Description
Star Bread is a delightful and visually stunning bread recipe that combines a flavorful herbed cheese filling with fresh greens and a garlic butter finish. This recipe features soft, elastic dough layered with a savory blend of Boursin cheese, fresh basil, arugula, and parmesan, twisted into a beautiful star shape and baked to golden perfection. Ideal as a centerpiece for gatherings or a special treat, this bread offers a delicious twist on traditional baking with aromatic herbs and a cheesy, garlicky flair.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 1 cup Warm water (105°F to 115°F)
- 2 teaspoons Traditional active dry yeast
- 1 cup Warm milk
- 2 tablespoons Sugar
- 1 large Egg (divided)
- 4 tablespoons Butter (divided)
- 4 cups All-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt (divided)
Filling Ingredients
- 2 cups Baby arugula
- 1 cup Fresh basil leaves
- 4 cloves Minced garlic cloves (divided)
- 1 teaspoon Pepper
- 1 teaspoon Lemon zest
- 8 ounces Boursin cheese
- ½ cup Finely grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons Chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: Heat 1 cup of water to 105°F to 115°F, add a pinch of sugar and 2 teaspoons of active dry yeast. Stir briefly and let it sit undisturbed for about 5 minutes until bubbly and foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine warm milk, 2 tablespoons sugar, 1 beaten egg, 1 tablespoon melted butter, and the activated yeast mixture. Stir gently to mix well before adding dry ingredients.
- Mix the Dough: Add 4 cups of all-purpose flour and ½ teaspoon kosher salt to the wet mixture. Using a dough hook on low speed, mix until the dough starts coming together. Gradually add more flour if dough is too sticky.
- Knead the Dough: Continue mixing with the dough hook for about 5 minutes until soft and elastic. Lightly flour a countertop and knead the dough briefly by hand to form a smooth ball.
- Let the Dough Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a cloth or plastic wrap, and set in a warm spot. Let it rise for 1 to 1½ hours until doubled in size.
- Prepare the Filling: In a food processor, combine 2 cups baby arugula, 1 cup fresh basil, half the minced garlic, lemon zest, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, and pepper. Pulse until finely chopped. Add Boursin cheese and pulse until smooth and well blended.
- Shape the Dough: Punch down the risen dough gently, divide into three equal parts, shape each into a ball, and roll each into a 10-inch circle on parchment paper.
- Layer the Filling: Place one dough circle on parchment paper, spread half the filling evenly, sprinkle half the parmesan cheese. Repeat with the second circle and remaining filling and parmesan. Place the third circle on top covering all layers.
- Cut the Dough: Mark a 3-inch circle in the center of the top dough layer. Cut 16 strips from the edge of the dough toward the center, stopping at the marked circle to form the star design points.
- Twist the Strips: Working in pairs, twist two adjacent strips away from each other twice, then pinch the ends together to secure the star pattern. Cover the bread and let it rise for 30 minutes.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an egg wash by beating the remaining egg with a splash of water for brushing the bread.
- Bake the Bread: Brush the risen bread with egg wash and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown and hollow sounding when tapped underneath.
- Make Garlic Butter: While baking, melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter in a small pan, add the remaining minced garlic cloves, sauté briefly to infuse, remove from heat, and stir in chopped fresh parsley.
- Serve Warm: When the bread comes out of the oven, brush generously with garlic butter mixture. Serve warm for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Ensure the water temperature is between 105°F and 115°F to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
- You can substitute Boursin cheese with a soft herbed cream cheese if unavailable.
- Twisting the strips carefully helps create the star shape and prevents tearing the dough.
- Letting the dough rise fully helps achieve a soft and fluffy texture in the bread.
- Serve the bread warm to enjoy the melty cheese filling and garlic butter aroma at their best.
