Ah, the holiday season! The smell of pine in the air, the twinkling of lights, and the joy of gathering around a warm, hearty meal. One of my favorite traditions is baking bread, and this year, I’m absolutely smitten with my Rosemary Christmas Tree Focaccia. It’s not just a bread; it’s a festive centerpiece that invites conversation, laughter, and the delightful aroma of rosemary and garlic wafting through your kitchen.

Every year, I love to try new things to bring a little cheer to our holiday gatherings. Focaccia seems to have become a canvas for creativity, and there’s something magical about how simple ingredients can transform into something so festive. Picture this: a golden-brown, rustic tree that invites everyone to tear off a piece, dipped in olive oil or paired with a warm bowl of soup. It’s comforting, it’s delicious, and it’s perfect for sharing—just like the holiday spirit!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chewy, flavorful bread that’s a feast for the eyes.
Perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy dinner at home.
Easily customizable with your favorite herbs and toppings.
Fun, interactive way to enjoy freshly baked bread with family and friends.
Great as a side dish or served with a warm dipping oil.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create your own Rosemary Christmas Tree Focaccia:

4 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) instant yeast
2 teaspoons sea salt
1 tablespoon sugar
1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F)
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil (plus more for drizzling)
Fresh rosemary leaves, roughly chopped (about 3-4 sprigs)
Coarse sea salt for sprinkling
Optional: cherry tomatoes, olives, or any additional toppings you fancy!

Note: Fresh rosemary adds a beautiful punch of flavor, but dried rosemary will work if that’s what you have on hand!

Step-by-Step Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt. Give it a gentle stir, just to mix everything together.
Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the warm water and olive oil. Mix it with a spatula until a shaggy dough forms. Don’t worry about making it perfect—this is artisan, after all!
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for 7-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. If it’s too sticky, sprinkle a bit more flour as needed, but be careful not to overdo it!
Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Then, sprinkle a bit of flour on your work surface again and shape the dough into a rough triangle (or tree shape).
Transfer the shaped dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Use your fingers to make dimples all over the surface of the dough—this is where the olive oil will pool, making it extra delicious!
Drizzle the surface generously with olive oil, sprinkle with chopped rosemary, and sprinkle coarse sea salt for that extra crunch.
Let the dough rise again, uncovered, for 20-30 minutes while you preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
For an added festive touch, decorate your focaccia with cherry tomatoes or olives. You can create ornaments or even add a little star for the top of your tree!
Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until your focaccia is golden brown and singing with aromas that will have everyone rushing to the kitchen.
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes, then slice, serve, and watch it disappear! This is best enjoyed warm, but it’s delightful even at room temperature.

Pro Tips & Variations

Want to switch it up? Here are some fun twists for your focaccia:

Add slices of garlic before baking for a fragrant aroma—because who doesn’t love garlic?
Experiment with toppings! Try adding thin slices of red onion, feta cheese, or even seasonal vegetables like bell peppers.
If you want to make it a bit heartier, fold in some cooked spinach or sun-dried tomatoes into the dough during the kneading stage.
For a more traditional flavor, consider using thyme or oregano alongside the rosemary.

The best part? It’s all about what you love, so feel free to get creative!

Serving Suggestions

This Rosemary Christmas Tree Focaccia is not just beautiful to look at but also incredibly versatile when it comes to serving.

My favorite way to enjoy it is warm, drizzled with a bit more olive oil and a sprinkle of balsamic vinegar for dipping. Pair it with a hearty soup like minestrone or a lovely stew, and you’ve got a comforting meal ready to go!

This focaccia is also perfect for your holiday appetizer spread. Slice it up and serve it with a selection of cheeses, cured meats, or a vibrant salad. Trust me, it will steal the show!

Storage Tips

I know it’s hard to imagine any of this delicious focaccia lasting longer than a few hours, but if you do find yourself with leftovers, here’s how to store it:

Refrigerating: Wrap the focaccia in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It will keep for about 3-4 days in the fridge.
Freezing: If you want to keep it longer, slice the focaccia and wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To reheat, simply place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. You can also pop it in the toaster for that lovely crunch!

FAQs

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Absolutely! Whole wheat flour will give the focaccia a nuttier flavor and a denser texture. You might want to add a little extra water since whole wheat flour absorbs more moisture.

What can I serve with focaccia?

Focaccia pairs wonderfully with soups, stews, salads, or as part of an antipasto platter. It’s also fantastic on its own, preferably dipped in good olive oil or balsamic vinegar!

How can I make this recipe vegan?

This focaccia is nearly vegan as it is! Just ensure the olive oil you’re using is suitable, and you’re good to go. You can even swap regular sugar for coconut sugar or another sweetener if you like.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and let it rise in the fridge overnight. Just allow it to come to room temperature before shaping and baking. You’ll have the freshest focaccia ready for your guests!

Conclusion

I hope you enjoy making this Rosemary Christmas Tree Focaccia as much as I do. It’s a recipe filled with love, warmth, and the delightful spirit of the holidays. So gather around your kitchen, get your hands a little floury, and create memories with loved ones. I’d love to hear how your focaccia turns out, so feel free to drop a comment below! Happy baking, my friends!