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Festive Christmas Tree Focaccia Recipe

ByCaroline
Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 11 reviews

If you’re looking to impress your guests with something both delicious and festive this holiday season, you’ve got to try my Festive Christmas Tree Focaccia Recipe. It’s not just bread—it’s a centerpiece with that perfect combination of soft, airy focaccia and charming, fresh toppings that make it look like an edible Christmas tree. I promise, once you make this, it’ll become your new holiday tradition. Let’s dive in!

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Overnight Fermentation: Letting the dough rest overnight develops rich flavor and that perfect soft texture.
  • Simple, Fresh Toppings: Using rosemary, cherry tomatoes, and pearl onions gives a fresh and colorful finish that’s visually stunning and tasty.
  • Easy Yet Impressive Shape: Forming the dough into a tree shape invites creativity and makes it a real festive showstopper.
  • Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Impact: With just a few pantry staples and fresh goodies, you get a focaccia that’s both rustic and refined.
Festive Christmas Tree Focaccia, Christmas focaccia bread, holiday bread recipes, Christmas party appetizers, festive baked bread - The dish is a round, thick layer of pale dough laid flat inside a white oval baking dish. On top of the dough, there is a rosemary shaped like a Christmas tree, with green needle-like leaves. The rosemary is decorated with red, orange, and yellow small round tomatoes and whole white pearl onions, scattered evenly like ornaments. At the bottom, a small piece of orange bread acts as the tree trunk, and at the top, five small slivered almonds form a star shape. Thin slices of red onion are placed vertically under the rosemary branches, adding a touch of purple to the design. The dish sits on a white marbled surface with a white cloth and a cup of coffee nearby, along with rosemary sprigs and red onion slices scattered around. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 this …

Ingredients & Why They Work

The beauty of this Festive Christmas Tree Focaccia Recipe is its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a role, whether it’s building the dough’s structure or lighting up the flavors on top. I always recommend getting good-quality bread flour for the chewiness and using fresh herbs and produce for that seasonal pop that makes this focaccia sing.

Festive Christmas Tree Focaccia, Christmas focaccia bread, holiday bread recipes, Christmas party appetizers, festive baked bread - Flat lay of a small mound of bread flour on a simple white ceramic plate, a small white bowl with active dry yeast powder, a few coarse salt crystals scattered on a second small white bowl, a clear small white bowl of warm water, fresh whole pearl onions halved, bright red cherry tomatoes halved, thin slices of red onion arranged in a delicate fan, thin slices of fresh pear, fresh green rosemary sprigs artfully arranged, a small white bowl filled with golden olive oil all placed with perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997
  • Bread flour: This flour’s higher protein content gives the focaccia its signature chewy crumb.
  • Active dry yeast: The engine for rising, don’t skip this or your focaccia will be flat.
  • Coarse salt: Essential for flavor balance and adds a nice crunch when sprinkled on top.
  • Warm water: Activates the yeast and hydrates the dough perfectly.
  • Pear: Offers a subtle sweetness and beautiful contrast as the tree base or topper.
  • Pearl onions: Sweet and mild, they bring texture and charm reminiscent of tiny ornaments.
  • Cherry tomatoes: Bright and juicy, they’re the perfect “ornaments” on the tree.
  • Thinly sliced red onion: Adds a gentle sharpness that complements the other toppings.
  • Fresh rosemary sprigs: Resemble pine branches and infuse the focaccia with spicy, herby aroma.
  • Olive oil: Loads of it—both in the dough and for drizzling—because focaccia without olive oil is just sad bread.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of my favorite parts about this Festive Christmas Tree Focaccia Recipe is how easy it is to customize. You can truly craft your tree the way you want it—mix up the toppings or even try different herbs and fruits based on what you love or have on hand. Your kitchen, your canvas!

  • Variation: I’ve swapped pear with thin slices of apple or even roasted red peppers, which make for stunning colors, especially if you want to tailor it to your Christmas color scheme.
  • Dietary tweaks: If you’re avoiding onions, bell peppers and olives are fantastic alternatives as ornaments.
  • Vegan-friendly: This recipe’s naturally vegan—just double-check your olive oil brand for purity.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Festive Christmas Tree Focaccia Recipe

Step 1: Mix and Let It Work Its Magic Overnight

Start by whisking together your bread flour, active dry yeast, and coarse salt in a large bowl. Then add the warm water—just warm enough to activate the yeast but not so hot it kills it. Use a wooden spoon to stir everything into a shaggy, sticky dough—you don’t need to knead it, so no sweat! Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and then a clean kitchen towel, and leave it on your counter overnight (at least 12 hours). This slow rise develops complex flavors and airy bubbles you’ll love.

