Save to Pinterest A festive, pull-apart bread shaped like a star filled with aromatic garlic butter, herbs, and cheese&perfect for holiday gatherings.
This bread quickly became a holiday favorite in my family, loved for its fun shape and rich flavors.
Ingredients
- Dough: 3 1/2 cups (440 g) all-purpose flour, 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp / 7 g) instant yeast, 1 cup (240 ml) warm milk, 2 tbsp (28 g) unsalted butter melted, 2 tbsp (25 g) granulated sugar, 1 tsp salt
- Garlic Butter Filling: 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter softened, 4 cloves garlic finely minced, 1/4 cup (15 g) fresh parsley chopped, 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Topping: 2 tbsp (28 g) unsalted butter melted, 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped (optional), 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- In a large bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes, until foamy.
- Step 2:
- Add melted butter, flour, and salt. Mix until a soft dough forms. Knead for 8 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Step 3:
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Step 4:
- Meanwhile, prepare the garlic butter filling by mixing softened butter, garlic, parsley, Parmesan, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Step 5:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 6:
- Punch down the risen dough and divide into 4 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a 10-inch (25 cm) circle.
- Step 7:
- Place one circle on the prepared baking sheet. Spread a third of the garlic butter mixture evenly over it.
- Step 8:
- Layer the next dough circle on top, spread with another third of the filling. Repeat with the third circle and remaining filling. Top with the final dough circle.
- Step 9:
- Place a small cup in the center of the dough stack (do not cut through it). Using a sharp knife, cut the dough into 16 equal strips, radiating from the cup.
- Step 10:
- Take two adjacent strips and twist them away from each other twice, then pinch the ends together to form a point. Repeat with all pairs to form a star shape.
- Step 11:
- Cover with a towel and let rise for 15 minutes.
- Step 12:
- Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with parsley and Parmesan if desired.
- Step 13:
- Bake for 22 25 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Step 14:
- Cool slightly before serving. Pull apart to enjoy.
Save to Pinterest My family gathers around the table to pull apart this warm, cheesy bread every holiday season.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm with marinara sauce or a fresh green salad for a complete appetizer.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.
Variations
Add chopped chives or mozzarella to the filling for a flavor twist.
Save to Pinterest This star shaped garlic bread is a fun and delicious way to impress guests with minimal effort.
Common Questions
- → How do I shape the star bread?
After stacking the dough circles with filling, use a cup in the center as a guide. Cut the dough into 16 strips radiating from the center. Twist adjacent pairs twice away from each other and pinch ends to form the star points.
- → Can I prepare the bread ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the bread and refrigerate before the final rise. When ready, bring to room temperature, then bake as directed for fresh results.
- → What variations can I add to the filling?
For extra flavor, sprinkle chopped chives or mozzarella cheese into the garlic butter mixture before layering between dough circles.
- → What is the ideal baking temperature and time?
Bake the bread at 375°F (190°C) for 22-25 minutes until it turns golden brown and cooked through.
- → How can I store leftovers?
Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Reheat gently before serving.