Tasty Christmas Focaccia: Same-Day Decorative Loaf Recipe

There’s something about the aroma of freshly baked Tasty Christmas Focaccia Same-Day Decorative Loaf that can instantly transport you to a cozy holiday kitchen filled with laughter and joy. Imagine the golden crust, perfectly crisp on the outside while soft and fluffy on the inside, infused with fragrant rosemary and adorned with vibrant toppings, making it an irresistible centerpiece for your festive celebrations. Grinch sugar cookies Christmas fruitcake cookies festive peppermint swirl cookies savory cranberry and brie tartlets.

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Every bite of this focaccia is like a warm hug from grandma, reminding you of all those joyous family gatherings where laughter echoed and delicious food was shared. Whether it’s Christmas dinner or a casual gathering, this decorative loaf is sure to delight your guests and elevate your holiday feast to new heights.

Baking this focaccia brought smiles all around during last year’s holiday dinner; everyone wanted seconds!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• All-Purpose Flour: This forms the foundation of your focaccia dough; opt for high-quality flour for the best texture.
• Active Dry Yeast: Fresh yeast is key for that perfect rise; check expiration dates for optimal results.
• Warm Water: Use water at about 110°F (43°C) to activate the yeast effectively without killing it.
• Olive Oil: A good quality olive oil adds flavor and moisture; don’t skimp here for that rich taste.
• Sea Salt: Enhances flavor dramatically; use coarse sea salt for sprinkling on top before baking.
• Fresh Rosemary: This herb infuses wonderful aroma and flavor; fresh is always better than dried.
• Cherry Tomatoes: These add vibrant color and sweetness; consider slicing them in half for even distribution.
• Olives (Black or Green): A tasty addition that offers a briny contrast to the sweet tomatoes; feel free to mix types!
• Pine Nuts (optional): For added crunch and flavor depth; toast them lightly before adding for maximum impact.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Activate Your Yeast: Begin by combining warm water with active dry yeast in a bowl. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy, signaling that it’s ready.

Create Your Dough: In another bowl, mix together all-purpose flour and sea salt. Pour in the activated yeast mixture along with olive oil. Stir until combined into a shaggy dough.

Knead Away: Transfer your dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. This step releases gluten, ensuring a chewy texture. For more inspiration, check out this Thick and Chewy Caramel Coconut Cookies recipe.

Let It Rise: Place your kneaded dough in an oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour until doubled in size.

Shape & Decorate: Once risen, gently press down on the dough to release air bubbles. Transfer it into an oiled baking pan or sheet, stretching it out to fit while adding dimples with your fingers.

Add Toppings: Garnish generously with halved cherry tomatoes, olives, fresh rosemary sprigs, and pine nuts if using. Drizzle olive oil over the top before sprinkling with sea salt.

Bake & Enjoy: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Bake the focaccia for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. The smell will fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas—trust me! For more inspiration, check out this Irresistible Orange Custard Squares recipe.

Now you’ve created a beautiful Tasty Christmas Focaccia Same-Day Decorative Loaf that’s not just visually stunning but also deliciously inviting! Serve warm or at room temperature alongside your favorite dishes or simply enjoy it on its own—because who can resist freshly baked bread?

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by mixing the dough while your oven preheats. Shape and decorate the focaccia while it rises. This sequence saves time and ensures you get that lovely golden crust.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap herbs and toppings based on your preferences. Try adding caramelized onions or roasted garlic for an extra flavor boost that will wow your guests.

Storing & Reheating

To store, keep the focaccia wrapped in foil at room temperature for up to three days. For reheating, pop it in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes to revive its crispiness.

Baking this focaccia reminded me of my childhood when my grandma would gather us around her kitchen table, teaching us how to make bread from scratch. The warmth of her smile was as comforting as the rising dough!

FAQ

What makes this focaccia decorative?

The Tasty Christmas Focaccia Same-Day Decorative Loaf features colorful toppings arranged artistically.

Can I use gluten-free flour?

Yes, gluten-free flour works well but may require adjustments in hydration levels.

How can I enhance the flavor of my focaccia?

Add herbs like rosemary or toppings such as olives for an extra flavor punch!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Tasty Christmas Focaccia Same-Day Decorative Loaf

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• Author: Emma Taylor
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 8 slices 1x

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Description

Tasty Christmas Focaccia Same-Day Decorative Loaf is a delightful holiday centerpiece that brings warmth and joy to your festive table. With its golden crust and fluffy interior, this focaccia is infused with aromatic rosemary and topped with vibrant cherry tomatoes and olives. Perfect for any gathering, it’s visually stunning and deliciously inviting, making it an irresistible addition to your celebrations.

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Ingredients

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• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp active dry yeast
• 1.5 cups warm water (110°F)
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup olives (black or green), pitted
• 1/4 cup pine nuts (optional)

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Instructions

1. 1. Activate the yeast: Combine warm water and active dry yeast in a bowl. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
2. 2. Create the dough: In a separate bowl, mix flour and sea salt. Add the activated yeast mixture and olive oil; stir until combined into a shaggy dough.
3. 3. Knead the dough: Transfer to a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth.
4. 4. Allow to rise: Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise for about an hour or until doubled in size.
5. 5. Shape & decorate: Press down on the risen dough, transfer it to an oiled baking pan, stretch it out, and create dimples with fingers.
6. 6. Add toppings: Top with cherry tomatoes, olives, rosemary, pine nuts if using; drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt.
7. 7. Bake: Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Baking
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 190
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 290mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 0mg