Pin It A festive, pull-apart bread shaped like a star filled with aromatic garlic butter, herbs, and cheese& perfect for holiday gatherings.
This recipe quickly became a favorite at our family celebrations for its fun shape and delicious taste.
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 It This bread often brings everyone to the kitchen and creates joyful family moments sharing the pull-apart star.
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
Calories: 340, Total Fat: 16 g, Carbohydrates: 40 g, Protein: 9 g per serving
Pin It This star shaped garlic bread is perfect for celebrations and makes a great centerpiece on your holiday table.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How do I shape the pull-apart bread into a star?
After stacking the dough layers with garlic butter filling, place a small cup in the center, cut the dough into 16 strips radiating from it, then twist pairs of strips twice away from each other and pinch the ends to form points.
- → Can I prepare the dough in advance?
Yes, the assembled bread can be refrigerated before the final rise and baked when ready, maintaining freshness and flavor.
- → What herbs work best in the garlic butter filling?
Fresh parsley is recommended, but you can add chopped chives for an extra layer of flavor in the garlic butter mixture.
- → What is the ideal baking temperature and time?
Bake the shaped bread at 375°F (190°C) for 22–25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- → Can I add cheese to the filling?
Yes, grated Parmesan cheese is included in the filling and can be supplemented with mozzarella for extra richness if desired.