Christmas Tree Focaccia – Festive Holiday Bread Art

Introduction

Christmas Tree Focaccia is more than just bread — it’s a delicious centerpiece. Inspired by Italian focaccia art and the warmth of holiday gatherings, this festive flatbread transforms basic dough into a beautiful edible decoration. Shaped and styled like a Christmas tree, it’s topped with vibrant herbs, colorful vegetables, and olive oil for a golden, crisp finish.

Perfect for Christmas brunches, appetizer spreads, or as an eye-catching side dish, this focaccia is soft and airy on the inside, with a lightly crisped, olive oil-kissed crust. The toppings resemble tree ornaments and garlands, creating a holiday scene that’s fun to assemble and even better to eat.

Whether you’re baking with kids or impressing guests at your holiday table, Christmas Tree Focaccia is the ultimate seasonal showstopper.

Ingredients Overview

Focaccia dough is wonderfully forgiving, and the toppings are as versatile as your imagination. Here’s what you’ll need and why each component matters:

Flour (All-Purpose or Bread Flour)

Forms the structure of the dough. Bread flour yields slightly chewier focaccia with a more open crumb, but all-purpose flour works just as well for a soft, pillowy texture.

• Tip: Sift your flour for a fluffier rise.

Yeast (Active Dry or Instant)

This is the leavening agent that makes the dough rise. Use fresh, active yeast for the best rise and flavor.

• Activate it: If using active dry yeast, proof it in warm water with a touch of sugar before mixing.

Warm Water

Essential for activating the yeast and hydrating the dough. Warm (not hot) water ensures a good rise.

Olive Oil

A signature ingredient in focaccia, olive oil makes the crust golden and crisp and adds rich flavor.

• Use extra-virgin for the best taste — and don’t be shy with it.

Salt

Seasoning the dough is crucial. Salt enhances flavor and balances the slight sweetness of toppings like cherry tomatoes or bell peppers.

Toppings – For Decoration

This is where the fun begins. Use vegetables, herbs, and spices to “decorate” your tree:

• Rosemary sprigs: Mimic pine branches
• Cherry tomatoes: Like ornaments or berries
• Sliced olives: Add contrast and savory depth
• Mini bell pepper rings: Add color and shape
• Red onion slices: Make delicate garlands or stripes
• Fresh parsley or basil: For greenery or garnish
• Flaky sea salt: For finishing and texture

Optional Extras

• Parmesan: Adds nutty, salty flavor
• Crushed red pepper flakes: For a little holiday heat
• Poppy or sesame seeds: For visual texture

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Dough

In a large bowl, combine warm water (about 110°F) with yeast and sugar. Let it sit until foamy — about 5–10 minutes.

Add flour and salt, and stir until a shaggy dough forms. Drizzle in olive oil and knead lightly in the bowl or on a floured surface for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.

• No stand mixer needed, though it does make kneading faster.

Step 2: Let It Rise

Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm area until doubled in size — about 1 to 1.5 hours.

• Cold kitchen? Use the oven with the light on (no heat) to create a cozy proofing spot.

Step 3: Shape the Christmas Tree

Once risen, gently deflate the dough and transfer it to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Shape the dough into a large triangle or tree shape using your hands or a rolling pin. Keep it about ½–¾ inch thick.

• Tip: Taper the top like a tree and leave the base a bit wider.

Step 4: Decorate

Brush the surface generously with olive oil. Now comes the fun part — decorating! Arrange rosemary sprigs diagonally like tree boughs. Add halved cherry tomatoes as ornaments, sliced olives as baubles, red onion as garlands, and bell pepper stars or rings.

• Create a “tree trunk” using a rectangle of dough or a thick slice of red pepper.

Step 5: Second Rise

Let the decorated dough rise again for 20–30 minutes while the oven preheats to 425°F (220°C).

• Don’t skip this — it helps the dough puff up and bake evenly.

Step 6: Bake

Bake on the middle rack for 20–25 minutes, or until the bread is golden and crisp at the edges. Rotate halfway through for even coloring.

• Optional: Sprinkle with parmesan or flaky sea salt in the last 5 minutes.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Let it cool slightly before cutting. Serve warm or at room temperature with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping.

Tips, Variations & Substitutions

• Overnight Dough: Make the dough a day ahead and let it rise slowly in the fridge overnight for more flavor.
• Mini Trees: Shape smaller, individual trees for personal servings or gifts.
• Vegan: This recipe is naturally vegan — just skip any optional cheese.
• Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and add 1 tsp xanthan gum for elasticity.
• Sweet Twist: Swap herbs for cinnamon and sugar, and use fruit like cranberries or raisins to make a dessert version.

Creative Decorating Ideas

• Star on Top: Use a small cookie cutter on a bell pepper slice or yellow squash round.
• Garland Effect: Place thin red onion or scallion strips in wavy lines.
• Snowy Look: Dust with a little flour before baking for a frosted effect.

Serving Ideas & Occasions

This Christmas Tree Focaccia is as festive as it gets and works for:

• Holiday appetizer spreads
• Bread baskets for Christmas dinner
• Christmas Eve charcuterie boards
• Gifts for neighbors or teachers
• Kids’ cooking projects over winter break

Serve with:

• Olive oil + balsamic vinegar for dipping
• Herbed cream cheese or whipped ricotta
• A bowl of winter soup or roasted tomato bisque

It’s cozy, eye-catching, and completely edible art — the kind of dish that makes the table (and the room) light up.

Nutritional & Health Notes

Focaccia is traditionally indulgent but made from simple ingredients. Here’s what you can expect:

• Olive oil provides heart-healthy fats
• Veggie toppings add fiber and antioxidants
• Lower in sugar than most holiday breads

To make it a bit lighter:

• Use whole wheat flour for part of the base
• Reduce oil slightly or brush only the top
• Load up on vegetables to boost fiber and nutrients

It’s a treat, but one that can be balanced and nourishing when made with whole ingredients.

FAQs

Q1: Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! Make the dough and refrigerate overnight. Let it come to room temperature and rise before shaping and baking.

Q2: What’s the best way to store leftovers?

Wrap in foil or an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5–8 minutes.

Q3: Can I freeze Christmas Tree Focaccia?

Yes. Freeze baked, cooled focaccia for up to 1 month. Reheat in a 375°F oven until warmed through.

Q4: Can I use store-bought dough?

Absolutely — pizza dough works well. Let it rise once before shaping and decorating.

Q5: How do I keep the toppings from burning?

Brush everything lightly with oil and avoid placing toppings too close to the edges. Add delicate herbs like parsley after baking.

Q6: Can I use dried herbs?

Yes, though fresh looks and tastes better. Use about ⅓ the amount of dried herbs as fresh.

Q7: What’s the texture of the finished bread?

It’s soft and fluffy inside with a lightly crisp, golden crust — the perfect focaccia texture.

Print