Oh, the magic of the holiday season! There’s nothing quite like the aroma of fresh bread wafting through the house while we deck the halls and sip on hot cocoa. Baking becomes a joyous ritual, and my *Christmas focaccia bread* is the star of the show! This delightful bread is not only a feast for the senses but also a wonderful way to bring everyone together. Picture a warm, golden crust topped with vibrant cherry tomatoes, fragrant rosemary, and a sprinkle of sea salt—talk about festive! It’s perfect for holiday gatherings, whether as a centerpiece on your dinner table or a delicious side for your favorite soups and salads. Trust me, this bread will add flavor and cheer to your celebrations, making every bite feel like a warm hug. Let’s get baking!
Ingredients List
- 4 cups all-purpose flour: This is the base of your focaccia, providing that delightful chewy texture.
- 2 teaspoons salt: Essential for flavor, it enhances the taste of the bread.
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast: This little packet is the magic that makes your bread rise and become fluffy.
- 1 3/4 cups warm water: The warmth helps activate the yeast, setting the stage for a perfect rise.
- 1/4 cup olive oil: Adds richness and moisture, plus a lovely flavor that complements the toppings.
- 1 teaspoon sugar: Just a hint to feed the yeast and help it work its magic.
- Fresh rosemary: This fragrant herb gives your focaccia that holiday aroma and taste.
- Cherry tomatoes: Sweet and juicy, these add a pop of color and flavor to each bite.
- Olives: A briny addition that brings depth and contrast to the bread.
- Sea salt for topping: A sprinkle on top before baking enhances the overall flavor and gives a nice crunch.
How to Prepare *Christmas Focaccia Bread*
Getting started on your *Christmas focaccia bread* is easier than you might think! Just follow these simple steps and you’ll have a beautiful, festive loaf ready to impress your guests. Let’s dive in!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine 1 3/4 cups warm water, 1 teaspoon sugar, and 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast. Let this mixture sit for about 5 minutes until it’s frothy. This means your yeast is alive and kicking!
- Next, in a large mixing bowl, add 4 cups all-purpose flour and 2 teaspoons salt. Mix them together well to ensure the salt is evenly distributed.
- Pour the yeast mixture into the flour mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon or your hands until a shaggy dough forms. It’s okay if it looks a little messy; that’s part of the charm!
- Now, it’s time to knead! Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. This is where the magic happens—trust me, your arms will thank you later!
- Once kneaded, place the dough in a greased bowl. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size. This is the perfect time to sip on some holiday cheer!
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s nice and hot when your dough is ready.
- After the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Transfer the dough to a greased baking sheet and stretch it out to fit the pan. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect; rustic is the way to go!
- Drizzle 1/4 cup olive oil over the dough, then sprinkle with fresh rosemary, halved cherry tomatoes, and olives. Finally, sprinkle a bit of sea salt on top for that extra punch of flavor.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until the focaccia is golden brown and your kitchen smells heavenly. You can even tap the bottom of the bread; if it sounds hollow, it’s done!
- Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. And there you have it—your very own *Christmas focaccia bread* ready to be enjoyed!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With just a few simple steps, you can whip this up in under two hours, making it perfect for busy holiday schedules.
- Festive Appearance: The vibrant toppings of rosemary, cherry tomatoes, and olives create a stunning centerpiece that will impress your guests.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of fresh ingredients and the rich, olive oil-infused bread is a flavor explosion that pairs beautifully with any holiday meal.
- Customizable: Feel free to experiment with seasonal toppings and herbs to make it your own!
- Perfect for Sharing: This large loaf is great for gatherings—slice it up and watch it disappear!
Tips for Success
To make your *Christmas focaccia bread* truly shine, here are a few handy tips! First, when kneading, make sure to use a floured surface and push the dough away from you, folding it over itself repeatedly—this builds that lovely gluten structure. Don’t rush the rising time; let the dough double in size for the best texture. As for toppings, go wild! Use seasonal ingredients like roasted garlic or a sprinkle of grated cheese for extra flavor. Finally, keep an eye on it while baking; ovens can vary, so check for that golden brown crust to ensure it’s perfectly baked. Happy baking!
Nutritional Information
So, you might be wondering about the nutritional values of this delightful *Christmas focaccia bread*. Here’s a rough estimate per slice: about 200 calories, 8g fat, 5g protein, 30g carbohydrates, and 1g sugar. Keep in mind these values can vary based on the toppings you choose, but it’s a tasty treat that fits right into the holiday festivities!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to enjoying your *Christmas focaccia bread*, the possibilities are endless! I love serving it alongside a warm bowl of hearty minestrone soup—there’s just something magical about dipping that fluffy bread into the savory broth. For a lighter option, pair it with a vibrant winter salad filled with mixed greens, citrus segments, and a zesty vinaigrette. And don’t forget about dips! A lovely olive oil and balsamic vinegar mix is perfect for drizzling, or you could go all out with a creamy hummus or tangy pesto. Whichever way you choose to serve it, your focaccia will be the star of the table!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your *Christmas focaccia bread* fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep it longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for up to a week. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the focaccia directly on the oven rack or a baking sheet for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. This will bring back that lovely crust and softness that makes it so irresistible. Trust me, it’ll taste just as good as the day you baked it!
FAQ Section
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Absolutely! Just keep in mind that whole wheat flour will give your *Christmas focaccia bread* a denser texture, but it’s a delicious, hearty option. You might need to adjust the water slightly since whole wheat absorbs more moisture.
How do I know when my focaccia is done baking?
The best way to tell is by the color and sound! Your bread should be golden brown, and when you tap the bottom, it should sound hollow. If it’s still soft or pale, give it a few more minutes in the oven.
Can I freeze the focaccia?
Yes, you can! Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, let it thaw at room temperature and reheat in the oven for that fresh-baked taste.
What toppings work best for *Christmas focaccia bread*?
Feel free to get creative! Seasonal toppings like caramelized onions, roasted garlic, or even goat cheese work wonders. The key is to balance flavors, so choose toppings that complement the dough without overwhelming it.
Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare the dough in advance and let it rise in the fridge overnight. Just take it out to come to room temperature before shaping and baking. It’s perfect for holiday gatherings when you want to save time!
Christmas Focaccia Bread: 10 Steps to Holiday Bliss
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 1 large focaccia 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A festive and flavorful focaccia bread topped with seasonal ingredients.
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 3/4 cups warm water
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Fresh rosemary
- Cherry tomatoes
- Olives
- Sea salt for topping
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
- Add flour and salt. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until smooth.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl. Cover and let rise for 1 hour.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Transfer the dough to a greased baking sheet and stretch to fit.
- Top with olive oil, rosemary, cherry tomatoes, and olives.
- Sprinkle sea salt on top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
- Let cool before slicing.
Notes
- Use seasonal toppings for a festive look.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Can be served with olive oil for dipping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breads
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: christmas focaccia bread, festive bread, holiday baking
