Save 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 beloved holiday tradition in my family, enjoyed by all ages.
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℉ (190℃). 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 Our family gathers every holiday to make and enjoy this bread together, creating lasting memories.
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 This bread is best enjoyed fresh and warm but also freezes well for up to 1 month.
Recipe FAQ
- → What type of flour works best for the dough?
All-purpose flour provides the ideal balance of gluten for a tender yet elastic dough suitable for this pull-apart bread.
- → Can I add extra herbs to the garlic butter filling?
Yes, fresh herbs like chives or basil can be added to the garlic butter for additional layers of flavor.
- → How do I achieve the perfect star shape when twisting the strips?
Use a small cup in the center of stacked dough circles as a guide, then carefully cut 16 equal strips and twist each pair away from each other twice before pinching the ends together.
- → Is it possible to prepare the bread ahead of time?
You can assemble and refrigerate the shaped bread before the final rise, then bake it fresh when ready to serve.
- → What accompaniments complement this bread well?
This bread pairs beautifully with marinara dipping sauce, making it a flavorful starter or festive side.