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