Description
This charming Poinsettia Focaccia Bread captures the festive spirit with its beautiful flower-shaped bell pepper decorations atop a fragrant rosemary-infused dough. Soft and flavorful, this savory bread is easy to make and perfect for holiday gatherings or any seasonal celebration.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 3½ cups all purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon instant yeast (bread-making)
- 1½ teaspoons granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons sea salt
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1½ cups warm filtered water
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (plus more for drizzling and coating)
Toppings
- 2 large red bell peppers, cut into triangles
- 1 yellow cherry tomato
- Arugula leaves (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all purpose flour, dried rosemary, instant yeast, granulated sugar, sea salt, warm filtered water, and 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Mix together either using an electric mixer with a dough hook attachment or with a spatula until a shaggy dough forms.
- Oil the baking dish and shape the dough: Pour olive oil over a 9 x 13-inch baking slab or dish, spreading it to coat the surface evenly. Transfer the dough into the dish and press it down so that it reaches all corners, creating a relatively even layer.
- Let the dough rise: Cover the dough with plastic wrap or a damp towel and allow it to rise for about one hour at room temperature, until it has noticeably expanded.
- Preheat the oven: Once the dough has risen, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Create dimples in the dough: Using your fingers, poke the dough all over to create characteristic focaccia dimples which help hold the olive oil and toppings.
- Arrange bell peppers: Form two flower shapes by arranging the red bell pepper triangles on the surface of the dough. Each flower will have petals made of the bell pepper pieces.
- Add tomato centers: Cut the yellow cherry tomato in half and place one half in the center of each bell pepper flower to complete the poinsettia look.
- Season and bake: Sprinkle a little extra sea salt over the top, then place the dish on the center rack of the preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes or until the focaccia is golden and cooked through.
- Finishing touches: After baking, drizzle the focaccia with a little more olive oil. Optionally, arrange arugula leaves around the flowers to mimic poinsettia leaves for a festive presentation.
Notes
- Poinsettia focaccia bread is visually striking yet simple to prepare, perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
- This bread makes a festive and savory addition to any holiday table or seasonal party.
- Using fresh rosemary enhances the aroma; however, dried rosemary works well too.
- Arugula garnish is optional but adds a nice peppery contrast to the sweetness of the bell peppers.
- Ensure water is warm but not hot to activate the yeast effectively.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 344 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 782 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 59 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
