Christmas Tree Focaccia

If you’re looking for a fun and festive way to celebrate the holiday season, this Christmas Tree Focaccia is perfect! It’s not just a bread; it’s a delicious canvas for your creativity. The best part? It’s simple enough to whip up on a busy weeknight yet impressive enough to serve at family gatherings. I love how the fragrant rosemary and colorful toppings make this focaccia not only tasty but also visually delightful!

This recipe brings warmth to any table, making it a cherished tradition in my home. Whether you enjoy it as an appetizer, a side dish, or even as a centerpiece during your festive meals, this Christmas Tree Focaccia will surely be a hit!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can create something that looks like a work of art!
• Fun for the Family: Get everyone involved in decorating the focaccia—it’s a great way to bond and spark creativity.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: The dough can be prepared the night before, making mealtime stress-free.
• Deliciously Flavorful: The combination of fresh ingredients and olive oil creates a mouthwatering experience with every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll find that the ingredients for this Christmas Tree Focaccia are all wholesome and straightforward. Here’s what you need:

• 3 cups bread flour
• 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
• 1 1/4 tsp coarse salt
• 1 2/3rd cup warm water
• 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 the shape of your bread. Here are some ideas:

• Change Up the Toppings: Use different vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for added color and flavor.
• Herb Infusion: Mix in chopped herbs like thyme or basil into the dough for an extra aromatic touch.
• Add Cheese: Sprinkle some dairy-free cheese alternatives on top for that cheesy goodness without using animal products.
• Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes or fresh garlic slices for an exciting kick!

How to Make Christmas Tree Focaccia

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl combine the flour, yeast, and salt. Whisk until combined, then add the warm water. Using a wooden spoon, stir until the dough comes together in a shaggy mess. This resting step overnight allows the flavors to develop fully and gives your focaccia its delightful texture.

Step 2: Shape and Rest

The next day, grab your casserole dish and drizzle some olive oil on the bottom. Uncover your risen dough—look at those bubbles! Carefully tip it into the dish and spread it out gently with your hands. Dimpling adds character to your bread while allowing it to hold onto all those glorious toppings. Let it rest covered for two more hours so it can puff up nicely.

Step 3: Preheat & Decorate

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Now comes the fun part—decorating! Use rosemary sprigs as branches of your tree and slice up pear pieces for the trunk. Halved cherry tomatoes make cheerful ornaments, while pearl onions add whimsical touches. Get creative! Your artistic flair will shine through.

Step 4: Bake & Enjoy

Once decorated, sprinkle lightly with coarse salt and pop it in the oven for about 25 minutes until golden brown and puffed up. Let it cool slightly before slicing into this beautiful creation. Enjoy sharing this delightful Christmas Tree Focaccia with family and friends—it’s sure to bring smiles all around!

Pro Tips for Making Christmas Tree Focaccia

Creating a stunning Christmas Tree Focaccia is not only about the ingredients; a few handy tips can elevate your baking game!

• Use high-quality olive oil: A good extra virgin olive oil adds depth of flavor to your focaccia and enhances the overall taste experience.
• Don’t rush the rising time: Allowing your dough to rise overnight develops incredible texture and flavor, giving you that light and airy bread we all love.
• Get creative with decorations: Feel free to experiment with different vegetables or even cheeses (plant-based, if desired) for unique designs. This is where you can let your creativity shine!
• Add herbs for aroma: Besides rosemary, consider sprinkling on other fresh or dried herbs like thyme or oregano to give your focaccia an aromatic boost that complements the visuals.
• Serve warm: Warm focaccia is simply divine. Letting it cool slightly before slicing makes it easier to handle while still being perfectly warm for serving.

How to Serve Christmas Tree Focaccia

Presenting your Christmas Tree Focaccia is just as important as making it! Here are some delightful ideas to impress your guests.

Garnishes

• Fresh herbs: Sprinkling chopped parsley or basil on top right before serving can add a pop of color and freshness.
• A drizzle of balsamic glaze: A light drizzle enhances the visual appeal and adds a tangy sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the savory bread.

Side Dishes

• Mixed greens salad: A simple salad with arugula, cherry tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich focaccia.
• Roasted vegetable platter: Seasonal roasted veggies like carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini bring vibrant colors and flavors that complement the focaccia beautifully.
• Hummus or olive tapenade: These spreads offer creamy textures and bold flavors that go perfectly with freshly baked bread.
• Soup of your choice: A warm bowl of tomato basil soup or butternut squash soup creates a cozy meal when served alongside this festive bread.

With these serving suggestions in mind, your Christmas Tree Focaccia will be the star of any holiday gathering! Enjoy every bite and share the joy of baking with those you love.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Christmas Tree Focaccia is not only visually stunning but also great for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time and store it, ensuring you have a delightful treat ready for your holiday gatherings.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the focaccia to cool completely before storing.
• Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container.
• Store at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Freezing

• Slice the focaccia into portions for easy use.
• Wrap each slice in plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn.
• Place wrapped slices into a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Remove the focaccia from the freezer and unwrap it.
• Place it directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet.
• Bake for about 10-15 minutes, until heated through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this festive focaccia recipe!

Can I make Christmas Tree Focaccia ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and let it rise overnight. Just decorate and bake it on the day you plan to serve it.

How should I serve Christmas Tree Focaccia?

This festive focaccia makes a wonderful centerpiece for any holiday gathering. Serve it warm as an appetizer or alongside your favorite soups and salads!

What toppings can I use for my Christmas Tree Focaccia?

Feel free to get creative! Use vegetables like bell peppers, olives, or even nuts. The key is to have fun with your decorations!

Can I use other types of flour for Christmas Tree Focaccia?

While bread flour gives the best texture, you can experiment with all-purpose flour or whole wheat flour, though results may vary slightly.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this beautiful Christmas Tree Focaccia as much as I do! It’s more than just a recipe; it’s a way to bring joy and creativity into your kitchen during the holiday season. Gather your loved ones, have fun decorating, and savor each delicious bite together. Happy baking!