Pin It A festive, pull-apart bread shaped like a star, filled with aromatic garlic butter, herbs, and cheese—perfect for holiday gatherings.
I love making this during the holidays because it brings everyone together to enjoy the unique star shape and delicious smell filling the house.
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 My family especially loves pulling apart the bread together at the holiday table—it's always a fun and tasty tradition.
Required Tools
Large mixing bowl, rolling pin, baking sheet, parchment paper, sharp knife, pastry brush
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten), milk, butter, and cheese. May contain traces of nuts or soy depending on flour and cheese brands. Always check labels if concerned.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 340 per serving, Total Fat: 16 g, Carbohydrates: 40 g, Protein: 9 g
Pin It This festive bread is sure to impress and brings warmth to any gathering.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How do I shape the bread into a star?
Stack four rolled dough circles layered with garlic butter filling, place a cup in the center, then cut into 16 strips. Twist paired strips twice away from each other and pinch ends to form star points.
- → Can I prepare the dough in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the bread before the final rise and refrigerate. Bake when ready, allowing the dough to complete rising first.
- → What herbs work best in the garlic butter filling?
Fresh parsley is traditional and adds a bright flavor, but chives can be added for extra aroma and taste.
- → What is the recommended baking temperature and time?
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 22-25 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and cooked through.
- → How should I serve this bread?
Serve warm, either on its own or with marinara dipping sauce to complement the garlic and cheese flavors.