Nothing brings a festive table to life quite like bread that looks as joyful as it tastes. This Delicious Christmas Tree Focaccia to Brighten Your Holiday Recipe is not only visually stunning but also wonderfully warm and comforting. Imagine soft, golden focaccia dotted with vibrant cherry tomatoes and fresh rosemary arranged to mimic the perfect holiday tree—a showstopper that delights both eyes and palate. It’s an easy way to impress guests or add homemade cheer to your celebrations, blending simple ingredients into a delicious centerpiece everyone will rave about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Christmas Tree Focaccia lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is carefully chosen to create the perfect chewy texture, fragrant aroma, and festive look. From the chewy bread flour to the bright cherry tomatoes, these elements all work in harmony to give you a dish that’s both beautiful and utterly delicious.
- 3 cups bread flour: Provides a chewy texture, though all-purpose or whole wheat can also work beautifully.
- 1 packet dry yeast: Instant yeast is recommended for an easy and reliable rise every time.
- 1.5 teaspoons salt: Fine sea salt enhances the flavor subtly without overpowering the bread.
- 1.5 cups warm water: Activates the yeast perfectly, resulting in a light, airy dough.
- Olive oil: Used to grease the dish and drizzle on top, it adds richness and a slight fruity note.
- Fresh rosemary: Adds a wonderful aromatic touch and mimics the evergreen foliage of the holiday tree.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (sliced): These colorful halves look like bright, festive ornaments on your focaccia tree.
- Pear (cut into small pieces): Crafted into a stellar base and star decoration, adding a subtle sweetness.
- Red onion (sliced): Adds gentle color and mild flavor contrasts to boost the overall character.
- Pearl onions (halved, optional): Give an extra rustic holiday look if you want to take your design further.
How to Make Delicious Christmas Tree Focaccia to Brighten Your Holiday Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Dough
Start by combining the bread flour, yeast, and salt in a large bowl. Gradually pour in the warm water while stirring, creating a sticky but cohesive dough. This base is the heart of your focaccia, so getting the texture right here sets you up for success.
Step 2: Knead Until Smooth and Elastic
Turn your dough onto a floured surface and knead gently but thoroughly for about five minutes. This practice develops the gluten, giving your focaccia that familiar chewy, comforting bite we all love.
Step 3: Let the Dough Rise Overnight
Cover your dough with a kitchen towel and place it in a warm spot to rise. The overnight rest lets it double in size while developing complex flavors and fluffy texture—a step that truly elevates this recipe beyond ordinary bread.
Step 4: Shape and Dimple the Dough
Grease your casserole dish with olive oil, then transfer the risen dough. Spread it gently with your fingers, pressing dimples across the surface to create texture that catches olive oil and toppings perfectly.
Step 5: Add Olive Oil and Rosemary Decorations
Generously drizzle olive oil over the dough’s surface. Then, artfully arrange sprigs of fresh rosemary to create the signature Christmas tree outline. This fragrant step instantly fills your kitchen with festive spirit.
Step 6: Decorate with Cherry Tomatoes and Onions
Slice the cherry tomatoes and scatter them over the tree shape like vibrant ornaments. Add halved pearl onions and sliced red onion rings for pops of color and that rustic, celebratory vibe.
Step 7: Create the Tree Base and Star with Pear
Use small pieces of pear to form a sturdy base for your tree and arrange some delicate slices at the top to mimic a glowing star. This sweet addition contrasts beautifully with the herbs and tangy tomatoes.
Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake your decorated focaccia for about 25 minutes, or until golden brown and irresistibly fragrant. You’ll know it’s ready when the smell invites you to start slicing.
Step 9: Cool and Serve Warm
Allow your Delicious Christmas Tree Focaccia to Brighten Your Holiday Recipe to cool just a few minutes—it’s perfect enjoyed warm, when the olive oil and fragrant toppings are at their peak deliciousness.
How to Serve Delicious Christmas Tree Focaccia to Brighten Your Holiday Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of flaky sea salt after baking elevates the flavors even more, while a light drizzle of balsamic glaze can add an elegant sweet-tart note. Fresh rosemary sprigs on the side keep the festive aroma lingering through the meal.
Side Dishes
This focaccia pairs exquisitely with hearty soups like roasted tomato basil or a creamy butternut squash bisque. It also makes an excellent accompaniment to holiday cheese boards or alongside a fresh green salad with citrus vinaigrette.
Creative Ways to Present
For the ultimate festive centerpiece, serve your focaccia on a wooden board surrounded by sprigs of holly or pine branches. You can even personalize each slice by spreading small bowls of flavored olive oils or herb butters nearby for guests to customize their bites.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover focaccia tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. Kept at room temperature, it stays moist and delicious for up to two days, perfect for enjoying with your next cup of coffee or tea.
