Name: Cheesy Garlic Butter and Herb Star Bread Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 33 min
Total time: 2 h 23 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup warm water (about 110˚ F); 2 teaspoons sugar; 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons); 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 12 tablespoons cold unsalted butter (cut into small pats); 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup milk; 1 (5 oz) package soft Boursin Garlic and Herb Cheese (Rondele or Aloutte works well too); 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley; 1 tablespoon butter (softened); 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (finely chopped); 1 large egg (beaten); 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons melted butter; 1-2 garlic cloves (minced); 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon parsley; 1/4 teaspoon dried basil; 1 large egg (beaten) for egg wash

Ingredients

1/2 cup warm water (about 110˚ F)

2 teaspoons sugar

1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)

3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

12 tablespoons cold unsalted butter (cut into small pats)

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup milk

1 (5 oz) package soft Boursin Garlic and Herb Cheese (or Rondele/Aloutte)

1/4 cup shredded Parmesan

1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

1 tablespoon softened butter

1 teaspoon fresh thyme (finely chopped)

1 large egg (beaten)

2 tablespoons melted butter

1-2 garlic cloves (minced)

1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1/2 teaspoon parsley

1/4 teaspoon basil

Instructions

Step 1: In a stand mixer fitted with a dough attachment, stir warm water and sugar until dissolved. Add yeast and let sit for 5 minutes.

Step 2: In a large bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add this mixture and butter pats to the mixer bowl.

Step 3: As dough kneads, gradually add milk. Then turn dough onto a floured surface and knead into a ball.

Step 4: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise for 1 hour.

Step 5: Meanwhile, combine Boursin cheese, parsley, softened butter, thyme, and beaten egg in a bowl until smooth.

Step 6: After rising, knead dough on a floured surface until smooth. Pat it out to about 1 inch thickness and divide into two halves.

Step 7: Line a rimless baking sheet or pizza pan with parchment paper. Roll one half into an 11-inch round and transfer to the pan.

Step 8: Spread the cheese filling over the dough, leaving about 1/2 inch border. Sprinkle Parmesan on top.

Step 9: Roll the second half of dough into an 11-inch round and place over the filled round. Seal edges by hand.

Step 10: Place a small drinking glass in the center and press gently to create a ring. Cut 16 equal slices by making 4 cuts at 12 o’clock, then 4 more between those cuts, and continue until you have 16 slices.

Step 11: Starting at the top, twist each pair of slices away from each other three times and pinch the ends to form points. Repeat until all 8 points are formed.

Step 12: Let the shaped dough proof for another 30 minutes.

Step 13: Preheat oven to 400°F. If needed, pinch edges together to seal.

Step 14: Beat the egg and brush it over the dough, getting into all the nooks and crannies.

Step 15: Bake for 20–33 minutes until golden brown.

Step 16: While baking, melt 2 tablespoons butter and stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, parsley, and basil to make garlic butter topping.

Step 17: When 3 minutes of baking remain, baste the garlic butter evenly over the bread and continue baking.

Step 18: Let the bread cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before serving. Optionally, serve with bread dipping oil.

FAQs

Can I make this bread without a stand mixer?

Yes, you can knead the dough by hand. It may take a bit more effort, but knead on a floured surface until smooth and elastic, about 8–10 minutes.

Can I use regular cream cheese instead of Boursin?

You can use regular cream cheese, but it won’t have the same herb and garlic flavor. Adding fresh herbs and garlic to the cream cheese can help mimic the taste.