If you’re looking for a festive holiday recipe that doubles as a stunning edible centerpiece, this Christmas Tree Focaccia is guaranteed to steal the show. With its golden, pillowy base and colorful “ornaments” made from tomatoes, olives, herbs, and peppers, this focaccia looks like holiday art — but tastes even better.
Soft, fluffy, fragrant, and beautifully seasoned, it’s the perfect bread to accompany your Christmas dinner, serve as a party appetizer, or bring to a holiday gathering. Not only is it fun to design, but it’s also incredibly easy to prepare, and the final result brings instant holiday magic to any table.
Why You’ll Love Christmas Tree Focaccia
This festive focaccia is flavorful, beautiful, and incredibly simple.
- Stunning Christmas tree design made with veggies and herbs
- Soft, airy, bakery-style focaccia texture
- Takes minimal hands-on time
- Perfect for parties, appetizers, and charcuterie boards
- Customizable decorations & colors
- Holiday showpiece you can actually eat!
Why You Should Try This Recipe
Focaccia is one of the easiest breads you can make, and shaping it into a Christmas tree turns a simple recipe into a holiday highlight. Whether you’re creating it for a family meal or sharing at a festive potluck, it offers the perfect balance of flavor and creativity. Each bite is fluffy, salty, fragrant, and lightly crisped on top — irresistible for bread lovers and holiday guests alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Focaccia Dough
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 ⅔ cups warm water
- 1 tbsp honey or sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp salt
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil (plus extra for drizzling)
Toppings (Your Christmas Tree Decorations)
- Cherry tomatoes (red or mixed colors)
- Sliced bell peppers (yellow, red, green)
- Black or green olives
- Fresh rosemary sprigs (branches of the tree)
- Fresh parsley or basil
- Red onion slices
- Sea salt flakes
- Extra olive oil for brushing
How to Make Christmas Tree Focaccia (Detailed)
1. Make the Dough
In a large bowl, combine warm water, honey, and yeast. Let bloom for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
Add flour, salt, and olive oil. Mix until a dough forms.
Knead briefly until smooth, then place in an oiled bowl. Cover and rise for 1–1.5 hours.
2. Shape the Focaccia
Line a large baking sheet with parchment.
Stretch the dough into a rough triangle shape (like a tree).
Press lightly with fingertips to create dimples.
3. Decorate Your Christmas Tree
Use toppings to form a tree design:
- Rosemary sprigs for the branches
- Cherry tomatoes as ornaments
- Olives as darker accents
- Yellow peppers as a star on top
- Purple onions for color
- Fresh herbs as garland
Brush everything lightly with olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt flakes.
4. Second Rise
Let decorated dough rise 20–30 minutes.
5. Bake
Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 20–25 minutes, or until golden, puffy, and crisp around the edges.
6. Serve
Serve warm as an appetizer, centerpiece bread, or side dish. It’s beautiful served on a wooden board or festive tray.
Nutritional Information (Estimated per slice)
- Calories: 210
- Protein: 5g
- Carbs: 29g
- Fat: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 320mg
Tips for the Best Christmas Tree Focaccia
- Use high-quality olive oil for the best flavor.
- Don’t skip the dimpling — it creates the iconic focaccia pockets.
- Plan your decoration before topping the dough for best placement.
- Add more vegetables on the edges to prevent burning.
- Sea salt is essential — it brings out the bread’s flavor.
- Let focaccia rest 10 minutes before slicing.
Variations & Substitutions
- Cheesy Christmas Tree: Add mozzarella pearls or parmesan snow.
- Pesto Tree: Spread pesto under the toppings for green color.
- Spicy: Add sliced jalapeños or chili flakes.
- Mediterranean: Use sun-dried tomatoes, feta, and oregano.
- Whole Wheat Version: Swap half the flour for whole wheat.
- Mini Trees: Make small individual focaccia trees.
What to Serve with Christmas Tree Focaccia
- Roasted chicken or turkey
- Holiday soups (tomato basil, creamy potato, etc.)
- Charcuterie boards
- Warm dips
- Olive oil & balsamic dip
- Pasta dishes
- Holiday spreads and brunch boards
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using cold water: Yeast won’t activate.
- Under-oiling the dough: Focaccia needs oil for flavor and texture.
- Overbaking: Can dry out the bread.
- Crowding toppings: Leave enough space for dough to rise.
- Skipping second rise: Results in dense focaccia.
Storing Tips
- Store leftovers at room temperature for 1–2 days.
- Reheat in oven at 350°F for 5–7 minutes.
- Freeze slices for up to 2 months — reheat before serving.
- Brush leftover slices with olive oil before reheating for freshness.
Conclusion
This Christmas Tree Focaccia is a festive, beautiful, and delicious holiday creation that doubles as both decor and dinner. With its soft, airy crumb and colorful veggie “ornaments,” it’s the perfect blend of creativity and culinary comfort. Whether you serve it at Christmas dinner or bring it to a holiday gathering, expect compliments and empty plates!
Recipe FAQ’s
Can I make the dough ahead?
Yes — refrigerate overnight and bake the next day.
Can I use store-bought dough?
Absolutely! Pizza dough works great for a quick version.
Do I have to make a tree shape?
No — you can decorate a rectangle like a Christmas scene.
Can I add cheese?
Yes — parmesan, mozzarella, or feta are delicious.
Why is my focaccia dense?
It needs a full rise and enough olive oil.