Christmas Tree Focaccia

If you’re looking for a fun and festive way to bring a touch of creativity to your holiday table, you’ve found it! This Christmas Tree Focaccia is not just a delightful centerpiece; it’s also incredibly delicious. With its fluffy texture and beautiful toppings, this recipe has become a favorite in our home. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a special family gathering, this bread is perfect for sharing and enjoying together.

The best part? It’s so easy to make! Even if you’re not an experienced baker, this recipe will have you impressing your loved ones in no time. Plus, the whole family can get involved in decorating their very own edible tree!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy preparation: You’ll find that the steps are simple and straightforward, making it perfect for bakers of all levels.
• Family-friendly fun: Involve the kids in the decorating process; they’ll love getting creative with the toppings!
• Make-ahead convenience: Prepare the dough the night before, and bake it fresh just in time for your gathering.
• Delicious flavor: The combination of olive oil, fresh herbs, and colorful veggies makes each bite unforgettable.
• Festive presentation: This beautiful focaccia is sure to wow your guests and add a cheerful touch to any table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully in this Christmas Tree Focaccia. You probably have most of these items in your pantry already!

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

Variations

This recipe is all about flexibility! Feel free to mix things up based on what you have on hand or your personal taste.

• Swap the toppings: Use whatever seasonal vegetables or herbs you like! Bell peppers or olives would work wonderfully.
• Add cheese: Sprinkle some shredded vegan cheese on top before baking for an extra layer of flavor.
• Try different shapes: Instead of a tree, shape the dough into wreaths or other festive designs for variety.
• Spice it up: Add some chili flakes or garlic powder to the dough for a little kick!

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 slowly add the warm water. Use a wooden spoon to stir everything together until it forms a shaggy and wet dough. This step is crucial because letting it sit overnight allows flavors to develop and gives you that perfect airy texture. Cover with plastic wrap and let it rest at room temperature for at least 12 hours.

Step 2: Shape Your Focaccia

The next day, grab your casserole dish (I used one that’s about 7×12 inches) and drizzle a generous amount of olive oil on the bottom. Uncover your dough—it should have risen beautifully! Gently tip it out into the dish and spread it to fit snugly. Dimpling with your fingers helps create those lovely pockets where olive oil can soak in later. Let this sit lightly covered for two more hours while you dream up your tree design.

Step 3: Preheat & Decorate

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Now comes the fun part—decorating! Use fresh rosemary as branches fanned out across your tree shape. Create ornaments with halved cherry tomatoes and pearl onions; slice pear pieces for added flair at the base or as a star on top! The sky’s the limit here—get creative!

Step 4: Bake It Up!

Once decorated, sprinkle lightly with coarse salt and pop it into the oven. Bake for about 25 minutes until puffed and golden brown—your kitchen will smell heavenly!

Step 5: Enjoy!

Let your Christmas Tree Focaccia rest for a few minutes once out of the oven before slicing into it. Serve warm and enjoy every delicious bite together with friends and family!

This recipe makes one lovely focaccia loaf that is sure to be a hit at any gathering. Happy baking!

Pro Tips for Making Christmas Tree Focaccia

Creating a stunning Christmas Tree Focaccia is not just about following the recipe; it’s about adding your personal touch and ensuring the best results. Here are some tips to elevate your focaccia game:

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh rosemary, ripe tomatoes, and crunchy pears not only enhance flavor but also add vibrant color to your tree, making it visually appealing.

• Don’t rush the rise: Allowing the dough to rise overnight ensures it develops a wonderful texture and flavor. This slow fermentation makes for a light, airy bread that’s hard to resist.

• Experiment with shapes: Feel free to get creative with your tree design! Different vegetables can create a unique look each time you make it, so let your imagination run wild!

• Be generous with olive oil: Drizzling plenty of olive oil on top before baking helps achieve that golden crust and enhances the overall flavor. It also keeps the bread moist.

• Let it cool before slicing: Allowing your focaccia to cool for a few minutes after baking helps set the toppings and makes slicing easier without losing their shape.

How to Serve Christmas Tree Focaccia

When it comes to serving your Christmas Tree Focaccia, presentation is key! This delightful dish can be served as an appetizer or as part of your main meal. Here are some ideas to help you present this festive creation beautifully.

Garnishes

• Fresh herbs: Sprinkling extra chopped rosemary or parsley on top right before serving adds freshness and color.
• Balsamic glaze: A drizzle of balsamic glaze provides a sweet-tart finish that complements the flavors beautifully.
• Parmesan cheese shavings: If you’d like a hint of savory richness, consider adding some vegan parmesan shavings as a garnish.

Side Dishes

• Mixed green salad: A light salad with arugula, cherry tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette pairs perfectly with the focaccia’s rich flavors.
• Roasted vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies like carrots, Brussels sprouts, or zucchini bring warmth and complement the bread nicely.
• Hummus platter: Serve alongside a colorful array of vegetable sticks and pita chips for dipping; it’s fun and healthy!
• Soup of your choice: A warm bowl of minestrone or tomato soup creates a comforting meal when enjoyed with slices of focaccia.

With these tips and serving suggestions in hand, you’re all set to impress friends and family with this festive treat! Enjoy every slice of your homemade Christmas Tree Focaccia!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Christmas Tree Focaccia is not only visually stunning but also perfect for meal prep! You can make it ahead of time, store it, and even freeze portions to enjoy later.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the focaccia to cool completely before storing.
• Place leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• For longer storage, wrap the focaccia tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a resealable bag.

Freezing

• Slice the focaccia into individual pieces for easy thawing.
• Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-friendly bag.
• The focaccia can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Unwrap the focaccia slices and place them on a baking sheet.
• Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm and slightly crisp.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this delightful dish!

Can I use different toppings for my Christmas Tree Focaccia?

Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with your decorations. You can use various vegetables or herbs that you enjoy. Just remember to keep with the festive theme!

How long does it take to make Christmas Tree Focaccia?

Overall, it’s about a 24-hour process due to the overnight rise, but the active time is minimal. After mixing your ingredients, you’ll just need some time for decoration and baking.

Can I prepare the Christmas Tree Focaccia dough in advance?

Yes! You can prepare the dough up to a day ahead of time and let it rise overnight. Just make sure to cover it well while it rests.

What should I serve with my Christmas Tree Focaccia?

This focaccia pairs wonderfully with soups, salads, or as part of a festive appetizer spread. Enjoy it alongside dips or cheese!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoyed this journey into making your own Christmas Tree Focaccia! It’s such a delightful way to celebrate the season, bringing both joy and flavor to your table. Whether you’re sharing it with family or enjoying it by yourself, this recipe is bound to bring smiles all around. Happy baking, and may your holiday season be filled with warmth and deliciousness!