Pin This A festive, pull-apart bread shaped like a star, filled with aromatic garlic butter, herbs, and cheese—perfect for holiday gatherings.
This bread quickly became a holiday favorite in my family for its unique shape and irresistible flavor.
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 This recipe always brings my family together and fills the house with a wonderful aroma during the holidays.
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
Per serving: Calories 340, Total Fat 16 g, Carbohydrates 40 g, Protein 9 g
Pin This This star shaped garlic bread is perfect for any festive occasion and sure to impress your guests.
Recipe Q&A
- → How do I shape the bread into a star?
After layering dough circles with garlic butter, cut into strips radiating from the center, then twist each pair away from each other and pinch ends to form points, creating a star shape.
- → Can I prepare the bread ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the bread and refrigerate before the final rise, then bake when ready for fresh, warm bread.
- → What herbs enhance the garlic butter filling?
Fresh parsley is used for a bright herbaceous note, but chives can also be added for extra flavor.
- → What is the best way to serve this bread?
Serve warm and pull apart easily. It's delicious on its own or with a marinara dipping sauce.
- → How long should the dough rise before shaping?
Allow the dough to double in size during a one-hour rise in a warm place for optimal texture.