Save A festive, pull-apart bread shaped like a star, filled with aromatic garlic butter, herbs, and cheese—perfect for holiday gatherings.
I remember serving this bread at our last holiday party, and everyone couldn't get enough of it.
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 This bread always brings the family together for a warm and joyful meal.
Notes
For extra flavor, add chopped chives or a sprinkle of mozzarella to the filling. Serve warm with a marinara dipping sauce. To make ahead, assemble and refrigerate before the final rise, then bake when ready.
Required Tools
Large mixing bowl, rolling pin, baking sheet, parchment paper, sharp knife, pastry brush
Nutritional Information
Calories: 340, Total Fat: 16 g, Carbohydrates: 40 g, Protein: 9 g per serving
Save Enjoy this star shaped garlic bread as a perfect festive appetizer that's both beautiful and delicious.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I shape the bread into a star?
Stack four dough circles layered with garlic butter. Place a small cup in the center, cut 16 strips radiating outward, then twist adjacent pairs twice and pinch ends together to form star points.
- → Can I prepare the bread ahead of time?
Yes, after assembling and shaping, refrigerate before the final rise. When ready, let it rise briefly at room temperature, then bake until golden.
- → What variations can enhance the filling?
Adding chopped chives or mozzarella cheese to the garlic butter filling adds extra flavor and richness.
- → What tools are essential for preparing this bread?
A large mixing bowl, rolling pin, baking sheet, parchment paper, sharp knife, and pastry brush will help ensure successful preparation and baking.
- → How should the bread be served?
Serve warm, fresh from the oven, and consider pairing with marinara dipping sauce for a delicious touch.