Christmas Tree Focaccia

If you’re looking for a festive and fun way to celebrate the holidays, then this Christmas Tree Focaccia is just what you need! This delightful recipe brings a touch of whimsy to your table, making it perfect for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners. Not only does it look spectacular, but it’s also incredibly easy to make. You’ll love how this simple dough transforms into a beautiful centerpiece that everyone will want to dig into.

What makes this focaccia truly special is the chance to get creative with toppings. You can involve the kids in decorating, turning it into a fun holiday tradition. Plus, with its warm, comforting flavors and delightful texture, this Christmas Tree Focaccia is bound to become a new favorite in your home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up a stunning focaccia that looks like it took hours.
• Family-friendly fun: Involve your loved ones in decorating the tree-shaped bread—everyone can add their own personal touch!
• Make-ahead option: Prepare the dough the night before and bake it fresh when you’re ready to enjoy.
• Deliciously versatile: Customize your toppings with whatever veggies or herbs you have on hand for a unique twist every time.
• Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s a holiday gathering or a simple dinner at home, this focaccia fits right in.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our ingredients! This Christmas Tree Focaccia uses wholesome items that you probably already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Dough

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

For the Toppings

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

Variations

This recipe is super flexible! Feel free to mix things up based on what you have at home or your flavor preferences.

• Add different veggies: Try using bell peppers or olives for added color and flavor.
• Experiment with herbs: Swap out rosemary for thyme or oregano for a different taste profile.
• Get cheesy: Sprinkle some non-dairy cheese on top before baking for an extra layer of yumminess.
• Spice it up: Add some red pepper flakes or garlic powder into the dough for an extra zing.

How to Make Christmas Tree Focaccia

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, yeast, and salt. Whisk until well mixed. Then add the warm water and stir with a wooden spoon until the dough is shaggy and wet. Covering it with plastic wrap and a clean kitchen towel allows the dough to rise overnight, creating those lovely bubbles that give focaccia its airy texture.

Step 2: Shape and Let Rise

The next day, grab your casserole dish and drizzle some olive oil on the bottom. Uncover your dough—it should be risen and bubbly! Gently tip it out into the casserole dish and spread it with your hands until it fits snugly. Dimpling it creates those signature pockets perfect for holding all that delicious olive oil we’re about to drizzle on top. Let this rest for two more hours so that it can rise again before we decorate.

Step 3: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is crucial because we want our focaccia to bake evenly and achieve that golden-brown crust!

Step 4: Decorate Your Tree

Now comes the fun part—decorating! Use rosemary as branches by fanning them out across the dough. Slice small pieces of pear for the base and create little ornaments with halved cherry tomatoes and pearl onions. Get creative; maybe even add some sliced pear as a tree topper! It’s all about making it personal.

Step 5: Bake

Once you’ve decorated your beautiful tree, sprinkle on some coarse salt for flavor and pop it in the oven. Bake for about 25 minutes until it’s puffed up and golden brown. The aroma will fill your kitchen—trust me; it’s heavenly!

Step 6: Serve

Let your focaccia rest for a few minutes after baking. Then slice into pieces and serve warm! This Christmas Tree Focaccia is not just food; it’s an experience that brings joy to any gathering.

Enjoy sharing this delicious creation with friends and family!

Pro Tips for Making Christmas Tree Focaccia

Creating your own Christmas Tree Focaccia can be a delightful and rewarding experience, especially when you follow these simple tips!

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh herbs and vegetables not only enhance the flavor but also make your focaccia visually appealing. Fresh rosemary, for instance, adds a wonderful aroma and a pop of color.

• Don’t rush the rising time: Allowing your dough to rise overnight is crucial for developing flavor and texture. This slow fermentation process gives the bread its characteristic airy structure.

• Be generous with olive oil: Drizzling plenty of olive oil on the dough before baking helps create a crispy crust while keeping the inside soft. Plus, it adds a rich flavor that complements the toppings beautifully.

• Get creative with decorations: Feel free to swap out or add different toppings based on what you have at home or your seasonal favorites. Other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini could work well too!

• Serve warm for best taste: Focaccia is always best enjoyed fresh out of the oven. Serving it warm enhances the flavors and gives it that irresistible aroma that will have everyone coming back for more.

How to Serve Christmas Tree Focaccia

Presenting your festive focaccia in an inviting way can elevate your gathering! Here are some fun ideas on how to showcase this delicious creation.

Garnishes

• Fresh herbs: A sprinkle of extra chopped rosemary or thyme can enhance both the look and flavor of your focaccia.
• Balsamic glaze: A drizzle of balsamic glaze over the top just before serving adds a tangy sweetness that pairs perfectly with the savory bread.

Side Dishes

• Mixed greens salad: A light mixed greens salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette complements the richness of the focaccia, providing a refreshing contrast.
• Roasted vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables like carrots, squash, or Brussels sprouts add warmth and hearty flavors that pair beautifully with bread.
• Hummus or dips: Serve alongside a variety of hummus or vegetable dips for guests to enjoy with pieces of focaccia, making it perfect for sharing.
• Soup: A comforting bowl of vegetable soup is an excellent companion to your focaccia, creating a cozy meal that warms both body and soul.

Enjoy creating this festive treat, and don’t forget to share it with loved ones!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Christmas Tree Focaccia is perfect for meal prep! You can make it ahead of time, and it keeps well, making it a fantastic option for your holiday gatherings or busy weeknights.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the focaccia to cool completely before storing.
• Place any leftovers in an airtight container.
• Store at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Freezing

• Wrap the cooled focaccia tightly in plastic wrap.
• Place it inside a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, simply thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Unwrap the focaccia and place it directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet.
• Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Enjoy that freshly baked aroma!

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making and enjoying your Christmas Tree Focaccia.

Can I make Christmas Tree Focaccia ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare it the day before, let it rise overnight, and simply decorate and bake it when you’re ready.

What toppings work best for Christmas Tree Focaccia?

The beauty of this recipe is its versatility! Use fresh herbs, seasonal vegetables like cherry tomatoes, or even colorful peppers to create your festive design. Get creative!

Can I freeze Christmas Tree Focaccia?

Yes, you can freeze it! Just ensure it’s wrapped properly to maintain its texture. Thaw it in the fridge before reheating.

How do I store leftover Christmas Tree Focaccia?

To keep your focaccia fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this festive Christmas Tree Focaccia as much as I loved sharing it with you! It’s not just a treat for your taste buds but also a delightful centerpiece that brings joy and warmth to any holiday table. So gather your ingredients, get creative with your decorations, and don’t forget to have fun while baking. Happy holidays!