# Components:
→ Dough
01 - 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) instant yeast
03 - 1 cup warm milk
04 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
05 - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
06 - 1 teaspoon salt
→ Garlic Butter Filling
07 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
08 - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
09 - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
10 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
11 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
12 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
→ Topping
13 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
14 - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
15 - 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
# Directions:
01 - Combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast in a large bowl. Let stand for 5 minutes until foamy.
02 - Add melted butter, flour, and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir until a soft dough forms then knead for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
03 - Place dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
04 - Mix softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper thoroughly in a bowl.
05 - Preheat oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
06 - Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 4 equal parts. Roll each piece into a 10-inch circle.
07 - Place one dough circle on the baking sheet and spread one-third of the garlic butter filling evenly over it. Repeat layering two more times with dough and filling, topping with the last dough circle.
08 - Place a small cup in the center of the stacked dough. Using a sharp knife, cut the dough into 16 equal strips, radiating from the cup.
09 - 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 create a star.
10 - Cover the star-shaped dough with a towel and let it rise for 15 minutes.
11 - Brush the dough star with melted butter and sprinkle with parsley and Parmesan cheese if desired.
12 - Bake for 22 to 25 minutes until golden brown.
13 - Allow bread to cool slightly before pulling apart to serve.
