Christmas Tree Focaccia

If you’re looking for a festive twist on your traditional bread-making, then my Christmas Tree Focaccia is just the recipe you need! This delightful bread not only tastes amazing but also brings a spirit of fun to your kitchen. Imagine that warm, inviting smell wafting through your home as this beautiful focaccia bakes. It’s perfect for family gatherings, holiday parties, or even just a cozy dinner at home during the busy season.

What makes this focaccia truly special is how easy it is to prepare. You can involve your little ones in decorating their very own edible Christmas tree, making it a cherished memory. So roll up your sleeves and let’s make some delicious magic together with this Christmas Tree Focaccia!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Preparation: With just a few basic ingredients and an overnight rise, you can whip up this gorgeous focaccia with minimal effort.
• Family Fun: Decorating the focaccia like a Christmas tree is a fun activity for kids and adults alike!
• Versatile Dish: Serve it as an appetizer, side dish, or even as part of a festive meal. It fits perfectly into any occasion.
• Impressive Presentation: The unique tree shape will wow your guests and make your holiday table shine!
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of fresh toppings and olive oil creates a mouthwatering aroma and taste that everyone will love.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple, wholesome ingredients for this delightful Christmas Tree Focaccia! You’ll find these are all easily accessible, making it stress-free to get started.

• 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 Christmas Tree Focaccia recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to mix things up according to your preferences or what you have on hand.

• Change Up the Toppings: Use different vegetables like bell peppers or olives for unique ornaments on your tree.
• Herb Swap: Try other herbs like thyme or basil instead of rosemary for different flavor profiles.
• Add Cheese: Sprinkle some dairy-free cheese on top before baking for an extra layer of flavor.
• Sweeten It Up: Use slices of apple or dried fruit for a sweeter version that could be enjoyed as a breakfast treat.

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 the dough together until it’s shaggy and wet. Perfect! Cover it with plastic wrap and a clean kitchen towel and let it sit on the counter overnight—this long rise helps develop flavor and texture.

Step 2: Shape the Dough

Next day: Grab your casserole dish (mine was about 7×12). Drizzle a decent amount of olive oil on the bottom. Uncover the dough—it should be risen, bubbly, and beautiful! Gently tip it out into your casserole dish. Spread it with your hands to fit snugly in the dish. Dimple it with your fingers for texture and drizzle more olive oil on top. Let this sit lightly covered for two more hours; patience pays off here!

Step 3: Preheat Your Oven

Before we start decorating our tree, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that when we bake our focaccia, it’ll puff up beautifully in that hot environment!

Step 4: Decorate Your Focaccia

Now comes the fun part—building our tree! Use fresh rosemary sprigs as branches fanned out across the dough. A small slice of pear can be used as the trunk while halved cherry tomatoes become ornaments. Don’t forget to add sliced pearl onions too! Get creative with how you want your tree to look; there are no wrong choices here!

Step 5: Bake

Once you’ve decorated your tree to perfection, sprinkle everything with coarse salt before placing it in the oven. Bake for about 25 minutes until it’s puffed up and golden brown—your kitchen will smell heavenly!

Step 6: Serve

Let it rest for a few minutes after baking before slicing into this masterpiece. Enjoy every bite of this delicious creation; it’s sure to bring joy to everyone around!

This Christmas Tree Focaccia is not just food; it’s an experience filled with warmth and creativity. I can’t wait for you to try it!

Pro Tips for Making Christmas Tree Focaccia

Creating a stunning Christmas Tree Focaccia is easier than you think! Here are some tips to ensure your bread turns out beautifully every time:

• Use fresh ingredients – Fresh rosemary and ripe tomatoes not only enhance the flavor but also add vibrant colors that make your focaccia look festive.

• Experiment with shapes – Don’t feel confined to a traditional tree shape; try different designs like stars or wreaths. This adds a fun twist and personal touch to your festive spread.

• Be generous with olive oil – Drizzling enough olive oil over your dough before baking will create a crispy crust while keeping the inside soft and fluffy. It’s key for that perfect texture!

• Let it rise properly – Allowing the dough to rise overnight develops deeper flavors and improves the texture. Patience pays off when it comes to bread-making!

• Get creative with toppings – Use seasonal vegetables like red bell peppers, zucchini, or even nuts for added crunch. The more colorful, the better—your focaccia will be a showstopper!

How to Serve Christmas Tree Focaccia

Serving your Christmas Tree Focaccia can be just as delightful as making it! Here are some ideas on how to present this festive treat at your holiday gathering.

Garnishes

• Fresh herbs – Adding extra sprigs of rosemary or thyme after baking brings a burst of aroma and color.
• Drizzle of balsamic glaze – A sweet, tangy glaze can elevate the flavors and make each slice extra special.

Side Dishes

• Mixed Green Salad – A light salad with seasonal greens, nuts, and a citrus vinaigrette complements the richness of the focaccia beautifully.
• Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal roasted veggies like carrots, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes provide hearty flavors that balance well with the bread.
• Hummus or Dips – A variety of dips such as hummus or olive tapenade can add depth to your meal, giving guests options for pairing with their focaccia.
• Cheese Platter – Include a selection of plant-based cheeses alongside fruits and nuts for a savory-sweet combination that pairs wonderfully with the focaccia.

With these serving suggestions, your Christmas Tree Focaccia will not only taste delicious but look stunning on any holiday table! Enjoy creating magical moments around this delightful dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Christmas Tree Focaccia is not only a delightful centerpiece for your holiday table, but it also works wonderfully for meal prep. You can make it ahead of time and enjoy the festive flavors throughout the week!

Storing Leftovers

• Place any leftover focaccia in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• If you want to keep it longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Freezing

• Allow the focaccia to cool completely before freezing.
• Wrap individual slices or the whole loaf in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• For individual slices, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the focaccia on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• For a whole loaf, reheat in the oven wrapped in foil for about 20-25 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making this festive bread.

Can I use different toppings on my Christmas Tree Focaccia?

Absolutely! The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. Feel free to experiment with various vegetables, herbs, or even cheeses that suit your taste.

How can I make my Christmas Tree Focaccia more festive?

Consider adding colorful bell peppers, olives, or even edible flowers to enhance the visual appeal and flavor of your Christmas Tree Focaccia!

What is the best way to serve Christmas Tree Focaccia?

This focaccia is perfect as an appetizer or side dish! Pair it with dips like hummus or pesto for a delicious touch.

Can I prepare the dough ahead of time for my Christmas Tree Focaccia?

Yes! You can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise overnight. Just remember to shape and decorate it the next day before baking.

Final Thoughts

I hope this Christmas Tree Focaccia brings a touch of joy and creativity to your holiday celebrations! It’s such a fun way to involve family and friends in the kitchen while creating something truly special. Enjoy making this beautiful bread, and don’t hesitate to share your creations! Wishing you warm moments and delicious memories this holiday season!