Description
Christmas Tree Focaccia: Festive bread adorned with herbs, cherry tomatoes, and olives. Quick, comforting, and crowd-pleasing holiday treat.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons (7g) active dry yeast
- 1½ cups (355ml) warm water (110°F/43°C)
- ¼ cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
- 2 teaspoons (12g) salt
- 2 teaspoons (4g) sugar
- 1 small red bell pepper, sliced into strips
- ½ cup (75g) cherry tomatoes, halved
- ¼ cup (30g) black olives, sliced
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary sprigs
- 1 small yellow bell pepper, cut into a star shape
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme
- 3 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh sage leaves
- Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling
Instructions
- Step 1: Activate the yeast In a large bowl, combine warm water and sugar, then sprinkle the yeast over top. Allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This indicates your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic in your Christmas Tree Focaccia.
- Step 2: Mix the dough Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the yeast mixture, then gradually incorporate the flour and salt. Stir until a shaggy dough forms. Turn onto a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. You’ll feel the dough transform under your hands, becoming less sticky and more cohesive.
- Step 3: First rise Place the dough in an oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap or a damp towel and let rise in a warm spot for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size. The dough should look puffy and feel light when you gently poke it.
- Step 4: Shape the tree Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Gently deflate the dough and transfer it to the prepared sheet. Using your hands, shape the dough into a triangular Christmas tree form with a small rectangle at the bottom for the trunk. Don’t worry about perfection—rustic looks more authentic!
- Step 5: Second rise and dimple Cover loosely and let rise for another 30-45 minutes. When ready, drizzle with 2 tablespoons olive oil and use your fingertips to create deep dimples all over the surface of your Christmas Tree Focaccia.
- Step 6: Decorate your tree Arrange your toppings to create a festive design: rosemary sprigs as pine needles, cherry tomato halves as ornaments, olive slices as garlands, and the yellow pepper star at the top. Press toppings gently into the dough so they adhere during baking.
- Step 7: Bake Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Sprinkle the decorated dough with flaky sea salt and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Your kitchen will fill with the intoxicating aroma of fresh Christmas Tree Focaccia as it bakes.
Notes
Fresh ingredients will always yield the best flavor results.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: Americaine
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 475mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Christmas Tree Focaccia