Christmas Tree Focaccia
A festive bread shaped like a Christmas tree, perfect for holiday gatherings with customizable toppings.
Ingredients
For the bread dough
- 3 cups bread flour
- 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
- 1 1/4 tsp coarse salt
- 1 2/3 cups warm water Warm but not hot
For decoration
- 1 Pear For tree base and topper
- 1 Pearl onions Halved for ornaments
- 1 Cherry tomatoes Halved for ornaments
- 1 medium Thinly sliced red onion
- few sprigs Fresh rosemary For decoration
- to taste tsp Coarse salt For sprinkling on top
- a few Tbs. Plenty of olive oil For drizzling
Instructions
Prepare the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, yeast, and salt. Whisk until combined.
- Add the warm water and stir the dough together with a wooden spoon until it’s shaggy and wet.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and a clean kitchen towel and let it sit on the counter overnight, for at least 12 hours.
Shape the Focaccia
- The next day, drizzle oil in a casserole dish (about 7x12 inches).
- Uncover the dough; it should be risen, bubbly, and beautiful.
- Tip the dough into the casserole dish, spreading it with your hands to fit snugly. Dimple it with fingers and drizzle more oil on top.
- Let it sit, lightly covered, for two more hours.
Bake the Focaccia
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Decorate the dough using rosemary as branches, pear for the base, halved cherry tomatoes, and pearl onions as ornaments.
- Sprinkle with coarse salt and bake for 25 minutes until puffed and golden.
- Let it rest for a few minutes, then slice and serve.
Notes
Serve warm or at room temperature. Pairs well with dips or spreads like olive oil or balsamic vinegar. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months.