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Cheesy Garlic Butter and Herb Star Bread Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 83 reviews
  • Author: lina
  • Total Time: 2 hours 23 minutes
  • Yield: 1 star bread, serves 8 1x

Description

This Cheesy Garlic Butter and Herb Star Bread is a visually stunning and delicious pull-apart bread perfect for sharing. Soft, fluffy layers of herb-infused dough are filled with creamy Boursin garlic and herb cheese, buttery garlic butter, and a sprinkle of Parmesan, then twisted into a star shape and baked to golden perfection. The garlic butter topping brushed on in the final minutes of baking adds an aromatic and flavorful finish, making it an irresistible appetizer or snack for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough

  • 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

Filling

  • 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

Garlic Butter Topping

  • 2 tablespoons melted butter
  • 1–2 garlic cloves (minced)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon parsley
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried basil

Additional

  • 1 large egg (beaten) for egg wash

Instructions

  1. Make the Dough: In a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook attachment, combine warm water and sugar until sugar dissolves. Stir in yeast and let sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
  3. Combine Dough: Gradually add the flour mixture and cold butter pats to the stand mixer with yeast mixture. As dough begins to form, slowly pour in the milk and continue kneading.
  4. Knead and Rise: Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead until a smooth ball forms. Place dough in a greased bowl and cover with a towel. Let it rise for 1 hour until doubled in size.
  5. Prepare Filling: While dough rises, mix Boursin cheese, softened butter, chopped parsley, fresh thyme, and beaten egg in a small bowl until smooth and well combined.
  6. Shape Dough: Punch dough down and knead on a lightly floured surface. Divide dough in half and roll each half into an 11-inch round on parchment-lined baking sheet, using a rolling pin.
  7. Assemble Star Bread: Spread cheese filling evenly over the first dough round, leaving a 1/2 inch border. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top. Place second dough round over the top and seal edges by pinching together.
  8. Create Center Ring: Press the rim of a small glass in the middle of the dough to create a circular ring outline.
  9. Cut Dough: Make 4 equally spaced cuts from the edge of the glass ring to the dough’s edge. Then make 4 more cuts between those, and continue until 16 equal slices are formed.
  10. Twist Strips: Starting at the top, twist two adjacent slices away from each other three times, then pinch the ends together to form pointed tips. Repeat until all 8 pairs are twisted and pinched, forming an 8-point star.
  11. Proof: Cover and allow the shaped dough to proof for an additional 30 minutes to rise further.
  12. Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  13. Egg Wash: If edges have separated slightly, pinch them again. Brush the entire star bread with beaten egg wash, making sure to get into crevices.
  14. Bake: Bake the bread for about 20-33 minutes until golden brown, checking periodically as oven times vary.
  15. Garlic Butter Topping: Three minutes before baking completes, brush the bread with melted butter mixed with minced garlic, Italian seasoning, parsley, and basil.
  16. Finish Baking & Cool: Continue to bake for the final 3 minutes after basting. Remove from oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before serving.
  17. Serve: Optionally serve warm with bread dipping oil for an extra flavorful experience.

Notes

  • Make sure the water for yeast is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
  • Use cold butter pats in the dough to create tender flaky layers.
  • Ensure all garlic in the topping is fresh minced for the best flavor.
  • If dough edges start to separate during proofing, pinch them back together before baking.
  • Oven temperatures vary; begin checking bread at 20 minutes to avoid overbaking.
  • Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking during baking.
  • Star bread is best enjoyed warm but can be reheated gently.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 33 minutes
  • Category: Bread
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: Star bread, garlic bread, cheesy bread, herb bread, pull apart bread, Boursin cheese bread, garlic butter bread

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Find it online: https://yummybylina.com/cheesy-garlic-butter-and-herb-star-bread-recipe/