Christmas Tree Focaccia

The Christmas Tree Focaccia is not just a festive bread; it’s a centerpiece for your holiday table that combines creativity with flavor. This delightful and easy-to-make dish can be enjoyed as an appetizer or a fun side during family gatherings. Its unique tree shape makes it an eye-catching addition to any meal, perfect for impressing guests or celebrating the season with loved ones.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Visually Stunning: This focaccia is shaped like a Christmas tree, making it a beautiful addition to your festive table.
• Simple to Prepare: With straightforward ingredients and steps, this recipe is great for both novice and experienced bakers.
• Versatile Toppings: You can customize toppings based on your preferences or what you have on hand, allowing for creative expression.
• Perfect for Sharing: This focaccia is ideal for gatherings, encouraging everyone to tear off a piece and enjoy together.
• Deliciously Flavorful: The combination of fresh herbs and vegetables brings vibrant flavors that elevate the traditional focaccia.

Tools and Preparation

To make the Christmas Tree Focaccia, you will need some essential kitchen tools. These will help ensure your baking process goes smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Wooden spoon
• Plastic wrap
• Casserole dish (7×12 inches recommended)
• Oven

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl allows you to combine the dough ingredients easily without spilling.
• Wooden spoon: Ideal for mixing thick doughs, providing strength when stirring through dense mixtures.
• Casserole dish: Helps in shaping the focaccia while providing even cooking throughout the loaf.

Ingredients

For the Dough

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

For Decorating

• Pear
• Pearl onions
• Cherry tomatoes
• Thinly sliced red onion
• Fresh rosemary sprigs
• Coarse salt
• Plenty of olive oil (a few Tbs.)

How to Make Christmas Tree Focaccia

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl combine the flour, yeast, and salt. Whisk until combined.
2. Add the warm water and stir using a wooden spoon until the dough is shaggy and wet.
3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and a clean kitchen towel. Let it sit on the counter overnight for at least 12 hours.

Step 2: Shape the Focaccia

1. On the next day, drizzle olive oil into a casserole dish.
2. Uncover your dough; it should be risen, bubbly, and beautiful.
3. Tip the dough out into the casserole dish. Spread it with your hands to fit snugly into the dish.
4. Dimple it with your fingers and drizzle more olive oil over it. Cover lightly and let it sit for two hours.

Step 3: Preheat Your Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Step 4: Decorate Your Focaccia

1. Use rosemary sprigs as branches fanning them out across the dough.
2. Slice a piece of pear to form the base of your tree.
3. Halve cherry tomatoes and pearl onions to create ornaments on your tree.
4. Get creative! Add any other toppings you desire.

Step 5: Bake

1. Sprinkle with coarse salt before baking.
2. Bake for about 25 minutes until puffed and golden brown.

Step 6: Serve

1. Allow to rest for a few minutes once removed from the oven before slicing.
2. Enjoy your beautifully decorated Christmas Tree Focaccia!

This festive bread not only looks stunning but also tastes fantastic, making it an unforgettable part of your holiday celebrations!

How to Serve Christmas Tree Focaccia

Serving Christmas Tree Focaccia can elevate any meal or festive gathering. This charming bread not only tastes delicious but also adds a playful touch to your table. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to complement your focaccia.

As an Appetizer

• Serve warm with a selection of dips like hummus, olive tapenade, or pesto for a flavorful starter.

With Soup

• Pair it with a hearty vegetable or minestrone soup, allowing the focaccia to soak up those rich flavors.

For a Light Lunch

• Create a sandwich using slices of focaccia filled with fresh veggies, cheese, and turkey for a satisfying lunch option.

As Part of a Charcuterie Board

• Include it on a charcuterie board alongside cheeses, olives, fruits, and nuts for an inviting spread that everyone will enjoy.

With Salad

• Serve alongside a fresh garden salad drizzled with vinaigrette. The focaccia complements the salad’s crunch and acidity beautifully.

How to Perfect Christmas Tree Focaccia

Perfecting your Christmas Tree Focaccia is all about attention to detail and technique. Here are some tips to ensure you achieve the best results.

• Use high-quality ingredients: Fresh flour and good olive oil can significantly enhance the flavor of your focaccia.
• Allow for proper rising: Make sure to let the dough rise sufficiently overnight. This improves texture and flavor.
• Don’t skimp on oil: Generously drizzle olive oil on both the dough before decorating and during baking for a crispy crust.
• Experiment with decorations: Use seasonal vegetables and herbs for unique designs that make your focaccia visually appealing.
• Check oven temperature: Ensure your oven is at 400°F before baking for even cooking and browning.

Best Side Dishes for Christmas Tree Focaccia

Pairing side dishes with your Christmas Tree Focaccia can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some fantastic options to consider:

1. Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal vegetables roasted until caramelized adds color and nutrition.
2. Garden Salad: Fresh greens tossed with vinaigrette provide crunch and balance to the rich bread.
3. Stuffed Bell Peppers: Colorful bell peppers filled with rice, beans, and spices offer hearty satisfaction.
4. Grilled Chicken Skewers: Flavorful skewers seasoned with herbs make for a protein-packed addition.
5. Caprese Salad: Slices of fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze create freshness.
6. Creamy Potato Salad: A tangy potato salad complements the focaccia’s texture nicely while adding creaminess.
7. Crispy Brussels Sprouts: Roasted Brussels sprouts provide a crunchy contrast to the soft focaccia.
8. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad mixed with vegetables offers health benefits while being filling.

These sides will enhance your dining experience while showcasing your beautiful Christmas Tree Focaccia!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Christmas Tree Focaccia, there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Bold measurement errors: Always measure your ingredients accurately. Using too much or too little flour can affect the dough’s texture and rise.
• Bold neglecting the rise time: Allowing the dough to rise overnight is crucial for flavor development. Skipping this step will result in a denser focaccia.
• Bold overcrowding toppings: While it’s tempting to add lots of toppings, be mindful not to overcrowd them. This can prevent the bread from puffing up properly during baking.
• Bold ignoring oven temperature: Make sure your oven is fully preheated before baking. An underheated oven can lead to uneven cooking and a less appealing texture.
• Bold skipping olive oil: Generously drizzling olive oil is essential for achieving that golden crust and enhanced flavor. Don’t skimp on it!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Keep in a cool place away from direct sunlight.

Freezing Christmas Tree Focaccia

• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag.
• Can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Christmas Tree Focaccia

• Bold Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Bold Microwave: Heat slices individually on medium power for 30 seconds or until warm.
• Bold Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat with a lid until warmed, about 5-7 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding Christmas Tree Focaccia.

How long does it take to make Christmas Tree Focaccia?

Making Christmas Tree Focaccia involves an overnight rise, so plan for about 12-14 hours total preparation time, including baking.

Can I customize the toppings on my Christmas Tree Focaccia?

Absolutely! Feel free to use different vegetables or herbs based on your preferences. Just remember to keep the design tree-like!

Is Christmas Tree Focaccia suitable for meal prep?

Yes! This focaccia can be made ahead of time and stored or frozen for later use. It’s great for quick meals throughout the week.

What is the best way to serve Christmas Tree Focaccia?

Serve warm, sliced into pieces as an appetizer or side dish. It pairs well with dips or salads.

Final Thoughts

Christmas Tree Focaccia is not just visually stunning but also deliciously versatile. You can customize it with various toppings based on what you have on hand. Give this recipe a try and impress your friends and family with your creative baking skills!