There’s something magical about baking during the holidays, the kind that warms your kitchen and your heart. My Christmas Tree Focaccia started as a family project on a snowy afternoon. My Nonna used to say that bread is more than flour and water, it’s love you can taste. Inspired by her teachings, I began shaping this festive focaccia into a Christmas tree. The aroma of rosemary and roasted tomatoes fills the house, mingling with laughter and twinkling lights. This bread isn’t just food; it’s a centerpiece that celebrates the season in the most delicious way.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Christmas Focaccia is festive, flavorful, and unbelievably easy to make. You’ll love how the golden crust crackles slightly when you tear it apart, revealing a soft and fragrant crumb beneath. It’s a showstopper on your table and a joy to prepare; especially if you get the kids involved in decorating it with cherry tomatoes, rosemary sprigs, and olive ornaments.
If you enjoy other Christmas bakes like Christmas Bread, this focaccia will feel like its playful cousin; same comforting warmth, just a touch more creative. It’s perfect for brunches, potlucks, or cozy family dinners.
Christmas Tree Focaccia
This Christmas Tree Focaccia is a festive Italian bread shaped like a holiday tree and decorated with cherry tomatoes, rosemary, and olives. Soft inside and golden outside, it’s perfect as a centerpiece or to serve with soups and festive mains.
- Total Time: 1 hr 40 mins
- Yield: 1 large focaccia 1x
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp instant yeast
1 tsp salt
¾ cup warm water
2 tbsp olive oil (plus extra for drizzling)
Fresh rosemary sprigs
Cherry tomatoes (red and yellow)
Black olives
Sea salt flakes
Optional: 1 minced garlic clove, grated parmesan for topping
Instructions
1. Combine flour, yeast, and salt in a bowl.
2. Add warm water and olive oil. Mix until dough forms.
3. Knead 8–10 minutes until smooth.
4. Place dough in oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour.
5. Shape dough into a Christmas tree on parchment paper.
6. Decorate with rosemary, cherry tomatoes, and olives.
7. Let rise again for 20–30 minutes while oven preheats to 400°F.
8. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt.
9. Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden and fragrant.
10. Cool slightly, slice, and serve warm.
Notes
You can prepare the dough ahead and refrigerate overnight.
Try adding cheese or garlic-infused oil for flavor.
For a sweet twist, use dried cranberries and a honey drizzle.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Bread, Holiday, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8 slices
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1.2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7.4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Ingredients
To create this festive focaccia, you’ll need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp instant yeast
- 1 tsp salt
- ¾ cup warm water
- 2 tbsp olive oil (plus more for drizzling)
- Fresh rosemary sprigs
- Cherry tomatoes (red and yellow for decoration)
- Black olives (for “ornaments”)
- Sea salt flakes for topping
Optional additions:
- Minced garlic for flavor
- A sprinkle of parmesan before baking for a cheesy finish
Like many Italian recipes, simplicity is key, just like in my Frosted Christmas Brownies, the balance of flavor comes from good-quality ingredients and care in every step.
How to Make the Best Christmas Tree Focaccia
- Prepare the Dough:
In a large bowl, combine flour, yeast, and salt. Add warm water and olive oil, then mix until a soft dough forms. Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth. - First Rise:
Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for an hour until doubled. - Shape Your Tree:
Roll the dough into a triangle to mimic a Christmas tree shape. Transfer to a lined baking sheet. - Decorate:
Use rosemary as branches, halved cherry tomatoes as ornaments, and olives as accent dots. - Final Rise:
Cover and let rest for 20–30 minutes while preheating the oven to 400°F (200°C). - Bake:
Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with sea salt, and bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown.
For another fun holiday bake, try my Christmas Cookie Box, it pairs beautifully with this bread for an edible gift basket.
Tips and Variations
- Add Flavor: Try infusing your olive oil with garlic or chili flakes for an extra kick.
- Get Creative: Shape smaller versions into mini trees for individual servings.
- Go Sweet: Use dried cranberries and a honey drizzle for a dessert twist inspired by Christmas Crack.
- Timing Tip: You can prep the dough the night before and refrigerate it for slow fermentation. This deepens the flavor and saves time on busy mornings.
| Variation | Suggested Ingredient |
|---|---|
| Cheesy | Parmesan, Mozzarella |
| Herby | Rosemary, Thyme, Oregano |
| Sweet | Honey, Dried Cranberries |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make Christmas Tree Focaccia ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Prepare the dough a day in advance and refrigerate it. Let it come to room temperature before baking.
2. Can I freeze festive focaccia?
Absolutely. Once baked and cooled, wrap it tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warm.
3. What toppings work best?
Tomatoes, olives, and rosemary are classic. You can also use red bell peppers or artichoke hearts for extra color, like in Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies, where creativity makes the dish shine.
4. What can I serve it with?
It pairs perfectly with soups, salads, or festive mains like Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken.
Final Thoughts
Christmas Tree Focaccia is more than bread, it’s an edible piece of holiday art that brings people together. The warmth of olive oil, the scent of rosemary, and the joy of decorating it all make this dish feel like home. Every bite carries a bit of family, love, and celebration, just as Nonna would’ve wanted.
Loved this recipe? Follow me on Pinterest for more comforting dishes and easy weeknight favorites you’ll want to save.
