Christmas Tree Focaccia

If you’re looking for a fun and festive way to impress your family and friends this holiday season, then you absolutely need to try making Christmas Tree Focaccia! This delightful bread is not only a treat for the eyes but also a joy to eat. With its soft, fluffy texture and the vibrant colors of fresh toppings, it’s a perfect centerpiece for any holiday gathering or even a cozy weeknight dinner. Plus, it’s so simple to prepare that even the busiest of schedules can fit it in!

What makes this recipe truly special is the creativity involved in decorating your focaccia. You can let your imagination run wild, turning each loaf into a unique masterpiece. Whether you’re sharing it with loved ones or just treating yourself, this Christmas Tree Focaccia is sure to become a cherished favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps and ingredients, you can create something beautiful without much fuss.
• Family Fun: Get everyone involved in decorating! It’s a great way to bond while being creative in the kitchen.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s for a holiday party, a potluck, or just a special dinner at home, this focaccia fits right in.
• Deliciously Versatile: The combination of flavors from fresh herbs and vegetables makes each bite delightful and satisfying.
• Impressive Presentation: Your guests will be wowed by how gorgeous this bread looks on the table!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making Christmas Tree Focaccia is all about using simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 3 cups bread flour
• 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
• 1 1/4 tsp coarse salt
• 1 2/3 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

The beauty of Christmas Tree Focaccia lies in its flexibility! Feel free to get creative with your toppings and change things up according to what you have on hand or your personal preferences.

• Add Other Veggies: Incorporate bell peppers or olives for extra color and flavor.
• Use Different Herbs: Try basil or thyme instead of rosemary for a unique twist on taste.
• Make It Cheesy: Sprinkle some vegan cheese over the top before baking for an indulgent touch.
• Experiment with Shapes: Instead of a tree, shape the dough into stars or wreaths for different festive designs.

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—at least 12 hours. This slow rise allows flavors to develop wonderfully.

Step 2: Shape It

Next day: Grab a casserole dish (mine was about 7×12 inches) and drizzle a decent amount of olive oil on the bottom. Uncover the bread bowl—look at that! It should be risen, bubbly, and beautiful. Tip the dough out into the casserole dish. Spread it with your hands to fit snugly in the dish, then dimple it with your fingers and drizzle more oil on top. Let this sit lightly covered for two more hours; this helps create that lovely airy texture we love in focaccia.

Step 3: Preheat & Decorate

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Now comes the fun part—decorating! Use rosemary as branches fanned out like a tree. Slice small pieces of pear for the base and cherry tomatoes as ornaments. Get creative—the sky’s the limit here! Maybe even add some sliced red onion for extra flair.

Step 4: Bake

Once you’ve decorated your tree just how you like it, sprinkle with coarse salt and bake for about 25 minutes until golden brown and puffy. The aroma will fill your kitchen—it’s irresistible!

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy

Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing into it. Serve warm as an appetizer or alongside your favorite soup or salad. Everyone will love this beautiful Christmas Tree Focaccia!

You now have everything you need to create this charming holiday bread that brings joy to both cooking and eating. Enjoy every moment of making it!

Pro Tips for Making Christmas Tree Focaccia

Creating the perfect Christmas Tree Focaccia is all about enjoying the process and adding your personal touch. Here are some tips to make sure your focaccia turns out beautifully every time!

• Use high-quality ingredients: The flavors of your focaccia will depend significantly on the quality of your olive oil and fresh herbs. Opt for extra virgin olive oil and fresh rosemary for the best taste.

• Don’t rush the proving time: Allowing your dough to rise overnight develops better flavor and texture. Patience pays off, resulting in a light and airy focaccia that’s a joy to eat.

• Experiment with toppings: While this recipe uses pears, cherry tomatoes, and pearl onions, feel free to get creative! Seasonal vegetables or even edible flowers can make your tree unique and visually stunning.

• Dimple the dough well: By creating plenty of dimples on the surface of the dough before baking, you create pockets for olive oil and toppings, enhancing both flavor and aesthetics.

• Monitor your baking time: Every oven is different, so keep an eye on your focaccia as it bakes. You want it golden brown and puffed up but not overly dark. If needed, adjust the time accordingly for perfect results.

How to Serve Christmas Tree Focaccia

Serving your Christmas Tree Focaccia can be just as delightful as making it! This festive bread not only tastes delicious but also makes a stunning centerpiece for any holiday gathering. Here are some ideas to present it beautifully.

Garnishes

• Fresh herbs: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or additional rosemary over the top right before serving for an aromatic touch.
• Flaky sea salt: A sprinkle of flaky sea salt just after baking adds a delightful crunch and enhances the flavors of your toppings.

Side Dishes

• Mixed Green Salad: A crisp salad with a citrus vinaigrette complements the richness of focaccia perfectly while providing a refreshing contrast.

• Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or carrots add color and nutrition to your meal alongside the focaccia.

• Hummus Platter: Serve with a variety of hummus flavors, such as roasted red pepper or garlic, allowing guests to dip pieces of focaccia into creamy goodness.

• Vegetable Soup: A warm bowl of vegetable soup makes an excellent pairing with this bread, offering comfort and warmth during chilly holiday nights.

Enjoy exploring these serving suggestions while sharing your beautiful Christmas Tree Focaccia with family and friends!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Christmas Tree Focaccia is not just a delightful centerpiece; it’s also perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time and store it, making your holiday gatherings stress-free.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the focaccia to cool completely before storing.
• Place the focaccia in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap.
• Store at room temperature for up to 2 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing

• Slice the focaccia into portions before freezing for easier thawing.
• Wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• Freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Unwrap the focaccia slices and place them on a baking sheet.
• Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Enjoy the delicious aroma!

FAQs

Have questions about this festive recipe? Here are some common inquiries that might help you out!

Can I make Christmas Tree Focaccia without bread flour?

Absolutely! You can substitute bread flour with all-purpose flour, but keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly.

How do I decorate my Christmas Tree Focaccia?

Get creative! Use fresh herbs like rosemary as branches, and consider fruits and vegetables such as pears, cherry tomatoes, and pearl onions as ornaments.

How long does Christmas Tree Focaccia stay fresh?

When stored properly, Christmas Tree Focaccia will remain fresh at room temperature for about 2 days. If frozen, it can last up to 2 months.

Can I use other toppings for my Christmas Tree Focaccia?

Definitely! Feel free to experiment with different toppings like olives, nuts, or even bell peppers to make your tree unique and festive.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in creating this beautiful Christmas Tree Focaccia! It’s not only a treat for the taste buds but also a fun way to bring some holiday cheer to your table. Whether you’re serving it at a gathering or enjoying it with your family, this recipe is bound to make lasting memories. Happy baking, and may your kitchen be filled with warmth and love this holiday season!