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 first made this bread during the holidays and it was a huge hit with family and friends, perfect for sharing and dipping.
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 This recipe is a beloved family favorite, often enjoyed during holiday meals as everyone gathers around to pull apart the bread together.
Preparation Time
25 minutes plus 1 hour 45 minutes including rising time
Serving Suggestions
Pairs wonderfully with pasta dishes or as an appetizer for holiday parties.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 340 Calories, 16 g Total Fat, 40 g Carbohydrates, 9 g Protein
Save to Pinterest This star shaped garlic bread adds a festive and flavorful touch to any meal, perfect for sharing with loved ones.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I shape the bread into a star?
After layering the dough and garlic butter, place a small cup in the center, cut the dough into strips radiating out, then twist pairs of strips away from each other and pinch ends to form points.
- → What type of cheese is best for this bread?
Grated Parmesan cheese enhances the garlic butter filling with a sharp, savory flavor that melts beautifully during baking.
- → Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the layered dough and refrigerate before the final rise. Bake directly when ready for convenience.
- → What is the purpose of the final rise before baking?
The final rise lets the twisted dough relax and expand, ensuring a light, fluffy texture and well-defined star shape once baked.
- → Are there any suggested accompaniments?
This bread pairs wonderfully with marinara sauce, or any savory dip to complement the garlic and herb flavors.