Christmas Tree Focaccia
If you’re looking for a fun and festive way to bring cheer to your holiday table, then this Christmas Tree Focaccia is just the ticket! This delightful bread art not only looks stunning but also tastes heavenly. Each bite is soft, fluffy, and full of flavor from fresh toppings. It’s become a beloved staple in my home during the holidays, perfect for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners when you want something special without too much fuss.
Imagine the joy on your loved ones’ faces when they see this gorgeous bread centerpiece! Plus, it’s a great way to engage the kids in the kitchen. Decorating your focaccia can be a playful activity that sparks creativity, making it a fantastic addition to any festive occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps and ingredients, you’ll have a beautiful focaccia ready to impress.
- Kid-Friendly Fun: Get everyone involved in decorating the tree with their favorite toppings!
- Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare your dough the night before for an effortless baking experience.
- Versatile Toppings: Use whatever colorful veggies you have on hand to create your unique design.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of fresh rosemary and seasonal produce makes every bite memorable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You won’t need anything fancy to whip up this tasty Christmas Tree Focaccia—just wholesome ingredients that are easy to find in your pantry or local grocery store. 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 Decorating:
- 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 wonderfully adaptable! Feel free to get creative with your toppings based on what you have at home or what flavors you love most. Here are some ideas:
- Swap the base veggie: Try using zucchini or bell peppers instead of pear for a different look and taste.
- Add cheese: Sprinkle some shredded mozzarella or crumbled feta on top for an extra savory kick.
- Herb variations: Experiment with thyme or oregano if you’re in the mood for different herbal notes.
- Make it sweet: Decorate with slices of apple and sprinkle cinnamon sugar for a dessert version!
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 rest overnight on your counter—this helps develop that lovely flavor!
Step 2: Shape Your Focaccia
The next day, grab a casserole dish (about 7×12 inches works well) and drizzle some olive oil on the bottom. Uncover your dough; it should be risen, bubbly, and ready to go! Tip it out into the dish, spreading it gently with your hands until it fits snugly. Dimple the surface with your fingers—this creates little pockets for those delicious toppings—and drizzle more olive oil over it. Let this sit lightly covered for another two hours.
Step 3: Preheat and Decorate
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Now comes the fun part—decorating! Use rosemary sprigs as branches, slice up pear pieces for your tree base, and halved cherry tomatoes as ornaments. Get creative; there’s no right or wrong here!
Step 4: Bake
Once you’ve decorated your tree just how you like it, sprinkle some coarse salt over everything and pop it in the oven! Bake for about 25 minutes until puffed and golden brown—the smell will be absolutely divine.
Step 5: Serve
Let your focaccia rest for a few minutes after baking before slicing into it. Serve warm as an appetizer or alongside soup—it’s sure to be a hit!
Enjoy making this festive Christmas Tree Focaccia; it’s bound to become a cherished tradition in your home too!
Pro Tips for Making Christmas Tree Focaccia
Creating a stunning Christmas Tree Focaccia is all about the details, and these tips will help you elevate your baking game!
- Use room temperature water: This helps activate the yeast more effectively, leading to a better rise and texture in your focaccia.
- Be generous with olive oil: Not only does oil add flavor, but it also keeps the focaccia moist during baking, giving it that delightful golden crust.
- Experiment with toppings: While rosemary and tomatoes are traditional, don’t hesitate to try other colorful veggies or even nuts. They can add unique flavors and textures!
- Let the dough rest properly: The longer you let your dough rise, the fluffier your focaccia will be. Giving it that overnight rise allows for deeper flavor development.
- Check for doneness: Every oven is different! Keep an eye on your focaccia in the last few minutes of baking to ensure it doesn’t overcook.
How to Serve Christmas Tree Focaccia
Presenting your Christmas Tree Focaccia beautifully will make it even more special at gatherings. Here are some fun ideas to get you started!
Garnishes
- Fresh herbs: Sprinkling a few extra sprigs of rosemary or thyme right before serving adds freshness and enhances the festive look of your focaccia.
- Balsamic glaze: A drizzle of balsamic glaze not only provides a beautiful contrast but also adds a tangy sweetness that complements the flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
- Mixed Green Salad: A refreshing salad with seasonal greens, nuts, and a light vinaigrette pairs perfectly with the rich flavors of focaccia.
- Roasted Vegetables: Oven-roasted carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini bring out their natural sweetness while adding color and nutrition to your meal.
- Hummus Platter: A variety of hummus flavors served with crunchy veggies and pita chips makes for a delightful appetizer that complements the focaccia’s texture.
- Cheesy Garlic Bread: For those who love cheese, serving some cheesy garlic bread can provide an indulgent touch that everyone will enjoy.
With these tips and serving suggestions, your Christmas Tree Focaccia will be not just a dish but a centerpiece that brings warmth and joy to your holiday table! Enjoy every bite!
Make Ahead and Storage
This Christmas Tree Focaccia is not only a delightful centerpiece for your holiday table but also a fantastic option for meal prep. You can easily make it ahead of time, allowing you more freedom to enjoy the festivities without the last-minute rush.
Storing Leftovers
- Allow the focaccia to cool completely before storing.
- Place it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap.
- Store at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Freezing
- To freeze, wrap the cooled focaccia tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Label the package with the date so you can keep track of its freshness.
Reheating
- Thaw frozen focaccia overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the focaccia directly on the oven rack or a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and crispy.
FAQs
Here are some common questions about making Christmas Tree Focaccia that you might find helpful!
Can I make Christmas Tree Focaccia gluten-free?
Yes! You can substitute bread flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Just ensure your yeast is gluten-free as well.
How do I store leftover Christmas Tree Focaccia?
Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
Can I decorate my Christmas Tree Focaccia differently?
Absolutely! Feel free to use different toppings like bell peppers, olives, or any colorful veggies you enjoy. Get creative and personalize it!
What can I serve with my Christmas Tree Focaccia?
This focaccia pairs beautifully with soups, salads, or as part of a festive appetizer spread. It’s versatile and sure to impress your guests!
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited about making this Christmas Tree Focaccia as I am! It’s not just a recipe; it’s an experience that brings joy and creativity into your kitchen during the holiday season. Whether you’re sharing it with loved ones or enjoying it solo, this focaccia is sure to add a sprinkle of magic to your table. Have fun decorating, and I’m eager to hear how yours turns out!
Christmas Tree Focaccia
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 people 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Create a festive centerpiece for your holiday gatherings with this delightful Christmas Tree Focaccia! This visually stunning bread not only captures the spirit of the season but also offers a soft, fluffy texture and an explosion of flavors from fresh, colorful toppings. Engaging the whole family in decorating this fun and creative project is sure to bring joy to your kitchen. Serve it warm as an appetizer or alongside soups for a cozy meal that will impress your guests. With its versatility and ease of preparation, this recipe is bound to become a cherished tradition at your holiday table.
Ingredients
- 3 cups bread flour
- 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
- 1 1/4 tsp coarse salt
- 1 2/3 cup warm water
- Fresh rosemary sprigs
- Pear
- Cherry tomatoes
- Pearl onions
- Thinly sliced red onion
- Plenty of olive oil (a few Tbs.)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix flour, yeast, and salt. Slowly incorporate warm water until shaggy. Cover and let rest overnight.
- The next day, preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a casserole dish with olive oil, pour in dough, and dimple the surface.
- Decorate with rosemary for branches, sliced pear for the trunk, and halved tomatoes as ornaments.
- Drizzle more olive oil and sprinkle coarse salt over the top before baking for about 25 minutes until golden brown.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving warm.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (100g)
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
