There’s something special about baking during the holidays. The kitchen fills with warmth, the scent of herbs and fresh dough swirls through the air, and everyone peeks in to ask, “Is it ready yet?” That’s exactly what happened when I first made this Christmas Tree Focaccia. My husband, always the first taste-tester, walked in, looked at the tray, and said, “That’s not bread, that’s art!” And truly, it is. But the beauty of this festive focaccia? It’s surprisingly simple to make.
This isn’t just about baking bread; it’s about adding magic to your table. Whether you’re planning a quiet Christmas Eve dinner or hosting a lively holiday party, this edible centerpiece brings flavor, fun, and a whole lot of festive flair. In this guide, I’ll show you why you’ll fall in love with it, how to make it step-by-step, and even how to tweak it for your own twist.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Making Christmas Tree Focaccia is about more than the final result, it’s the experience. First, it’s incredibly beginner-friendly. You don’t need a mixer or fancy tools. The dough is forgiving, soft, and rises beautifully even in a chilly kitchen.
Second, it’s customizable. You can decorate it with colorful vegetables like cherry tomatoes, sliced peppers, olives, and rosemary sprigs to look like ornaments and garland. Kids love joining in on this part, kind of like a savory version of decorating cookies.
Lastly, it’s a total crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving it with soup, as an appetizer, or as part of a Christmas-themed grazing board, this tree-shaped bread will steal the spotlight and probably the first compliment of the night.
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Christmas Tree Focaccia
This Christmas Tree Focaccia is a festive, flavorful, and fun holiday bread shaped like a tree and decorated with vibrant vegetables and herbs. Perfect as a centerpiece or side dish for your holiday gathering.
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 1 large Christmas Tree Focaccia 1x
Ingredients
4 cups all-purpose flour
1½ cups warm water
2¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
¼ cup olive oil, plus more for topping
2 tsp salt
Fresh rosemary for decoration
Cherry tomatoes, sliced olives, bell peppers for decorating
Instructions
1. In a bowl, combine warm water and yeast. Let sit 5 minutes until foamy.
2. Stir in olive oil and salt, then mix in flour to form sticky dough.
3. Cover and let rise for 1 hour until doubled in size.
4. Transfer dough to greased sheet and shape into a tree using oiled hands.
5. Decorate with rosemary, tomatoes, olives, and peppers. Drizzle with olive oil.
6. Bake at 400°F for 22–25 minutes until golden.
7. Cool slightly and serve.
Notes
You can prep the dough ahead and store it in the fridge overnight.
Get creative with toppings; red onion, artichokes, and cheese all work well.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Ingredients You’ll Need
To bring your festive focaccia to life, you’ll need a few pantry staples and some colorful extras for decorating.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 4 cups |
| Warm water | 1½ cups |
| Active dry yeast | 2¼ tsp (1 packet) |
| Olive oil | ¼ cup + more for topping |
| Salt | 2 tsp |
| Fresh rosemary | For decoration |
| Cherry tomatoes, sliced olives, bell peppers | As needed |
This dough recipe also works beautifully for regular focaccia, like the flavors in this Christmas bread version.
How to Make this Christmas Tree Focaccia
- Mix the dough
In a large bowl, combine warm water and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy. Stir in olive oil and salt, then gradually add the flour, mixing until a sticky dough forms. - First rise
Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size. - Shape the tree
Punch down the dough and transfer it to a greased baking sheet. With lightly oiled fingers, shape it into a Christmas tree outline. Use kitchen scissors or your hands to sculpt the edges. - Decorate
Now the fun begins! Press rosemary sprigs into the dough to mimic branches. Add sliced cherry tomatoes, olives, and bell pepper stars as ornaments. Finish with a drizzle of olive oil and flaky salt. - Bake
Preheat your oven to 400°F. Bake the festive focaccia for 22–25 minutes, or until golden brown. Let it cool slightly before serving.
For a similar presentation-friendly appetizer, check out these Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites, another holiday favorite.
Tips and Variations
• Add cheese: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella or parmesan over the top before baking for extra flavor.
• Make it ahead: Prepare the dough the night before and let it rise in the fridge overnight.
• Switch up the toppings: Use red onion slices, sun-dried tomatoes, or artichokes for a Mediterranean flair.
• Herb it up: Mix minced garlic or Italian herbs into the dough for a more fragrant base.
You can even turn this into mini trees by dividing the dough, just like with these adorable Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cake Truffles.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make Christmas Focaccia ahead of time?
Yes! Make the dough a day early and store it covered in the fridge. Bring it to room temp before baking.
2. Can I use store-bought dough?
Absolutely. Pre-made pizza or focaccia dough works well in a pinch. Just skip to the shaping step.
3. How do I store leftovers?
Wrap it tightly and store it at room temp for 1 day or refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best texture.
4. What goes well with this festive focaccia?
It pairs wonderfully with soups, pasta, or a cozy dish like Rosemary Apple Cider Chicken.
Final Thoughts
This Christmas Tree Focaccia is more than just holiday bread, it’s a delicious, edible decoration that brings people together. It’s fun to make, fun to decorate, and even more fun to eat. Whether you’re new to baking or looking for something eye-catching and festive, this recipe delivers.
From our table to yours, happy baking, and may your holidays be as warm and flavorful as this beautiful bread.
For more easy and satisfying recipes, don’t hesitate to join me on Pinterest – where good food meets great company!
