Name: Christmas Tree Focaccia Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 12 h 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 3 cups bread flour; 1/4 tsp active dry yeast; 1 1/4 tsp coarse salt; 1 2/3 cup warm water; Pear slices, for base and topper; Pearl onions, peeled and halved; Cherry tomatoes, halved; Thinly sliced red onion; Fresh rosemary sprigs; Coarse salt, for sprinkling; Plenty of olive oil, a few tablespoons

Jump to Recipe· 4.6 from 19 reviews

There’s something truly magical about creating bread during the holidays, and this Christmas Tree Focaccia Recipe is one of my all-time favorites to share with friends and family. It’s not just deliciously soft and olive oil-infused, but it also brings that festive spirit right to your kitchen table. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll keep making it every December – it’s that fan-freaking-tastic! Stick around and I’ll walk you through all my tips and tricks so your focaccia turns out beautifully every time.

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Why This Recipe Works

Overnight Fermentation: Letting the dough rest overnight develops incredible flavor and a perfect airy crumb.
Simple Yet Effective Ingredients: Minimal ingredients allow that fabulous olive oil and fresh herbs to shine through.
Creative Decoration: Using fresh toppings like rosemary and cherry tomatoes turns this bread into an edible holiday centerpiece.
Easy to Prep: No fancy techniques or equipment needed – just your hands and a little patience.

Christmas Tree Focaccia, holiday focaccia bread, festive bread recipes, easy Christmas bread, olive oil focaccia Christmas - The dish is a round, thick layer of pale dough laid flat inside a white oval baking dish. On top of the dough, there is a rosemary shaped like a Christmas tree, with green needle-like leaves. The rosemary is decorated with red, orange, and yellow small round tomatoes and whole white pearl onions, scattered evenly like ornaments. At the bottom, a small piece of orange bread acts as the tree trunk, and at the top, five small slivered almonds form a star shape. Thin slices of red onion are placed vertically under the rosemary branches, adding a touch of purple to the design. The dish sits on a white marbled surface with a white cloth and a cup of coffee nearby, along with rosemary sprigs and red onion slices scattered around. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Christmas Tree Focaccia Recipe uses straightforward pantry staples paired with fresh, seasonal ingredients to make bread that’s buttery, fragrant, and festive. Each component serves a specific role, from rising to flavor, so here’s a quick breakdown before you start shopping.

Christmas Tree Focaccia, holiday focaccia bread, festive bread recipes, easy Christmas bread, olive oil focaccia Christmas - Flat lay of a small mound of bread flour on a simple white ceramic plate, a small white bowl with active dry yeast powder, a few coarse salt crystals scattered on a second small white bowl, a clear small white bowl of warm water, fresh whole pearl onions halved, bright red cherry tomatoes halved, thin slices of red onion arranged in a delicate fan, thin slices of fresh pear, fresh green rosemary sprigs artfully arranged, a small white bowl filled with golden olive oil all placed with perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Bread Flour: Provides that perfect chew and structure necessary for focaccia’s airy texture.
Active Dry Yeast: The magic that helps your dough rise overnight, creating those beautiful bubbles inside.
Coarse Salt: For seasoning and sprinkling on top to add crunch and punch.
Warm Water: Activates the yeast and forms the dough’s base.
Olive Oil: Don’t be shy with it! It keeps the focaccia tender, crispy on the outside, and adds that authentic flavor.
Fresh Rosemary Sprigs: Give this focaccia its piney, festive aroma and look like little tree branches.
Pear, Pearl Onions, Cherry Tomatoes, Thinly Sliced Red Onion: These fresh toppings act as seasonal colorful “ornaments” and natural sweetness, creating the holiday tree effect.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the reasons I adore this Christmas Tree Focaccia Recipe is how flexible it is. I often play around with the decorations, turning my kitchen into a little holiday art studio. You can go all out with toppings or keep it simple and elegant—both ways delicious!

Variation: Last year, I swapped pear for thin slices of golden apple and added some crumbled goat cheese – the tang and sweetness were unbelievable.
Dietary tweak: If you prefer a gluten-free option, experiment with a gluten-free bread flour blend, but be aware it may need extra binding.
Seasonal: While I love rosemary year-round, try using thyme sprigs or sage for a different herbal twist.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Christmas Tree Focaccia Recipe

Step 1: Wake Up the Dough Overnight

Start by mixing your bread flour, active dry yeast, and salt in a large bowl. Give it a good whisk to combine. Add warm water (not hot, or it’ll kill the yeast!) and stir with a wooden spoon until the dough looks shaggy and wet—don’t worry about kneading here—it’s rustic! Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and a towel, then let it hang out on your counter overnight (at least 12 hours). This slow rise not only develops flavor but creates those dreamy pockets inside the focaccia.

