Save to Pinterest A festive, pull-apart bread shaped like a star, filled with aromatic garlic butter, herbs, and cheese—perfect for holiday gatherings.
This bread has become a holiday favorite at our house each year as it brings everyone together with its unique design and delicious 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 375F (190C) 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 bread has created unforgettable family moments as everyone loves pulling apart the star and sharing the flavorful pieces together.
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
Save to Pinterest Enjoy this festive garlic bread fresh and warm for the best experience it's perfect for sharing with friends and family.
Recipe FAQs
- → How is the star shape formed?
The dough is layered with garlic butter filling, stacked into circles, then cut into strips radiating from the center. Adjacent strips are twisted twice in opposite directions and pinched together to form the star points.
- → Can this be prepared in advance?
Yes, assemble the bread and refrigerate before the final rise. Bake it fresh when ready to serve.
- → What type of cheese is used in the filling?
Grated Parmesan cheese adds a nutty, savory flavor to the garlic butter filling.
- → What is the best way to serve this bread?
Serve warm, either on its own or with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
- → Can additional herbs be added?
Fresh parsley is used, but you may add chopped chives or other preferred herbs to enhance flavor.