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Christmas Tree Focaccia: A Festive and Delicious Holiday Bread


  • Author: Annabel
  • Total Time: 12 hours 40 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings

Description

Create a stunning edible centerpiece for your holiday table with this Christmas Tree Focaccia. Soft on the inside, crispy on the edges, and decorated like a festive Christmas tree, this bread is as delicious as it is beautiful. Whether you’re entertaining or baking for fun, this recipe will bring holiday cheer to your kitchen.


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

1. Activate the Yeast

  • Combine 1/4 tsp of active dry yeast with 1 2/3 cups of warm water in a small bowl. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.

2. Mix the Dough

  • In a large mixing bowl, stir together 3 cups of bread flour, 1 1/4 tsp coarse salt, and the activated yeast mixture. Mix until the dough is sticky and shaggy.
  • Drizzle olive oil generously over the dough to prevent sticking.

3. Rest the Dough

  • Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise at room temperature for 8–12 hours (overnight is ideal). The dough should double in size.

4. Shape the Dough

  • Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  • Lightly oil a baking sheet. Transfer the dough onto the sheet and use your hands to press and shape it into a triangular tree shape.

5. Decorate the Tree

  • Arrange pear slices as ornaments on the tree.
  • Add fresh rosemary sprigs to resemble tree branches.
  • Sprinkle the dough with coarse salt for added texture and flavor.

6. Bake the Focaccia

  • Drizzle plenty of olive oil over the decorated dough.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes until golden brown and crispy on the edges.

7. Serve and Enjoy

  • Allow the focaccia to cool slightly before slicing.
  • Serve warm or at room temperature as part of your holiday spread.

Notes

  • To prevent the dough from sticking, coat your hands in olive oil when shaping.
  • For more festive colors, consider adding cherry tomatoes or sliced bell peppers as decorations.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days and reheat in the oven for best results.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 hours 25 minutes
  • Category: Bread
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-Inspired