Why Make This Recipe
Christmas Tree Focaccia is a fun and festive way to celebrate the holiday season. This beautiful bread not only looks like a Christmas tree, but it also tastes delicious. It’s a perfect addition to your holiday table and can be enjoyed by everyone, making it an ideal recipe for gatherings.
How to Make Christmas Tree Focaccia
Ingredients
- 1 pear, thinly sliced
- Fresh rosemary sprigs, as needed
- 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
- 3 cups bread flour
- 1 1/4 tsp coarse salt
- Extra coarse salt, for garnish
- Plenty of olive oil, for the dough and topping
- 1 2/3 cups water
Directions
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Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, mix the active dry yeast with warm water. Let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
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Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the bread flour and coarse salt. Pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix until the dough starts to form.
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Rest the Dough: Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let it rest in a warm place for 1 to 2 hours until it rises and doubles in size.
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Shape the Dough: Once risen, gently punch down the dough. On a floured surface, shape it into a large triangle to resemble a Christmas tree.
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Decorate the Tree: Arrange the pear slices as ornaments and place rosemary sprigs as branches. Drizzle olive oil over the top and sprinkle with extra coarse salt.
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Bake the Focaccia: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the decorated dough on a baking sheet and bake for about 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
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Serve and Enjoy: Take the focaccia out of the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing.
How to Serve Christmas Tree Focaccia
Serve the Christmas Tree Focaccia warm as a side dish at holiday meals. It also makes a great appetizer. You can pair it with dips or use it to make sandwiches.
How to Store Christmas Tree Focaccia
Store leftover focaccia in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly and freeze it. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven.
Tips to Make Christmas Tree Focaccia
- Use fresh herbs for the best flavor.
- Don’t rush the dough rising time for a fluffier bread.
- Feel free to be creative with decorations using different vegetables or toppings.
Variation
You can change the toppings to suit your taste. Try using sliced olives, cherry tomatoes, or even grated cheese for a different flavor.
FAQs
Can I make this focaccia ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough a day before and keep it in the fridge. Just let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking.
What can I use instead of pear?
You can use other toppings like bell peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, or olives for a different look and taste.
Is it okay to use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?
Yes, you can use all-purpose flour, but the texture may be slightly different. Bread flour gives a chewier crust.
Christmas Tree Focaccia
A festive and delicious focaccia that resembles a Christmas tree, perfect for holiday gatherings.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 pear, thinly sliced
- Fresh rosemary sprigs, as needed
- 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
- 3 cups bread flour
- 1 1/4 tsp coarse salt
- Extra coarse salt, for garnish
- Plenty of olive oil, for the dough and topping
- 1 2/3 cups water
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix the active dry yeast with warm water and let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes until frothy.
- In a large bowl, combine the bread flour and coarse salt. Pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix until the dough starts to form.
- Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let it rest in a warm place for 1 to 2 hours until it rises and doubles in size.
- Once risen, gently punch down the dough. On a floured surface, shape it into a large triangle to resemble a Christmas tree.
- Arrange the pear slices as ornaments and place rosemary sprigs as branches. Drizzle olive oil over the top and sprinkle with extra coarse salt.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the decorated dough on a baking sheet and bake for about 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Take the focaccia out of the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing.
Notes
Use fresh herbs for the best flavor. Don’t rush the dough rising time for a fluffier bread.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: holiday bread, focaccia, Christmas recipe, vegetarian, festive cooking