Save to Pinterest A festive, pull-apart bread shaped like a star, filled with aromatic garlic butter, herbs, and cheese—perfect for holiday gatherings.
I enjoy making this bread during the holidays because it impresses guests and tastes delicious ripped apart warm from the oven.
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 loves gathering around this bread, pulling apart each star point and sharing stories over it.
Required Tools
Large mixing bowl, Rolling pin, Baking sheet, Parchment paper, Sharp knife, Pastry brush
Allergen Information
Contains: Wheat (gluten), milk, butter, cheese. May contain traces of nuts or soy, depending on flour and cheese brands. Always check labels if concerned.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 340, Total Fat: 16 g, Carbohydrates: 40 g, Protein: 9 g per serving
Save to Pinterest This star shaped garlic bread is a festive addition that impresses guests and fills your home with a delicious aroma.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do you achieve the star shape?
After layering the dough and filling, cut the stacked dough into strips radiating from the center disc. Twist each pair of adjacent strips away from each other twice, then pinch the ends to form points of the star.
- → Can I prepare the dough in advance?
Yes, the assembled dough can be refrigerated before the final rise and then baked fresh when ready, maintaining freshness and flavor.
- → What herbs complement the garlic butter filling?
Fresh parsley works well in the filling providing a bright herbal note. You can also add chopped chives for extra flavor variation.
- → What is the best way to serve this bread?
Serve warm, ideally alongside a marinara dipping sauce to complement the garlic and cheese elements beautifully.
- → How long should the dough rise before baking?
The dough should rise once for about an hour until doubled, then shaped and allowed a second rise of 15 minutes before baking to develop a tender crumb.