Easy Christmas Tree Focaccia Bread

This Christmas tree focaccia bread is a fun, festive addition to a holiday dinner or appetizer table.

Fresh rosemary creates the look of evergreen branches, while cherry tomatoes, olives, and colorful bell peppers add little Christmas decorations.

It’s made with soft, homemade focaccia dough, brushed with olive oil and topped with herbs.

It looks impressive on the table, but it’s really just a simple homemade bread recipe with a little creative decorating.

Serve it alongside Christmas dinner, add it to a holiday appetizer platter, or wrap it up as a homemade gift for someone who loves fresh bread.

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Focaccia

• Festive presentation: The rosemary branches make a beautiful Christmas tree design.
• Simple ingredients: You probably have most of the ingredients in your pantry.
• Fun to decorate: Use different vegetables and herbs to create your own design.
• Perfect for entertaining: It makes a beautiful centerpiece for a holiday appetizer table.
• Delicious homemade bread: Soft, chewy focaccia with a golden, olive-oil-brushed crust.

Ingredients

For the Focaccia Dough

• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups warm water
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (one packet)
• 1 tablespoon honey or sugar
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1/4 cup olive oil, plus more for the pan and topping

For the Christmas Tree Toppings

• 4–5 fresh rosemary sprigs
• 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 tablespoons sliced black or green olives
• 1/4 cup diced red and yellow bell peppers
• Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling
• Extra olive oil, for brushing

You can use whatever colorful vegetables you have available. Thinly sliced red onion, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh parsley are also pretty additions.

How to Make Christmas Tree Focaccia Bread

Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and honey or sugar. Let the mixture sit for about 5–10 minutes, until foamy.

Add the flour, salt, and olive oil. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.

Knead by hand for about 8–10 minutes, or use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5–6 minutes. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky.

Let the Dough Rise

Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and turn it once to coat. Cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap.

Let rise in a warm place for about 1–1 1/2 hours, or until doubled in size.

Prepare the Baking Pan

Generously coat a rimmed baking sheet, approximately 9 x 13 inches, with olive oil.

Transfer the risen dough to the pan. Gently stretch it toward the edges. If it keeps springing back, let it rest for 10 minutes before stretching again.

Cover and let it rest for another 20–30 minutes.

Decorate the Christmas Tree

Preheat your oven to 425°F.

Drizzle the dough with olive oil. Use your fingertips to gently press dimples throughout the surface.

Arrange fresh rosemary sprigs in a triangular Christmas tree shape, with the tips pointing outward to resemble branches. Use a small piece of bell pepper or rosemary stem to create the trunk.

Add halved cherry tomatoes, olives, and diced bell peppers throughout the rosemary branches to look like Christmas ornaments.

You can also cut a small star from yellow bell pepper and place it at the top of the tree.

Press the toppings gently into the dough so they stay in place while baking.

Bake the Focaccia

Sprinkle the top with flaky sea salt and a little more olive oil.

Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown around the edges and cooked through.

Remove from the oven and let cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing.

Tips for Making Christmas Tree Focaccia

Use fresh rosemary. Fresh rosemary holds its shape and gives the bread a beautiful evergreen appearance.

Don’t overload the toppings. Too many vegetables can make the bread soggy. Use just enough to create a festive design.

Dry your vegetables. Pat tomatoes and other vegetables dry before adding them to the dough to reduce excess moisture.

Use plenty of olive oil. Focaccia gets its delicious golden crust and wonderful flavor from olive oil.

Make your own design. You don’t have to make a Christmas tree. Try a wreath, star, or simple holiday pattern.

What Herbs Can You Use on Focaccia?

Rosemary is especially good for this Christmas design, but you can use other herbs, too.

• Rosemary
• Thyme
• Oregano
• Fresh parsley
• Basil
• Sage

If you enjoy making your own herb seasonings, try sprinkling a little homemade herb salt over the bread before baking.

My Rosemary Herb Salt is a wonderful choice for focaccia. You could also use Homemade Garlic Herb Salt or Tuscan Herb Salt for extra savory flavor.

Can You Make Christmas Focaccia Ahead of Time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough a day ahead and let it rise slowly in the refrigerator.

After mixing and kneading the dough, place it in a lightly oiled, covered bowl and refrigerate overnight.

The next day, let it sit at room temperature for about 30–60 minutes before stretching it into your baking pan.

You can also bake the focaccia earlier in the day and decorate your serving platter just before guests arrive.

How to Store Leftover Focaccia

Store leftover focaccia in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

To reheat, place pieces in a 350°F oven for about 5–8 minutes. This helps restore some of the crispness to the outside.

You can also freeze baked focaccia. Wrap individual pieces tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

What to Serve with Christmas Tree Focaccia

This festive bread is delicious served with:

• Olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping
• A cheese and charcuterie board
• Homemade soups and stews
• Pasta dishes
• Roasted meats
• Holiday appetizers

It’s also wonderful served warm alongside a bowl of soup on a cold winter evening.

This Christmas tree focaccia bread is a simple way to bring a little extra holiday cheer to your kitchen. The rosemary branches, colorful vegetables, and golden homemade bread make it almost too pretty to eat!

Make one for your Christmas dinner, bring it to a holiday gathering, or serve it as part of a festive appetizer spread.

It’s a fun way to use fresh herbs and make something homemade that everyone will enjoy.

Follow my Christmas Recipes and Crafts board on Pinterest.