Pin 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 holiday dinner and everyone was amazed by both its look and taste it quickly became a family favorite.
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
Pin This bread always brings my family together It's a favorite at festive meals and occasions
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
Pin This star shaped garlic bread is the perfect festive treat ready to impress family and friends
Recipe Questions
- → What type of flour is best for this bread?
All-purpose flour works well, providing the right balance for a soft yet sturdy dough ideal for pulling apart.
- → Can I prepare the bread in advance?
Yes, the assembled dough can be refrigerated before the final rise, then baked fresh when ready.
- → What are good variations for the filling?
Adding chopped chives or a sprinkle of mozzarella to the garlic butter enhances flavor and texture.
- → How do I create the star shape effectively?
Cut the stacked dough into strips radiating from the center, then twist pairs of strips away from each other and pinch ends to form star points.
- → What is a recommended serving suggestion?
Serve warm alongside marinara sauce for dipping to complement the rich garlic and cheese flavors.