Christmas Focaccia: 7 Steps to Festive Baking Bliss

Name: Christmas Focaccia: 7 Steps to Festive Baking Bliss
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 1 h 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast; 1 1/4 cups warm water; 2 tsp salt; 2 tbsp olive oil; Cherry tomatoes, halved; Fresh rosemary sprigs; Black olives; Coarse sea salt for topping

November 18, 2025

By:

Julia marin

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There’s something truly magical about the smell of freshly baked bread wafting through the house during the holiday season. This *Christmas focaccia* isn’t just any bread; it’s a stunning centerpiece that brings everyone together at the table. I remember the first time I made this with my family—it turned into a delightful tradition! We’d gather around, each of us decorating our own piece with vibrant cherry tomatoes and fragrant rosemary, creating our own little masterpieces. It’s not only delicious but also adds a festive touch to any holiday meal. Trust me, the sight of this colorful focaccia will make your heart sing and your taste buds dance! So, let’s roll up our sleeves and bring a little joy to your holiday baking with this beautiful recipe.

Ingredients List

Gathering the right ingredients is essential for crafting your perfect *Christmas focaccia*. Here’s what you’ll need:

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
1 1/4 cups warm water (make sure it’s just warm, not hot, to keep the yeast happy!)
2 tsp salt
2 tbsp olive oil (extra virgin is my favorite for flavor!)
Cherry tomatoes, halved (these add such a lovely pop of color and sweetness)
Fresh rosemary sprigs (aromatic and festive—don’t skip this!)
Black olives (for a little salty bite)
Coarse sea salt for topping (to add that finishing touch!)

Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating that beautiful, flavorful bread. So, measure carefully and get ready to bake some holiday magic!

How to Prepare Christmas Focaccia

Making *Christmas focaccia* is a fun and straightforward process that fills your kitchen with the scent of the holidays. Let’s dive into the steps!

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Start by combining warm water and yeast in a bowl. Make sure the water is warm to the touch, around 110°F (43°C)—too hot can kill the yeast, and too cold will keep it sleepy! Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy. This means your yeast is alive and ready to do its magic!

Step 2: Mix the Dough

Once your yeast is activated, it’s time to add the flour, salt, and olive oil to the bowl. Mix everything together until a dough begins to form. Don’t worry if it looks a little messy at first; it’ll come together nicely!

Step 3: Knead the Dough

Now, turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it for about 5 minutes. You want to work it until it’s smooth and elastic. If it feels too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour as you go. This is the part where you can really get in there and show that dough some love!

Step 4: Let it Rise

Place your kneaded dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm, draft-free spot for about an hour, or until it doubles in size. I like to put mine near a warm oven for the best results!

Step 5: Preheat the Oven

While the dough is rising, go ahead and preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This way, it’ll be nice and hot when your focaccia is ready to bake.

Step 6: Shape and Decorate

Once your dough has risen, transfer it to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Gently press your fingers into the dough to create dimples all over—this is where the toppings will go! Now, decorate with your halved cherry tomatoes, sprigs of rosemary, and black olives. Be creative; it’s all about making it festive!

Step 7: Bake

Sprinkle a little coarse sea salt on top and pop it in the oven. Bake for about 20-25 minutes until the focaccia is golden brown and your kitchen smells heavenly. You can check for doneness by tapping the bottom of the bread; it should sound hollow. Once baked, let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy the holiday magic!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy to prepare, making it a stress-free addition to your holiday baking!
Beautiful holiday presentation that’s sure to impress your guests and family.
Deliciously festive flavors that capture the essence of the season in every bite.
Perfect for sharing with family and friends; it’s a great centerpiece for any holiday gathering.

Trust me, this *Christmas focaccia* will not only fill your home with warmth and joy but also create lasting memories around the table!

Tips for Success

To make sure your *Christmas focaccia* turns out just right, here are a few handy tips! First, don’t rush the yeast activation; it’s crucial for that lovely rise. If you’re out of fresh rosemary, dried herbs work too, or try thyme for a different flavor twist. For a colorful topping, you can use bell peppers or even slices of zucchini—get creative! If the dough feels too sticky while kneading, just sprinkle a bit more flour; it should be smooth and elastic when you’re done. And remember, every oven is a bit different, so keep an eye on your focaccia towards the end of baking—don’t let it get too brown! With these tips, your festive bread will be the star of the show!

Nutritional Information

Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. While I don’t provide exact numbers, here are some typical estimates for one slice of *Christmas focaccia*:

Calories: 180
Fat: 7g
Protein: 4g
Carbohydrates: 25g

This delicious bread is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a lovely addition to your holiday meals. Enjoy it in moderation as part of a festive feast!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

To keep your delicious *Christmas focaccia* fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it, but it may lose some of its lovely texture. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through. This helps revive that wonderful, soft interior and slightly crispy crust. If you’re in a hurry, you can pop it in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds, but I recommend the oven for the best results! Trust me, you’ll want to savor every bite of this festive treat!

FAQ Section

Got questions about making your *Christmas focaccia*? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered!

Can I use different toppings?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with toppings. Sliced bell peppers, artichokes, or even different herbs can add a unique twist to your festive bread.

What if my dough doesn’t rise?
If your dough doesn’t rise, it could be that the yeast was too old or the water was too hot or too cold. Make sure you use warm water around 110°F (43°C) and check the expiration date on your yeast!

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough a day in advance and let it rise in the fridge overnight. Just remember to bring it back to room temperature before shaping and baking.

How do I know when it’s done baking?
Your focaccia should be golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes of baking—trust me, you’ll want it perfectly golden!

Happy baking, and enjoy sharing this delightful bread with your loved ones!