Christmas Tree Focaccia

If you’re looking for a fun and festive way to impress your friends and family this holiday season, look no further than this delightful Christmas Tree Focaccia! This recipe is not only visually stunning but also incredibly simple to make. It brings that warm, comforting feeling of homemade bread right to your table, making it a perfect centerpiece for any gathering or even a cheerful addition to your busy weeknight dinners.

What I love about this Christmas Tree Focaccia is how versatile it is. You can customize the toppings to suit your taste and create a beautiful edible display that everyone will enjoy. Plus, it’s a wonderful opportunity to get the kids involved in the kitchen—who wouldn’t want to help decorate their very own bread tree?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy preparation: This focaccia dough requires minimal hands-on time, allowing you to focus on the fun part—decorating!
• Family-friendly appeal: Kids will love getting creative with toppings, making it a great way to bond in the kitchen.
• Make-ahead convenience: You can prepare the dough the night before and bake it fresh when you’re ready to serve.
• Delicious flavor: The combination of fresh herbs and roasted vegetables creates an irresistible aroma and taste.
• Visually stunning: With its tree shape and colorful toppings, this focaccia makes for an impressive presentation at any gathering.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this Christmas Tree Focaccia, you’ll need some simple, wholesome ingredients. Don’t worry; these items are easy to find and perfect for creating that deliciously fluffy bread!

For the Dough

• 3 cups bread flour
• 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
• 1 1/4 tsp coarse salt
• 1 2/3rd cup warm water

For Decorating

• Pear
• Pearl onions
• Cherry tomatoes
• Thinly sliced red onion
• Fresh rosemary sprigs
• Coarse salt
• Plenty of olive oil (a few Tbs.)

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative with your toppings or even switch up the flavor profiles.

• Add some heat: Sprinkle on some chili flakes for a spicy kick.
• Go green: Incorporate spinach or arugula for added color and nutrition.
• Cheesy delight: Crumble some vegan cheese over the top before baking for extra richness.
• Seasonal twist: Use seasonal veggies like bell peppers or squash if you want a different flavor profile!

How to Make Christmas Tree Focaccia

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, yeast, and salt. Whisk until everything is well blended. Then add the warm water and stir using a wooden spoon until you have a shaggy, wet dough. This simplicity is key; no need for fancy equipment here! Cover your bowl with plastic wrap and a clean kitchen towel—let it sit overnight on your counter. This long rise helps develop that lovely flavor we all adore in focaccia.

Step 2: Shape the Dough

The next day, grab a casserole dish (mine was around 7×12 inches) and drizzle a good amount of olive oil on the bottom. When you uncover your dough, you should see it has risen beautifully—bubbly and full of life! Gently tip it into your oiled dish, spreading it with your hands so it fits snugly. Dimple the surface with your fingers (this creates those signature pockets) then drizzle with more olive oil. Let this sit lightly covered for two more hours; patience will reward you with an amazing texture!

Step 3: Preheat Your Oven

Before we start decorating our masterpiece, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Getting that heat going ensures that our focaccia will puff up perfectly while baking.

Step 4: Decorate Your Tree

Now comes the fun part—decorating! Use fresh rosemary as branches by fanning them out across the dough. Cut slices of pear for the base of your tree and halved cherry tomatoes as ornaments. Don’t forget those pearl onions! Feel free to let your creativity shine; there are no rules here!

Step 5: Bake It Up

Once you’re pleased with how your tree looks, sprinkle some coarse salt over everything for extra flavor. Place it in your preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes until it’s puffed up golden brown. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will be pure bliss!

Step 6: Slice and Serve

Let it rest for just a few minutes after baking—if you can resist that long! Then slice into pieces and serve warm. Enjoy every bite of this festive creation!

This recipe makes one beautiful focaccia loaf that’s sure to become a holiday favorite in your home!

Pro Tips for Making Christmas Tree Focaccia

Making a beautiful and delicious Christmas Tree Focaccia is easier than you think! Here are some pro tips to ensure your focaccia turns out perfect every time.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh rosemary, ripe cherry tomatoes, and quality olive oil not only enhance the flavor but also make your focaccia visually appealing. The freshness of these ingredients will bring out the best in your dish.
• Don’t rush the dough: Allowing the dough to rise overnight gives it time to develop flavor and texture. The longer resting period leads to a lighter, airier bread that’s simply irresistible!
• Experiment with toppings: Get creative with your decorations! While I suggested specific toppings, feel free to use whatever seasonal vegetables or herbs you have on hand. This is a great way to personalize your focaccia and make it unique!
• Make it ahead of time: You can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise while you sleep. This makes it an ideal choice for holiday gatherings where you want to enjoy the festivities without spending all day in the kitchen.
• Serve warm: Focaccia is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven. Serve it warm for that delightful stretchiness and aroma that fills your home with holiday cheer!

How to Serve Christmas Tree Focaccia

When it comes to presenting your Christmas Tree Focaccia, a little creativity goes a long way! Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or simply enjoying a cozy evening at home, here are some ideas on how to serve this delightful centerpiece.

Garnishes

• Fresh herbs: A sprinkle of extra fresh rosemary or thyme on top just before serving adds a burst of color and enhances the aroma.
• Olive oil drizzle: A light drizzle of high-quality olive oil right before serving not only adds richness but creates an inviting sheen that makes your focaccia look even more appetizing.

Side Dishes

• Mixed greens salad: A simple salad with arugula, spinach, and vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of focaccia. Toss in some nuts or seeds for added crunch!
• Roasted vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies like Brussels sprouts or carrots pair beautifully with focaccia, adding both color and sweetness.
• Hummus or dip platter: Serve alongside a variety of dips such as hummus, tzatziki, or olive tapenade for guests to enjoy with their slices. This adds a fun interactive element to your meal.
• Soup: A warm bowl of vegetable soup complements the bread perfectly, making for a comforting and hearty meal during chilly holiday nights.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your Christmas Tree Focaccia will be both a culinary delight and a visual showstopper at any gathering! Enjoy creating this festive treat that brings warmth and cheer to your table.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Christmas Tree Focaccia is not only a delightful centerpiece for your holiday table but also perfect for meal prep! You can make it ahead of time and store it for later enjoyment, ensuring you have a beautiful and tasty treat ready for any occasion.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the focaccia to cool completely.
• Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Store it at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

Freezing

• Once cooled, slice the focaccia into portions.
• Wrap each slice in plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. Be sure to label the container with the date!

Reheating

• For best results, thaw the focaccia overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the focaccia directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet.
• Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm and crispy.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making Christmas Tree Focaccia.

Can I use different toppings for my Christmas Tree Focaccia?

Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with your toppings. You can use any colorful vegetables, herbs, or even cheese alternatives that suit your taste.

How long does Christmas Tree Focaccia last?

When stored properly, your Christmas Tree Focaccia will last up to 2 days at room temperature or up to a week in the refrigerator. If you freeze it, it’ll keep well for about 3 months.

What is the best way to serve Christmas Tree Focaccia?

This focaccia makes a wonderful appetizer or side dish! Serve it warm with olive oil for dipping or alongside your favorite spreads.

Can I make Christmas Tree Focaccia in advance?

Yes! You can prepare your focaccia ahead of time and decorate it just before baking. This makes it an excellent choice for holiday gatherings and meal prep.

Final Thoughts

I hope this Christmas Tree Focaccia brings a touch of festive cheer to your kitchen! It’s not just about the delicious flavors but also the joy of creating something beautiful with loved ones. Enjoy making this lovely bread, and don’t hesitate to share your own festive decorations! Happy baking!