Ah, the joy of baking during the holidays! There’s something magical about the smell of fresh bread wafting through the house, especially when it’s my *Christmas focaccia*. This festive bread, adorned with vibrant toppings like cherry tomatoes and fresh rosemary, not only looks stunning but tastes absolutely divine. I remember the first time I made it—my family gathered around the kitchen, their eyes lighting up at the sight of that golden, crusty loaf. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll understand why this *Christmas focaccia* has become a cherished tradition in my home!
Ingredients List
- 500g bread flour: This is the foundation of your focaccia, creating that perfect chewy texture.
- 10g salt: Essential for flavor, it brings out the best in your bread.
- 7g dried yeast: This little powerhouse makes the dough rise and creates that airy goodness.
- 300ml warm water: Helps activate the yeast, so it’s warm but not too hot—think cozy bath temperature!
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Adds richness and a lovely flavor; don’t skimp on quality here!
- Cherry tomatoes: These will add bursts of sweetness and color on top.
- Fresh rosemary: A fragrant herb that screams holiday season; it elevates the whole dish!
- Olives: For a salty, briny kick that complements the other toppings perfectly.
- Coarse sea salt: A finishing touch that gives the focaccia a delightful crunch.
How to Prepare Christmas Focaccia
Mixing the Dough
To kick things off, grab a large mixing bowl and combine the 500g bread flour, 10g salt, and 7g dried yeast. It’s super important to mix these dry ingredients well before adding the wet ones because it ensures even distribution of the yeast. Once they’re blended, you’re ready for the next step!
Kneading and Rising
Now, pour in 300ml warm water and 2 tbsp olive oil. Stir until everything comes together into a shaggy dough. Time to get your hands dirty—knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. This is where the magic happens! After kneading, place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean cloth, and let it rise for 1 hour until it doubles in size. Patience is key here!
Shaping and Topping
Once your dough has risen beautifully, it’s time to shape it. Gently punch it down to release any air bubbles, then transfer it onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Use your fingers to stretch and shape the dough into a rustic rectangle (or whatever shape you fancy!). Now comes the fun part—top it generously with cherry tomatoes, fresh rosemary, and olives. Don’t be shy! Sprinkle with some coarse sea salt to finish it off.
Baking the Focaccia
Preheat your oven to 220°C (428°F) and pop that gorgeous focaccia in for about 20-25 minutes. You want it to be golden brown and smell heavenly—trust me, it’s worth the wait! Once it’s out, let it cool slightly before serving so you can enjoy it warm and fresh!
Nutritional Information
Here’s an estimated breakdown of the nutritional content for my delicious *Christmas focaccia* per 100g serving:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Sugar: 1g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on your specific ingredients and portion sizes.
FAQ Section
Can I use fresh yeast instead of dried yeast?
Absolutely! Just use about three times the amount of fresh yeast as dried. Make sure to dissolve it in the warm water before adding it to the dry ingredients.
What can I use as toppings besides tomatoes and olives?
Get creative! You can add roasted garlic, caramelized onions, or even cheese like feta or mozzarella. The options are endless!
How do I know when my focaccia is ready?
It should be golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. If you have a thermometer, aim for around 90°C (194°F) in the center.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it after kneading, just let it rise at room temperature for about an hour before baking.
Is *Christmas focaccia* suitable for freezing?
Definitely! After baking, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. It’ll stay fresh in the freezer for up to three months.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to prepare: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a stunning bread that looks like you spent hours on it!
- Festive appeal: The vibrant colors of the toppings make it a perfect centerpiece for your holiday table.
- Deliciousness: Every bite is a delightful mix of warm, salty, and savory flavors that’s sure to impress.
- Versatile toppings: Feel free to mix and match toppings based on your preferences or what’s in season!
Tips for Success
To make your *Christmas focaccia* truly shine, always opt for fresh herbs—they elevate the flavor so much! Don’t hesitate to experiment with toppings; think roasted garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, or even a sprinkle of cheese for that extra indulgence. And remember, it’s best served warm, straight from the oven. If you can resist, let it cool slightly before slicing to keep that beautiful, fluffy texture intact. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you have any leftovers of your *Christmas focaccia* (which is rare in my house!), store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep it fresh longer, you can wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10 minutes to restore that lovely crust!
Z nadrukami
Christmas Focaccia: 7 Tips for a Flavorful Feast
- Całkowity Czas: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Ustępować: 1 large focaccia 1x
- Dieta: Wegańskie
Opis
A festive bread topped with seasonal ingredients.
Składniki
- 500g bread flour
- 10g salt
- 7g dried yeast
- 300ml warm water
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Cherry tomatoes
- Fresh rosemary
- Olives
- Coarse sea salt
Instrukcje
- Mix flour, salt, and yeast in a bowl.
- Add warm water and olive oil. Stir until combined.
- Knead the dough for 10 minutes until smooth.
- Let it rise for 1 hour until doubled in size.
- Preheat the oven to 220°C (428°F).
- Shape the dough onto a baking tray.
- Top with cherry tomatoes, rosemary, and olives.
- Sprinkle with coarse sea salt.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool slightly before serving.
Uwagi
- Use fresh herbs for better flavor.
- Experiment with toppings like cheese or nuts.
- Best served warm.
- Czas Przygotowania: 15 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 25 minutes
- Kategoria: Bread
- Sposób: Baking
- Kuchnia: Italian
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 100g
- Kalorie: 250
- Cukier: 1g
- Sód: 300mg
- Kwasy: 8g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 1g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 7g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 40g
- Włókno: 2g
- Białko: 8g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Słowa kluczowe: christmas focaccia