Step 2: Shape and Second Rise

Next day, your dough should have puffed up beautifully and feel bubbly and soft. Drizzle a good amount of olive oil into a casserole dish (mine is about 7×12 inches) and tip the dough gently in. Using your hands, spread it to fit the dish snugly—don’t worry if it’s uneven, it just adds to its rustic charm. Dimple the surface lightly with your fingertips and drizzle some more olive oil on top. Cover loosely again and let it rest for about two hours until it’s puffy and ready for decorating.

Step 3: Decorate Your Festive Christmas Tree Focaccia

This is the fun part—getting creative with your toppings to make your dough look like a Christmas tree. I use fresh rosemary sprigs for branches, fanning them out across the dough. Pear slices make a perfect tree trunk and really pretty topper. Cherry tomatoes and halved pearl onions become bright “ornaments.” Thinly sliced red onion adds a subtle pop of color and texture. Don’t stress about perfection—each tree is unique and charming in its own way!

Step 4: Bake and Enjoy

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Sprinkle a little coarse salt over the decorated dough to enhance all those flavors. Pop it in the oven and bake for about 25 minutes, or until the focaccia is puffed, golden brown, and the toppings have softened and set. Once baked, let it cool slightly before slicing so the herbs and veggies can settle into those delicious little pockets.

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Tips from My Kitchen

  • Patience is Key: Don’t rush the overnight fermentation — that slow rise is what builds incredible flavor and texture.
  • Use Your Fingers: When dimpling and shaping the dough, gentle finger pressure creates those classic focaccia pockets that soak up olive oil.
  • Olive Oil, Olive Oil, Olive Oil: Liberally brushing oil on the dough before baking keeps it moist and adds richness, making this focaccia extra special.
  • Don’t Overcrowd the Toppings: Give your rosemary and other decorations some breathing room so the dough bakes evenly and toppings don’t burn.

How to Serve Festive Christmas Tree Focaccia Recipe

Festive Christmas Tree Focaccia, Christmas focaccia bread, holiday bread recipes, Christmas party appetizers, festive baked bread - The image shows a round, golden-brown focaccia bread resting on a silver cooling rack. The focaccia has small red cherry tomatoes and light yellow spots baked into the top layer, with fresh green rosemary sprigs spread across the surface. The bread looks thick and fluffy with a slightly uneven crust. This is set on a white marbled counter near a white sink with a gold faucet, with some brown and dark bottles and a plant visible in the blurred background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I like to brush a little extra olive oil on top just before serving, then sprinkle on flaky sea salt and a few more fresh rosemary leaves for aroma. Sometimes, a drizzle of balsamic glaze adds a nice sweet tang that pairs so well with the roasted tomatoes. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan can also add a flavorful touch if you want extra savory notes.

Side Dishes

This festive focaccia pairs wonderfully with a fresh winter salad—think mixed greens with pomegranate seeds and citrus vinaigrette—or a cozy bowl of tomato soup for dipping. It also shines alongside a cheese platter, making it perfect for holiday parties or family gatherings where people can nibble throughout the evening.

Creative Ways to Present

To really wow your guests, I sometimes serve the focaccia on a wooden board with dim lights and string lights to echo that Christmas vibe. You can even add edible glitter or dust pomegranate arils around to mimic “ornaments” that’ve fallen off the tree. Another idea: serve little containers of dipping oils—garlic, chili, or basil-infused olive oil—to invite everyone to customize their bites.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which can happen!), wrap the focaccia tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It stays fresh for up to two days, but honestly, it rarely lasts that long in my house!

Freezing

I sometimes freeze slices in individual portions. Just wrap them well in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. When you’re ready, thaw at room temperature or gently warm up in the oven for that fresh-baked feel. Freezing doesn’t affect the texture much, making it super convenient.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop slices in a 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes or until warmed through. This brings back the crisp edges and toasty flavors without drying the bread out. Avoid microwaving—it tends to make focaccia rubbery instead of crisp and airy.

