Festive Christmas Tree Focaccia Recipe

If you’re looking to wow your guests this holiday season with something that tastes as amazing as it looks, you’re going to love this Festive Christmas Tree Focaccia Recipe. It’s not just a feast for the eyes but also a deliciously soft, olive oil-infused bread that feels like a warm hug from the oven. Trust me, once you try this, it might just become your new Christmas tradition. Stick with me and I’ll walk you through every step so your focaccia turns out beautifully every time!

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Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe combines the magic of a simple focaccia dough with the freshness and visual appeal of seasonal toppings. Each ingredient plays its part—flour for structure, yeast for rise, olive oil for richness, and the toppings to bring festive cheer.

• Bread Flour: Provides a nice chewy texture and good gluten development essential for focaccia’s perfect bite.
• Active Dry Yeast: The magic spark that makes the dough rise and get that airy texture; make sure it’s fresh!
• Coarse Salt: Adds bursts of flavor throughout, especially when sprinkled on top before baking.
• Warm Water: Activates the yeast without killing it; aim for about body temperature.
• Pear: A surprising sweet note that contrasts beautifully with the savory toppings—plus, it doubles as a “trunk.”
• Pearl Onions: Their mild sweetness and attractive shape make them perfect for “ornaments.”
• Cherry Tomatoes: Sliced in halves, they are like little red baubles that pop both visually and in flavor.
• Thinly Sliced Red Onion: Adds a delicate sharpness that cuts through the richness.
• Fresh Rosemary Sprigs: Not only look like pine boughs but also infuse an irresistible aroma into the bread.
• Olive Oil: Don’t skimp here—it keeps the bread moist and gives focaccia that signature golden crust.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of the joys of this Festive Christmas Tree Focaccia Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. I often swap out toppings depending on what’s in season or what my family loves best. Give it a whirl and personalize it; you’ll be amazed at how every tweak brings a new twist.

• Variation: I sometimes add olives or roasted red peppers to bring extra Mediterranean flair, and my guests always ask for these versions too!
• Gluten-Free Option: You can adapt using a gluten-free flour blend, but remember focaccia might be a bit denser.
• Herb Mix: Swap rosemary for thyme or sage for a different aroma and seasonal feel.
• Vegan Friendly: This recipe is naturally vegan, but double-check your toppings and choose olive oil generously.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Festive Christmas Tree Focaccia Recipe

Step 1: Mix and Let the Dough Rest Overnight

In a big mixing bowl, whisk together your bread flour, yeast, and coarse salt so everything’s well-distributed. Add warm water and start stirring with a wooden spoon until the dough looks shaggy and wet—don’t worry if it’s sticky! Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and a kitchen towel to keep it warm, then let it hang out on your counter overnight. This slow rise develops deep, complex flavors while you sleep. It’s like your dough is doing all the heavy lifting without you lifting a finger.

Step 2: Shape and Second Rise

The next day, grab a casserole dish (mine’s about 7×12 inches) and drizzle a generous glug of olive oil at the bottom. Take a peek at your dough—it should be bubbly, risen, and full of life. Gently tip it out into your dish and use your fingers to spread it, fitting snugly into the corners. Don’t be scared to get a bit messy here! Press your fingertips all over the dough to create those classic focaccia dimples, then drizzle olive oil over the top to keep it moist during the bake. Cover it lightly again and let it rest for about two more hours to puff up a little more.

Step 3: Decorate Your Festive Christmas Tree

This is where the fun really begins! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Now, take your rosemary sprigs and fan them out like tree branches on the focaccia surface. Place a small slice of pear at the bottom center as the trunk, then scatter halved cherry tomatoes and pearl onions on the branches as ornaments. I like to add a thin slice of pear shaped like a star at the top for a festive touch. Get creative—there’s no wrong way to decorate! The trick is gently pressing toppings into the dough so they bake right in and don’t fall off.

Step 4: Bake and Enjoy

Pop your beautifully decorated focaccia into the preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes, until it’s golden, puffed, and the toppings look set and slightly caramelized. You’ll know it’s done when the bread sounds hollow if you tap the bottom. After baking, let it cool just a few minutes so those flavors settle—and your fingers don’t get burned when you slice it. Slice it up and prepare for a flood of compliments!

How to Serve Festive Christmas Tree Focaccia Recipe

Garnishes

I usually finish with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt and a quick drizzle of good-quality extra virgin olive oil right after baking. Sometimes I toss a few more fresh rosemary needles on top for an extra pop of aroma. If you like a little zing, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes works wonders too.

Side Dishes

This focaccia pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or alongside a warm bowl of butternut squash soup for a cozy winter meal. It’s also fantastic with a charcuterie spread or served as an appetizer with a good quality olive oil and balsamic dipping dish.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I like placing the focaccia on a rustic wooden board surrounded by sprigs of pine and cranberries to really drive home the Christmas vibe. You could even cut it into smaller tree-shaped pieces for a fun finger food platter. It’s an absolute conversation starter!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover focaccia tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature. I’ve found it stays fresh for up to 2 days without losing that lovely texture. If you want to keep it longer, it’s better to freeze it.

Freezing

I usually slice the focaccia before freezing so I can grab a piece or two without thawing the whole loaf. Wrap the pieces tightly in foil or freezer bags. When you want it, let it thaw at room temperature or heat it directly from frozen in the oven.

Reheating

To revive the focaccia’s fresh-baked goodness, I pop slices into a warm oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. This crisps the edges and softens the interior just like newly baked bread. It’s perfect for those wanting a quick snack or to extend the festive feast.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Festive Christmas Tree Focaccia Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it turns baking into a joyful holiday ritual. The smell drifting through the kitchen and the way everyone gathers around the table to admire (and devour) this edible work of art never gets old. You’re not just making bread here—you’re creating memories. So, grab your mixing bowl and some fresh rosemary, and let’s make this holiday season extra delicious and merry together!

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