Star Shaped Garlic Bread

A festive, pull-apart bread shaped like a star, filled with aromatic garlic butter, herbs, and cheese—perfect for holiday gatherings.

I first served this bread at a holiday party and it quickly became a favorite with friends and family alike.

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

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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.

Prep ingredients, rinse produce, and dry dishes efficiently with a built-in workstation designed for streamlined cooking.

Check price on Amazon

Prep ingredients, rinse produce, and dry dishes efficiently with a built-in workstation designed for streamlined cooking.

Check price on Amazon

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My family always gathers around the table to pull apart this bread, making holiday moments even more special.

Notes

For extra flavor, add chopped chives or a sprinkle of mozzarella to the filling. Serve warm with a marinara dipping sauce. To make ahead, assemble and refrigerate before the final rise, then bake when ready.

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.

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This star shaped garlic bread is sure to impress and become a holiday favorite you'll make year after year.

Common Recipe Questions

→ What type of flour works best?

All-purpose flour provides a good balance for soft yet sturdy dough, ideal for shaping and rising properly.

→ How do I achieve the star shape?

After layering the dough and filling, a cup is placed in the center before cutting into strips. Each adjacent pair of strips is twisted outward twice and pinched at the ends to form the star points.

→ Can I prepare the bread ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the star, refrigerate before the final rise, and bake when ready to serve for fresh flavor.

→ What herbs enhance the garlic butter filling?

Fresh parsley adds brightness and complements the garlic and cheese perfectly, though chives or basil can be added for variation.

→ What temperature should the oven be set to?

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure the bread bakes evenly and develops a golden crust.

→ How long should the dough rise before baking?

Allow the dough to rise for an hour after kneading, then again for 15 minutes after shaping the star.