Decorated Focaccia Bread with Christmas Tree and Flower Designs Recipe

Nothing says festive cheer quite like a warm, fragrant bread that’s as joyful to look at as it is to eat. This Decorated Focaccia Bread with Christmas Tree and Flower Designs Recipe is the perfect way to add a handcrafted touch to your holiday table. With its soft, olive oil-infused dough and vibrant herb and vegetable decorations, this focaccia is both a feast for the eyes and the palate. Whether you’re sharing it with family or giving it as a homemade gift, this bread brings heartwarming holiday magic right into your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and fresh ingredients, each chosen to create the perfect blend of flavor, texture, and visual appeal. From the active dry yeast that helps the dough rise light and fluffy to the fresh herbs that give it festive flair, every component is essential.

• Warm water: Activates the yeast and starts the fermentation process for the dough.
• Active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons): Essential for making the bread rise and develop its airy texture.
• Honey (1/4 teaspoon): A touch of sweetness to help feed the yeast and add subtle flavor.
• All-purpose flour (2 1/2 cups): The base of the dough, providing structure and chewiness.
• Kosher salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances the bread’s flavor and balances the sweetness.
• Extra-virgin olive oil (1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons): Infuses the bread with rich flavor and creates a tender crumb and golden crust.
• Fresh sage, rosemary, thyme: These herbs bring both aroma and the unmistakable look of a Christmas tree on the first decorated bread.
• Fresh cranberries (1/4 cup, halved): Adds pops of tartness and colorful “ornaments.”
• Green onions (3 to 4): Provide vibrant, flexible stems for the floral design.
• Chive sprigs: Small touches of green that mimic delicate flower stems.
• Shallot, thinly sliced: Their rounded shape makes lovely petals for the flower bread.
• Sliced black olives (1/4 cup): Used to fill spaces, adding contrast and depth to the floral design.

How to Make Decorated Focaccia Bread with Christmas Tree and Flower Designs Recipe

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Start by mixing warm water, yeast, and honey in a large bowl. Stir gently just a few times and then let it rest for 5 minutes. This waiting time allows the yeast to bubble up and become wonderfully active. It’s like waking the bread from a cozy nap, preparing it for the perfect rise.

Step 2: Combine Flour and Oil

Add 1 cup of the flour and a quarter cup of olive oil to the bubbly yeast mixture. Stir until the flour is moistened and the dough starts to come together. Then, let it pause for another 5 minutes — this gives the flour time to hydrate and makes kneading easier.

Step 3: Finish the Dough

Now stir in the remaining flour and the salt. When the dough forms a ball, transfer it to a floured surface and knead it 10 to 15 times until smooth and elastic. This kneading strengthens the gluten, giving your focaccia that ideal chew.

Step 4: First Rise

Place the dough in a large bowl lightly coated with olive oil, cover it with a kitchen towel, and let it rise for one hour. It should double in size, becoming soft and airy. This slow rise is key to the bread’s fluffy texture.

Step 5: Prepare for Baking

While your dough is rising, preheat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit to get it nice and hot. This ensures a golden, crispy crust once baked.

Step 6: Shape and Prepare the Dough

Use two tablespoons of olive oil to grease a 9×13-inch rimmed baking sheet. Gently press the dough into the pan, shaping it to fit without stretching it too thin. Using your fingertips, dimple the surface of the dough to create those classic focaccia pockets, then drizzle with the remaining olive oil. Let the dough rest for another 20 minutes so it can puff slightly before baking.

Step 7: Decorate the Breads

Here’s the fun part that makes this recipe truly shine. For the Christmas tree design, arrange sage, rosemary, and thyme in the shape of a tree, then dot with halved cranberries to look like festive ornaments. Sprinkle with salt and pepper for seasoning. For the flower design, use green onions as stems, lay thin shallot slices as petals, add chive sprigs as delicate stems, and scatter sliced black olives around to fill in empty spaces. These natural, colorful decorations turn your focaccia into a work of art.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Bake your beautifully decorated bread for 15 to 20 minutes until the crust turns a gorgeous golden brown. The aroma filling your kitchen during this step is pure comfort and excitement.

Step 9: Cool Before Serving

Remove the focaccia from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack. Cooling slightly allows the crumb to set, making clean cuts easier and preserving the beautiful designs.

How to Serve Decorated Focaccia Bread with Christmas Tree and Flower Designs Recipe

Garnishes

Adding a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or an extra drizzle of high-quality olive oil just before serving enhances the focaccia’s flavor and keeps it shiny and inviting. You can also add a few fresh herb sprigs alongside the bread plate to echo the festive designs.

Side Dishes

This decorated focaccia pairs gorgeously with warm soups, like creamy butternut squash or tomato bisque, making for a cozy holiday-inspired meal. It’s also fantastic alongside a simple cheese and charcuterie board, combining textures and flavors flawlessly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a truly magical holiday table, place slices of the focaccia on a rustic wooden board or a festive platter. Arrange fresh herbs, small bowls of dipping olive oil, and even cranberries or olives around the bread for an added celebratory touch. The visual appeal will ignite conversation and delight your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any focaccia left, store it wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container. It stays fresh for up to two days at room temperature, perfect for enjoying the next day without losing its softness.

Freezing

For longer storage, slice the focaccia and freeze it in airtight freezer bags. When you want a quick snack, thaw a slice at room temperature or reheat it directly from frozen for convenience without sacrificing deliciousness.

Reheating

Reheat your focaccia in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 to 10 minutes until warm with a lightly crisp crust again. Avoid the microwave, which can make it chewy instead of delightfully tender.

FAQs

Can I use other herbs besides rosemary and sage for the Christmas tree design?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with any fresh herbs you love. Thyme, oregano, or even basil can work wonderfully and still create beautiful, aromatic decorations.

Is it necessary to dimpling the focaccia dough before baking?

Yes, dimpling is traditional for focaccia and helps create those signature pockets that hold olive oil and seasoning. It also prevents the dough from puffing up unevenly during baking.

Can I prepare the dough the night before?

Definitely! You can refrigerate the dough after the first rise to slow down the fermentation. Just take it out an hour before baking to come back to room temperature before shaping.

What if I don’t have a 9×13 baking sheet?

Use any rimmed baking sheet or shallow pan you have. Just adjust the dough’s shape accordingly to fit the pan — focaccia is flexible and forgiving!

How do I make the focaccia crust crispier?

Using plenty of olive oil and baking at a high temperature helps create a crisp crust. You can also finish with a quick broil for a minute or two to boost crispness, but watch carefully to avoid burning.

Final Thoughts

This Decorated Focaccia Bread with Christmas Tree and Flower Designs Recipe is truly a joyful way to bring festive spirit into your kitchen. The combination of soft, flavorful bread and beautiful herb and vegetable decorations is nothing short of enchanting. I encourage you to try this recipe and watch as it becomes a beloved holiday tradition, enchanting friends and family with each slice served.

Print