FAQs

  1. Can I make the dough faster and skip the overnight rest?

    While you can speed things up by using warm water and letting the dough rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, the flavor and texture won’t be quite as rich or airy as with the overnight fermentation. Patience really is the secret here to that soft, flavorful focaccia.

  2. What if I don’t have a casserole dish the size mentioned?

    No worries! Use whatever baking pan you have and adjust the dough shape accordingly. The dough is forgiving—you just want it spread out enough to bake evenly but thick enough to stay soft and fluffy.

  3. Can I use fresh yeast instead of active dry yeast?

    Yes! Just remember to adjust the amount—fresh yeast is more potent, so use about double the active dry yeast measurement. Crumble it in and dissolve in warm water before mixing with flour.

  4. How do I make sure the toppings don’t burn?

    Keep the toppings spaced out, and avoid piling them too thickly. Adding a drizzle of olive oil over the top before baking helps keep everything moist. If you see them browning too fast, you can tent the focaccia with foil partway through baking.

Final Thoughts

This Festive Christmas Tree Focaccia Recipe holds a special place in my heart—it’s the perfect blend of cozy home-baking and holiday cheer. I love how it brings people to the table, chatting and sharing slices around while the aroma fills the room. Once you try making it, you’ll see how easy and rewarding it is to create a festive edible work of art that tastes just as good as it looks. Seriously, you’ve got to give it a go and watch your friends and family light up with delight.

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Festive Christmas Tree Focaccia Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 11 reviews
  • Author: Caroline
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 13 hours 40 minutes
  • Yield: 1 loaf
  • Category: Bread
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Vegetarian
Print Recipe

Description

This festive Christmas Tree Focaccia is a beautiful and delicious bread perfect for holiday gatherings. Made with a simple overnight dough and decorated with fresh rosemary, cherry tomatoes, pearl onions, and pear slices to create a Christmas tree design, this focaccia is both visually stunning and flavorful. The bread is soft, airy, and drizzled with plenty of olive oil for richness.

Ingredients

Dough

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

Toppings and Decoration

  • 1 pear, thinly sliced
  • 6 pearl onions, peeled and halved
  • 8 cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • Fresh rosemary sprigs
  • Coarse salt, for sprinkling
  • Plenty of olive oil, a few tablespoons, for drizzling

Instructions

  1. Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour, active dry yeast, and coarse salt. Whisk together until evenly mixed, then add the warm water. Stir with a wooden spoon until the dough becomes shaggy and wet. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rest at room temperature overnight for at least 12 hours.
  2. Prepare the Dough for Second Rise: The next day, generously drizzle olive oil at the bottom of a 7×12 inch casserole dish. Remove the cover from the dough; it should be risen, bubbly, and airy. Tip the dough out into the oiled dish. Using your hands, gently spread the dough to fit the dish snugly. Use your fingers to create dimples across the dough’s surface. Drizzle more olive oil over the top. Cover lightly and let it rest for 2 hours at room temperature for a second rise.
  3. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
  4. Decorate the Focaccia: Arrange fresh rosemary sprigs artistically to resemble tree branches. Place thin pear slices to create the tree base and optionally a tree topper. Scatter halved cherry tomatoes as bright ornaments, and add halved pearl onions for additional decoration. Add thin slices of red onion if desired to enhance color and texture. Sprinkle a little coarse salt over the decorated focaccia.
  5. Bake the Focaccia: Place the decorated focaccia in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes until the bread is puffed, golden, and the toppings are set and slightly roasted.
  6. Rest and Serve: Remove the focaccia from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes to cool slightly. Slice and serve warm for a festive holiday appetizer or side bread.

Notes

  • Use bread flour to achieve the classic chewy focaccia texture.
  • Allowing the dough to rest overnight develops deep flavor and airy texture.
  • Ensure the water is warm, about 100-110°F, to activate the yeast without killing it.
  • Feel free to customize toppings with your favorite herbs or vegetables to decorate your focaccia tree.
  • Drizzling plenty of olive oil before and after rising gives the focaccia a rich flavor and crisp crust.
  • If pearl onions are unavailable, small shallots or thinly sliced red onions work well as alternatives.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice (about 100 g)
  • Calories: 250 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 400 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 7 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg

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