Step 2: Shape and Oil It Up

By the next day, your dough will have risen beautifully with bubbles all over. Drizzle the bottom of your casserole dish (around 7×12 inches works great) with plenty of olive oil. Tip the dough into the pan—it may be sticky! Spread gently with your oiled hands so it fits snugly, then dimple the surface with your fingertips to create those signature focaccia indentations. Drizzle more olive oil on top and cover lightly for 2 hours to relax and rise just a bit more.

Step 3: Decorate Your Christmas Tree

Preheat your oven to 400°F while you decorate. Arrange fresh rosemary sprigs fanned out to mimic tree branches. Slice small pieces of pear to create the tree trunk at the base. Halve cherry tomatoes and pearl onions to look like festive little ornaments. I sometimes add a small pear slice at the top as the tree topper. This is where you get creative—whatever you have on hand or love goes on your edible tree!

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Sprinkle a bit of coarse salt over everything and bake for about 25 minutes. You’re looking for the focaccia to puff up, turn golden brown, and for your toppings to glisten and set. The scent in your kitchen at this point? Absolutely intoxicating. Let it cool for a few minutes, then slice and feast!

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Tips from My Kitchen

Warm Water Temperature: Make sure your water is warm but not hotter than 110°F to keep your yeast happy and active.
Don’t Overmix: Stir until dough just comes together; overmixing can make it tough.
Use Plenty of Olive Oil: It’s key for flavor and texture, so don’t skimp at any stage.
Handle Gently: When transferring dough to the pan, be gentle to preserve the delicate air bubbles.

How to Serve Christmas Tree Focaccia Recipe

Christmas Tree Focaccia, holiday focaccia bread, festive bread recipes, easy Christmas bread, olive oil focaccia Christmas - The image shows a round, golden-brown focaccia bread resting on a silver cooling rack. The focaccia has small red cherry tomatoes and light yellow spots baked into the top layer, with fresh green rosemary sprigs spread across the surface. The bread looks thick and fluffy with a slightly uneven crust. This is set on a white marbled counter near a white sink with a gold faucet, with some brown and dark bottles and a plant visible in the blurred background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I love to finish this focaccia with a final drizzle of good-quality extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt right before serving—adds a lovely shine and crunchy texture. Sometimes a quick crack of fresh black pepper or even some shaved Parmesan can take it up a notch.

Side Dishes

This focaccia pairs wonderfully with something simple like a fresh winter salad or a warming bowl of soup. I’m a huge fan of serving it alongside roasted vegetables or a festive charcuterie board with cheeses, nuts, and olives for easy entertaining.

Creative Ways to Present

One year, I set my Christmas Tree Focaccia right in the center of a large wooden platter surrounded by sprigs of rosemary and fresh cranberries for a stunning holiday centerpiece. You can also bake mini versions for individual servings—so cute for kids or party platters!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover focaccia stays fresh stored airtight at room temperature for up to 2 days. I usually wrap it in a clean kitchen towel then tuck it into a sealable container to avoid it drying out.

Freezing

I’ve frozen unbaked dough shaped in the pan successfully—just cover tightly with plastic wrap, then foil before freezing. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge, let it rise a bit more, decorate, and bake. Alternatively, freezing a fully baked focaccia wrapped well in foil also works—just reheat to restore freshness.

Reheating

To revive leftover focaccia, I pop slices in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F for about 5–7 minutes until warm and crisp. Avoid microwaving, which can make it gummy.

FAQs

Can I make this Christmas Tree Focaccia Recipe without overnight resting?

While the overnight rest develops deeper flavor and a lighter texture, you can speed things up by letting the dough rise for 1 to 2 hours at a warm spot. The focaccia will still taste good but might lack some complexity and fluffiness.
What other toppings can I use for the festive focaccia?

Get creative! Sliced olives, bell peppers, colorful radishes, or even some pine nuts can be great additions. Just make sure your toppings aren’t too heavy to weigh down the dough.
Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour for this recipe?

Bread flour has a higher protein content which gives focaccia its chewy structure, but all-purpose flour can work in a pinch. Expect a slightly less chewy and airy bread.
How do I store leftover focaccia to keep it fresh?

Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven before eating to refresh the texture.

Final Thoughts

This Christmas Tree Focaccia Recipe isn’t just bread; it’s a gift you share with loved ones right from your oven. I love how it brings warmth, flavor, and a little bit of holiday magic to our table every season. You’re going to enjoy making it as much as eating it—so get your hands floury and create your own festive masterpiece this year!