Freezing
If you want to save your festive bread longer, slice and freeze it in a single layer with parchment paper between slices. Seal in an airtight freezer bag, and your focaccia will be ready whenever you need a quick holiday treat for up to one month.
Reheating
Reheat slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to regain that freshly baked warmth and crispness. You can also warm slices gently in a skillet for a quick, slightly toasted version.
FAQs
Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?
Absolutely! While bread flour gives the best chewy texture, all-purpose flour will still yield a delicious focaccia. The texture might be a bit softer but still fantastic for this festive recipe.
Is it necessary to let the dough rise overnight?
Overnight rising enhances flavor and texture, but if you’re pressed for time, a 1 to 2 hour rise in a warm spot can work. Just be aware the flavor might be less complex.
Can I make the focaccia vegan?
This focaccia is naturally vegan as it contains no dairy or eggs, just bread flour, yeast, water, and olive oil. It’s a great option for plant-based holiday menus.
How do I make sure my focaccia is moist inside?
The secret lies in the hydration of the dough and the long rise—using warm water and not over-kneading helps keep the crumb airy and moist. Also, don’t overbake; golden brown is the goal.
Can I customize the toppings?
Definitely! Feel free to swap or add vegetables like olives, bell peppers, or even pomegranate seeds to suit your taste and color preferences. The Christmas tree shape allows for fun creativity.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about bringing family and friends together around a beautifully baked loaf, especially when it’s as charming and festive as this Delicious Christmas Tree Focaccia to Brighten Your Holiday Recipe. Its simplicity, flavor, and joyful presentation make it a must-try this holiday season. I can’t wait for you to bake, share, and delight in this unforgettable centerpiece that truly tastes as good as it looks.
Print
Delicious Christmas Tree Focaccia to Brighten Your Holiday Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 10 hours 35 minutes (including overnight rise)
- Yield: 8 slices
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This festive Christmas Tree Focaccia is a delightful and visually stunning bread perfect for holiday celebrations. Made with a soft, chewy dough and decorated with fresh rosemary, cherry tomatoes, pearl onions, red onion, and pear to create a beautiful Christmas tree design, this focaccia is both a flavorful treat and a charming centerpiece to brighten your holiday table.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups bread flour
- 1 packet dry yeast (instant yeast recommended)
- 1.5 teaspoons fine sea salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1.5 cups warm water
- Olive oil (to taste, for greasing and drizzling)
Decorations and Garnishes
- Fresh rosemary (as needed for decoration)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (sliced in half)
- 1 pear (cut into small pieces for tree base and star)
- 1 red onion (sliced)
- Pearl onions (halved, optional, to taste)
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine 3 cups of bread flour, 1 packet of instant yeast, and 1.5 teaspoons of fine sea salt. Gradually add 1.5 cups of warm water while mixing until the dough is well blended and sticky.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead gently for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth, elastic, and forms a soft ball.
- Let the Dough Rise: Cover the dough with a kitchen towel and place it in a warm spot overnight. Allow it to rise until it doubles in size and becomes fluffy and airy.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a casserole dish generously with olive oil. Transfer the risen dough into the dish, spreading it out with your fingers and creating dimples in the dough’s surface for texture.
- Apply Olive Oil and Arrange Rosemary: Drizzle olive oil generously over the dough’s surface. Arrange fresh rosemary sprigs creatively to outline a Christmas tree shape on top of the dough.
- Add Tomato and Onion Decorations: Scatter halved cherry tomatoes like colorful ornaments on the dough. Add halved pearl onions and sliced red onion to add festive colors and mild flavor contrast.
- Create Tree Base and Star: Use pieces of pear to form a sturdy tree base at the bottom. Slice thin pear pieces to place on the top as a sparkling star decoration.
- Bake the Focaccia: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the focaccia for about 25 minutes or until it turns golden brown and emits a warm, inviting aroma.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the focaccia to cool for a few minutes before slicing into 8 or 8 slices. Serve warm and enjoy your festive Christmas centerpiece bread.
Notes
- Using bread flour ensures a chewy texture, but all-purpose or whole wheat flour can be substituted if preferred.
- Instant yeast is recommended for quicker and more reliable rising.
- If you want a more rustic look, pearl onions are optional but add festive appeal.
- The dough can be left to rise overnight to develop flavor and texture, but if short on time, a 1-2 hour rise in a warm place may suffice.
- Feel free to customize the decorations with other festive herbs or vegetables such as bell peppers or olives for different colors.
- Make sure the oven is fully preheated to 400°F before baking to ensure even cooking and good crust formation.
- Serve this focaccia warm for the best texture and flavor.
