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Cheesy Garlic Butter and Herb Star Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 86 reviews

This Cheesy Garlic Butter and Herb Star Bread is a visually stunning, soft, and flavorful pull-apart bread perfect for any occasion. Made with a garlic and herb cheese blend, fresh herbs, and a luscious garlic butter topping, this bread combines a tender, buttery dough with cheesy, aromatic fillings. The star-shaped twist not only enhances the look but also creates perfect portions that are fun to share.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

  • ½ cup warm water (about 110˚F)
  • 2 teaspoons sugar
  • 1 packet active dry yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons)
  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 12 tablespoons cold unsalted butter (cut into small pats)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup milk
  • 1 large egg (beaten)

Filling Ingredients

  • 1 (5 oz) package soft Boursin Garlic and Herb Cheese (Rondele or Aloutte works well too)
  • ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 tablespoon butter (softened)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (finely chopped)

Garlic Butter Topping

  • 2 tablespoons melted butter
  • 1–2 garlic cloves (minced)
  • ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon dried parsley
  • ¼ teaspoon dried basil

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine the warm water and sugar, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Sprinkle in the yeast and let it sit for 5 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
  2. Mix dry ingredients and start dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the flour mixture and cold butter pats to the yeast mixture in the stand mixer. As the dough starts to come together, pour in the milk while continuing to knead with the dough hook attachment.
  3. Knead and first rise: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead by hand until it forms a smooth ball. Place it in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and allow it to rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
  4. Prepare the filling: In a small bowl, mix together the Boursin cheese, softened butter, chopped parsley, fresh thyme, and beaten egg until smooth and well combined.
  5. Shape the dough: Turn the risen dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently until smooth. Divide the dough in half and roll one half into an 11-inch round on parchment-lined baking sheet or pizza pan. Spread the cheese filling evenly over this layer, leaving about a ½-inch border. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top.
  6. Add the top layer: Roll out the second half of the dough into another 11-inch round and place it over the filling. Pinch the edges of the two rounds together carefully to seal.
  7. Form the star pattern: Press a small glass rim gently into the center of the dough to create a circle. Using a sharp knife, cut the dough into 16 equal slices by first making 4 cuts from the edge of the center circle outward, spaced equally, then making 4 more cuts evenly between those, and continuing until you have 16 slices.
  8. Twist the dough slices: Working in pairs, twist each pair of slices away from each other three times and pinch the tips together to form points of the star. Repeat for all 8 pairs, creating an 8-point star shape. Cover and let it proof for 30 minutes.
  9. Preheat oven and prepare for baking: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). If any edges have come apart during proofing, pinch them back together. Brush the entire star bread with the beaten egg to give it a glossy finish.
  10. Bake with garlic butter topping: Bake the bread for about 20-33 minutes. When 3 minutes remain, mix the garlic butter topping by combining melted butter with minced garlic, Italian seasoning, parsley, and basil. Baste this mixture evenly over the bread, then return it to the oven for the final 3 minutes of baking until golden brown.
  11. Cool and serve: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before slicing and serving. Optionally serve with bread dipping oil for an extra treat.

Notes

  • Ensure the water temperature is warm (around 110°F) to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
  • You can substitute Boursin cheese with similar soft garlic herb cheese for comparable flavor.
  • Be gentle when twisting the dough slices to maintain the shape and avoid tearing.
  • Adding the garlic butter topping near the end of baking ensures a fresh, aromatic finish without burning the garlic.
  • This bread is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
  • For a dairy-free version, substitute dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives, though texture and flavor may vary.

Keywords: star bread, cheesy garlic bread, garlic herb bread, pull apart bread, cheesy bread recipe, party bread, Boursin bread, garlic butter bread

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