Name: Christmas Tree Focaccia Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 12 h 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 3 cups bread flour; 1/4 tsp active dry yeast; 1 1/4 tsp coarse salt; 1 2/3 cups warm water; Fresh rosemary sprigs; Pear slices (for tree base and topper); Pearl onions, peeled and halved; Cherry tomatoes, halved; Thinly sliced red onion (optional); Coarse salt for sprinkling; Plenty of olive oil (a few tablespoons)

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Introduction

Celebrate the season with this festive Christmas Tree Focaccia. This savory bread is not only delicious but also beautifully decorated to resemble a holiday tree, making it a perfect centerpiece for your holiday table.

A close-up view of a pale, thick dough spread evenly inside a beige oval baking dish with a slightly rough inner texture, topped with several fresh, dark green rosemary sprigs placed in a decorative pattern across the dough’s surface. The dough has a slightly dimpled texture with small pools of golden olive oil glistening between the lumps. The baking dish sits on a white marbled surface, with a sliced red onion piece with layers and a small white plate holding more rosemary sprigs nearby. Scattered rosemary leaves lie on the surface around the dish. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

3 cups bread flour
1/4 tsp active dry yeast
1 1/4 tsp coarse salt
1 2/3 cup warm water
Pear, thinly sliced
Pearl onions, peeled and halved
Cherry tomatoes, halved
Thinly sliced red onion
Fresh rosemary sprigs
Coarse salt, for sprinkling
Plenty of olive oil (a few tablespoons)

Instructions

Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour, active dry yeast, and coarse salt. Whisk together until evenly mixed.
Step 2: Add the warm water to the flour mixture. Using a wooden spoon, stir until the dough is shaggy and wet. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and a clean kitchen towel, then let it sit at room temperature for at least 12 hours or overnight.
Step 3: The next day, drizzle a generous amount of olive oil into a casserole dish (about 7×12 inches). Uncover the dough; it should look risen and bubbly. Tip the dough into the dish and spread it evenly with your hands to fill the space. Dimple the surface with your fingertips and drizzle more olive oil on top. Cover lightly and let it rest for 2 more hours.
Step 4: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Now, decorate the focaccia to resemble a Christmas tree. Use rosemary sprigs as the branches, fanning them out to mimic tree limbs. Place a small slice of pear as the tree trunk. Arrange halved cherry tomatoes and pearl onions as ornaments, and thin slices of pear can be used as a tree topper. Get creative with your design!
Step 5: Sprinkle a little coarse salt over the decorated dough. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes, or until the focaccia is puffed up, golden, and the toppings are set.
Step 6: Remove from the oven and let the focaccia rest a few minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy your festive bread warm or at room temperature.

Tips & Variations

Use a mix of your favorite herbs like thyme or oregano along with rosemary for added flavor.
Swap pear with thin slices of apple or zucchini for a different texture and look.
For a more rustic focaccia, sprinkle sea salt and cracked black pepper before baking.
If you want a softer crust, brush the focaccia with olive oil right after baking.

Storage

Store leftover focaccia in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep it fresh longer, wrap tightly and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat in a warm oven for 5–10 minutes to restore the crisp crust and soft interior.

How to Serve

The dish is a baked focaccia bread shaped like an oval in a light beige ceramic baking dish. The top layer is golden brown and slightly puffy with a soft texture. On this layer, there are several toppings arranged as a small tree: green rosemary sprigs with needle-like leaves form the branches, thin slices of white onion create round accents, and small roasted cherry tomatoes in red and orange add bright spots of color. A small piece of roasted garlic at the bottom represents the tree trunk, and a small star shape made of browned garlic slices decorates the top. The baking dish is set on a white marbled surface with a white cloth nearby, some rosemary sprigs on the side, and a plate of fresh vegetables with cherry tomatoes and onions in the corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can substitute instant yeast, but use slightly less (about 1/8 teaspoon) since it’s more potent. There is no need to dissolve it in water beforehand.

What can I do if I don’t have a casserole dish that size?

You can use any similar-sized baking pan or even a rimmed baking sheet, adjusting the dough thickness accordingly. Just make sure to oil the pan well to prevent sticking.