Description
This festive focaccia bread recipe features a soft, airy dough topped with aromatic rosemary sprigs arranged like a Christmas tree, cherry tomatoes as colorful ornaments, and sliced onions to complete the decoration. Baked until golden and crisp, this savory bread is perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy snack.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil (plus extra for drizzling and greasing)
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp instant yeast
- 1 1/2 cups warm water
- 1 tsp granulated sugar
Toppings
- Cherry tomatoes
- Onion
- Rosemary sprigs
Instructions
- Mix the dough: Add the olive oil, sea salt, all-purpose flour, instant yeast, warm water, and granulated sugar to a large mixing bowl. Use an electric mixer fitted with a dough hook to mix everything until a shaggy dough forms.
- Prepare the baking dish: Grease a baking dish generously with olive oil. Place the dough inside and press it down gently so it reaches the corners of the dish, shaping it evenly.
- Proof the dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, allowing it to double in size.
- Preheat the oven: Once the dough has risen, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Dimple the dough: Grease your fingers lightly with olive oil and dimple the surface of the dough all over to create the classic focaccia texture.
- Decorate: Arrange fresh rosemary sprigs in the shape of a Christmas tree on the dough. Add cherry tomatoes as colorful ornaments scattered on and around the rosemary.
- Add onion slices: Peel and slice the onion thinly. Scatter the pieces across the dough and arrange some slices into a star shape at the top of the rosemary tree design.
- Final touches: Place a slice of tomato at the base of the rosemary tree for a trunk effect. Sprinkle a little more sea salt over the top to enhance flavor.
- Bake: Bake the focaccia in the preheated oven for approximately 25 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve: Remove from the oven, let it cool slightly, then slice and enjoy your festive focaccia bread warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Use warm water (about 100-110°F) to activate the yeast effectively.
- Feel free to customize toppings by adding olives or different herbs for variation.
- The dimpling helps create air pockets inside the bread for a light texture.
- Ensure not to overproof the dough to avoid overly airy or sour bread.
- Use extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
- Serve with olive oil and balsamic vinegar on the side for dipping.
