and Feta Recipe on a large wooden board with small bowls of extra olives, olive oil, and herb-infused dips. This invites your guests to customize each bite and makes for a lovely interactive appetizer display.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store any leftover muffins tightly covered in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps their texture pleasant without becoming too dense or dry.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy these focaccia muffins later, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to one month. Just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Reheating

To reheat, pop the muffins in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 8–10 minutes. This refreshes their crispiness and warms the cheese perfectly, almost as good as fresh from the oven.

FAQs

Can I use fresh dinner rolls instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Fresh, soft dinner rolls will work just as well and might even lend a slightly lighter texture to your easy focaccia muffins.

Can I substitute feta cheese with another cheese?

While feta is ideal for its creamy saltiness, goat cheese or ricotta are lovely alternatives that keep the flavor bright and creamy.

How can I make these muffins vegan-friendly?

Replace feta and Parmesan with plant-based cheese options, and ensure your olive oil is extra virgin to maintain flavor richness. The rest of the ingredients are already vegan-friendly.

Is it possible to add herbs other than oregano?

Definitely! Fresh rosemary or thyme work wonderfully and add a slightly different Mediterranean flair to your muffins.

Can I prepare the muffins ahead of time before baking?

You can assemble the muffins and refrigerate the tray for up to a few hours before baking, but it’s best to bake them fresh so the dough doesn’t become soggy from the toppings.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a simple recipe that packs a flavorful punch and brings a bit of sunshine to your table, this Easy Focaccia Muffins with Cherry Tomatoes, Olives, and Feta Recipe is an absolute must-try. From the ease of ingredients to the joyous burst of taste in every bite, it’s one of those dishes you’ll find yourself making again and again — perfect for sharing with friends or treating yourself on a cozy night in.