Christmas Tree Focaccia

If you’re looking for a festive twist on a classic bread recipe, let me introduce you to my beloved Christmas Tree Focaccia! This delightful dish is perfect for celebrating the season with friends and family. Not only is it a showstopper on any holiday table, but it’s also surprisingly easy to prepare. Imagine the smiles as everyone gathers around this charming bread that looks just like a Christmas tree!

This recipe has become a favorite in my home, especially during the holidays. It’s great for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Plus, it’s a fun way to involve the kids in the kitchen! Everyone can get creative decorating their own little tree.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Visually Stunning: This Christmas Tree Focaccia is not just delicious but also a feast for the eyes. Its beautiful presentation will impress your guests!
• Easy Preparation: With simple steps and minimal fuss, even beginner bakers can make this without feeling overwhelmed.
• Family-Friendly Fun: Get everyone involved in decorating! It’s a great way to bond while unleashing some creativity.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: The dough can sit overnight, making it perfect for holiday prep. Just shape and bake when you’re ready!
• Deliciously Flavorful: The combination of fresh rosemary, sweet pear, and colorful veggies makes every bite bursting with flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making this Christmas Tree Focaccia requires just a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients that you likely already have at home. Let’s gather everything we need!

For the Dough

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

For the Decoration

• Pear
• Pearl onions
• Cherry tomatoes
• Thinly sliced red onion
• Fresh rosemary sprigs
• Coarse salt
• Plenty of olive oil (a few Tbs.)

Variations

One of the best parts about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to mix and match toppings based on what you have at home or your family’s preferences.

• Add more veggies: Try using bell peppers or olives for added color and flavor.
• Cheesy twist: Sprinkle some dairy-free cheese on top before baking for an extra layer of yumminess.
• Herb infusion: Experiment with different herbs like thyme or basil to change up the taste profile.
• Sweet addition: Add thin slices of apple alongside your pears for a hint of sweetness.

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. Cover it with plastic wrap and a clean kitchen towel and let it sit on the counter overnight. This step is crucial—allowing time for fermentation gives your focaccia that wonderful airy texture!

Step 2: Shape Your Bread

The next day, grab your casserole dish (mine was about 7x12ish) and drizzle some olive oil on the bottom. Uncover your dough; it should be risen, bubbly, and beautiful! Tip it out into the casserole dish. Spread it with your hands so it fits snugly in the dish, then dimple it with your fingers—this will create those lovely little pockets that soak up olive oil during baking. Let this sit lightly covered for two more hours; patience pays off!

Step 3: Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While waiting, get excited about how wonderful this focaccia will smell as it bakes!

Step 4: Decorate Your Tree

Now comes the fun part! Use fresh rosemary as tree branches fanned out across your dough. Slice your pear into small pieces for the base and use halved cherry tomatoes and pearl onions as ornaments. Don’t forget to get creative—you might even want to add a slice of pear as a topper! The sky’s the limit here.

Step 5: Bake

Once decorated, sprinkle a little coarse salt over everything and bake for about 25 minutes until puffed and golden brown. Your kitchen will fill with an irresistible aroma; just wait until you see how pretty it turns out!

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!

Let your gorgeous Christmas Tree Focaccia rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm at gatherings or as an accompaniment to any meal—everyone will love this festive treat!

With its festive appearance and scrumptious flavors, this Christmas Tree Focaccia is sure to become a cherished tradition in your home!

Pro Tips for Making Christmas Tree Focaccia

Baking can be a delightful experience, especially when you have a few handy tips to elevate your Christmas Tree Focaccia!

• Use high-quality olive oil: A good quality olive oil not only enhances the flavor of your focaccia but also contributes to its golden crust and moist interior.
• Experiment with toppings: Don’t feel limited to the ingredients listed! Seasonal vegetables like bell peppers or even nuts can add texture and flavor, making each focaccia unique and festive.
• Allow ample rising time: Giving your dough enough time to rise is crucial for achieving that airy, fluffy texture. Patience pays off, especially when you let it sit overnight.
• Get creative with shapes: While we’re focusing on a tree shape, you could easily transform this recipe into wreaths or other holiday symbols. Let your creativity shine!
• Add herbs for aroma: Incorporating more fresh herbs like thyme or basil along with rosemary will not only add visual appeal but also fill your kitchen with a wonderful aroma as it bakes.

How to Serve Christmas Tree Focaccia

Serving your Christmas Tree Focaccia is all about presentation and pairing it with complementary flavors that enhance the experience. Here are some ideas to make your meal memorable!

Garnishes

• Sprigs of fresh herbs: Adding a few extra rosemary or thyme sprigs after baking gives a fresh touch and enhances the visual appeal.
• A drizzle of balsamic glaze: A light drizzle over the focaccia can add a sweet-tangy contrast that elevates its flavor profile.

Side Dishes

• Mixed Green Salad: A simple salad with arugula, spinach, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the warm focaccia.
• Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables such as carrots, Brussels sprouts, and squash bring warmth and color to the table, perfect alongside the focaccia.
• Hummus Platter: Serve some creamy hummus with an assortment of veggie sticks (like cucumber and bell pepper) for a healthy dip option that complements the bread beautifully.
• Soup: A hearty vegetable soup makes for a cozy pairing, perfect for dipping pieces of focaccia into warm broth.

With these serving suggestions, your Christmas Tree Focaccia will not only be visually stunning but also part of a delightful meal that brings joy to your holiday gatherings! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Christmas Tree Focaccia is not only a feast for the eyes but also an excellent choice for meal prep! You can whip it up ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy its delightful flavors without the last-minute rush.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover focaccia in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• If you have more than you can eat, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a resealable bag to help keep it fresh.

Freezing

• To freeze, let the focaccia cool completely after baking.
• Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe container.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just label with the date!

Reheating

• For best results, reheat the focaccia in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Alternatively, you can warm slices in a toaster oven for a quick treat!

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Christmas Tree Focaccia.

Can I use other toppings for my Christmas Tree Focaccia?

Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with your toppings. You can use bell peppers, olives, or even nuts to decorate your tree. The goal is to make it festive and delicious!

How do I store my Christmas Tree Focaccia?

Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze.

Can I make Christmas Tree Focaccia ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough a day in advance and let it rise overnight. Just shape and decorate before baking when you’re ready to serve.

What makes this Christmas Tree Focaccia special?

This focaccia is not only visually stunning but also offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors with fresh ingredients. It’s perfect for gatherings!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in creating this beautiful Christmas Tree Focaccia! It’s such a wonderful way to bring some holiday cheer into your kitchen while enjoying delicious flavors. Don’t hesitate to share your unique decorations and personal touches – I would love to hear how yours turned out! Happy baking!