Christmas Tree Focaccia Recipe

If you’re looking for a show-stopping centerpiece that tastes as fantastic as it looks, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Christmas Tree Focaccia Recipe. I love this because it’s not just bread—it’s an edible holiday decoration that brings the festive spirit right to your table. You’ll find that it’s surprisingly simple to make but impressive enough to wow your guests, whether it’s for a cozy Christmas Eve or a joyful holiday brunch.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Christmas Tree Focaccia Recipe are basic, but they work in harmony to create a dough that’s chewy, airy, and rich with flavor. You don’t need fancy stuff—just quality olive oil and fresh rosemary will elevate it beautifully.

• Bread flour: Gives the focaccia its classic chewy texture and great structure.
• Active dry yeast: The magic that helps your dough rise and become fluffy.
• Coarse salt: Adds a punch of savory flavor that’s perfect with olive oil.
• Warm water: Activates the yeast and helps develop softness in the dough.
• Pear: Thin slices lend a hint of sweetness and a delicate touch to your tree base or topper.
• Pearl onions: Small, tender, and mild—they look like little ornaments on the tree.
• Cherry tomatoes: Bright and juicy “ornaments” that add beautiful color.
• Thinly sliced red onion: Adds a subtle zing and a lovely purple contrast.
• Fresh rosemary sprigs: The perfect evergreen branches for your focaccia “tree.”
• Olive oil: Be generous – it keeps the focaccia moist and adds incredible flavor.

Variations

This Christmas Tree Focaccia Recipe really shines when you make it your own. I love experimenting with different toppings or adding a personal twist so the bread suits our holiday vibe perfectly.

• Herb Swap: Instead of rosemary, I sometimes use fresh thyme or sage if that’s what I have on hand, and it’s just as festive.
• Vegan-Friendly: Simply swap out the pearl onions for olives or green bell pepper slices for extra “ornaments.”
• Sweet & Savory Twist: Adding thin slices of fig or apple with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar can be a fun, unexpected twist for dessert-style focaccia.
• Mini Trees: I’ve made individual focaccia trees on a baking sheet for a party—easier to share and super cute!

How to Make Christmas Tree Focaccia Recipe

Step 1: Mix and Rest Your Dough Overnight

Start by combining your bread flour, active dry yeast, and coarse salt in a large bowl. I find whisking the dry ingredients first really helps them blend evenly. Then pour in your warm water and stir with a wooden spoon until you have a shaggy, wet dough. That wet texture is a good thing—it means your focaccia will be delightfully tender inside. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and a kitchen towel, then leave it to rise overnight at room temperature. This long, slow fermentation brings out the flavor and gives you a beautifully bubbly dough the next day.

Step 2: Shape and Let It Rise Again

The next day, grab a casserole dish or baking pan and drizzle a generous amount of olive oil on the bottom. Gently tip the risen dough into the dish and use your oiled hands to spread it out evenly. Don’t stress if it’s sticky—it’s supposed to be! Use your fingertips to dimple the dough, creating those classic focaccia little pockets. Drizzle a little more olive oil on top, cover it loosely, and let it sit for another two hours. This second rise is key for that light, airy texture you’ll love.

Step 3: Decorate Your Christmas Tree Focaccia

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Now comes the fun, creative part—decorating your focaccia like a Christmas tree! I like to fan out fresh rosemary sprigs to mimic branches because their piney scent adds that festive aroma to your kitchen. Use thin slices of pear as the tree’s trunk or base; they add just the right sweetness. Halved cherry tomatoes and sliced pearl onions work as “ornaments,” scattered over branches for color and texture. Sometimes I add a pear slice at the very top as a “star.” Really, this step is totally up to your imagination—there’s no right or wrong here.

Step 4: Bake and Enjoy!

Sprinkle a little coarse salt over the entire focaccia, then bake it for about 25 minutes or until the bread is puffed, golden, and the toppings are slightly softened. You’ll want to watch the edges carefully so they don’t get too dark. Once baked, let it cool for a few minutes before slicing into it—this helps keep the focaccia tender. I can’t tell you how many times my family goes crazy for this—both its look and flavor keep everyone coming back for more!

How to Serve Christmas Tree Focaccia Recipe

Garnishes

I usually finish mine with an extra drizzle of olive oil right after baking, and sometimes a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for a little crunch. Adding a scattering of fresh rosemary leaves right before serving amps up the aroma. If you want to get fancy, a light brush of garlic-infused olive oil is heavenly and pairs perfectly with the toppings.

Side Dishes

This focaccia works beautifully alongside soups—think butternut squash or tomato basil—or a vibrant winter salad with citrus and pomegranate to balance the richness. I also love serving it with a cheese board or charcuterie when we’re in a snack-y mood for holiday entertaining.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I’ve shaped mini versions into individual tree shapes on a sheet pan, making it easy for guests to grab and go. Another fun idea is to place the focaccia on a wooden board surrounded by small bowls of extra olive oil dips, olives, and roasted nuts—it’s an inviting holiday centerpiece that doubles as an appetizer!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually wrap leftover focaccia tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It stays fresh for about 2 days, though it’s often gone before then! If you do keep it, letting it sit out for a bit before serving helps revive the texture.

Freezing

Freezing focaccia works beautifully. I slice it first, separate layers with parchment paper, and store it in a freezer bag. When you want a quick snack or side, just pull out as many slices as you want and toast or warm them right from frozen.

Reheating

To bring leftovers back to life, I reheat slices in a hot oven (around 375°F) for 5-10 minutes until warmed through and slightly crisp. For a quicker option, a toaster oven works great. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make the focaccia soggy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Christmas Tree Focaccia Recipe has become my go-to for holiday gatherings because it’s both fun to make and delicious to eat. There’s something so satisfying about creating a festive “tree” you can slice into and share with loved ones. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just want to bring some holiday cheer to your kitchen, I promise you’ll enjoy making—and eating—this delightful focaccia as much as I do. Give it a try, and watch your family go crazy for this beautiful, tasty tradition!

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