Save A festive, pull-apart bread shaped like a star, filled with aromatic garlic butter, herbs, and cheese—perfect for holiday gatherings.
I love making this bread for holiday gatherings because everyone enjoys pulling apart the cheesy, buttery star sections together.
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°F (190°C). 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 This recipe always brings my family together when we share the pull-apart bread during holidays and special meals.
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 per serving, Total Fat: 16 g, Carbohydrates: 40 g, Protein: 9 g
Save 
Enjoy this festive bread as the perfect starter or party snack that everyone will love.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I shape the star bread?
After stacking and layering the dough circles with garlic butter, place a small cup in the center and cut the dough into equal strips. Twist adjacent strips twice away from each other and pinch ends to form star points.
- → Can I prepare the dough in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the bread before the final rise and refrigerate it. Bake when ready for convenience.
- → What herbs complement the garlic butter filling?
Fresh parsley works beautifully, and you can also add chives or other mild herbs for extra flavor.
- → What temperature is best for baking this bread?
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 22–25 minutes until the bread turns golden brown and fragrant.
- → Is this bread suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, it contains no meat and uses vegetarian-friendly ingredients like butter, cheese, and herbs.
- → How should I store leftover bread?
Keep leftovers wrapped at room temperature for up to two days or freeze for longer storage, then reheat before serving.