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 for a holiday party and it was an instant hit with family and friends.
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 brings back warm memories of family gatherings during the holidays.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the bread warm with marinara sauce or your favorite dipping sauce for a delightful appetizer.
Make Ahead Tips
Assemble the bread and refrigerate before the final rise. Bake when you are ready to serve.
Allergen Information
Contains wheat, milk, butter, and cheese. May contain traces of nuts or soy depending on brands used.
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This star shaped garlic bread will be the star of your holiday table every time you make it.
Your Questions Answered
- → How do I shape the bread into a star?
After layering the dough and filling, cut the stack into equal strips radiating from the center, then twist adjacent strips away from each other twice, pinching ends to form points.
- → Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble and refrigerate the shaped dough before the final rise, then bake fresh when ready to serve.
- → What type of cheese works best for the filling?
Grated Parmesan cheese is recommended for its sharp, savory profile, complementing the garlic butter and herbs perfectly.
- → What variations can enhance the flavor?
Add chopped chives or a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese to the filling for extra richness and texture.
- → How should the bread be served?
This pull-apart bread is best served warm, optionally with a marinara dipping sauce to enhance the savory flavors.