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Star Bread: A Flavorful Twist on Tradition Recipe

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4.3 from 2 reviews

  • Author: Chef
  • Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings

Description

Star Bread is a visually stunning and flavorful twist on traditional bread, featuring layers of herbed Boursin cheese, baby arugula, fresh basil, and garlic, all baked to a golden brown star shape. Perfect as a savory appetizer or an impressive addition to any meal, this bread combines soft, fluffy dough with a rich, cheesy herb filling and a garlic butter finish.

Ingredients

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

  1. 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, stirring briefly. Let it sit undisturbed for about 5 minutes until it becomes bubbly and foamy, indicating that the yeast is active.
  2. Combine Wet Ingredients: In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the warm milk, 2 tablespoons sugar, 1 beaten egg, 1 tablespoon melted butter, and the activated yeast mixture. Stir gently to mix before adding the dry ingredients.
  3. Mix the Dough: Add 4 cups of all-purpose flour and ½ teaspoon kosher salt to the wet mixture. Using the dough hook attachment on low speed, mix until the dough starts to come together. Add additional flour gradually if the dough feels overly sticky.
  4. Knead the Dough: Continue mixing the dough for about 5 minutes until it is soft and elastic. Then, lightly flour a countertop and knead the dough by hand briefly to form a smooth ball.
  5. Let the Dough Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a cloth or plastic wrap, and set it in a warm spot. Let it rise for 1 to 1½ hours until it has doubled in size.
  6. Prepare the Filling: In a food processor, combine 2 cups baby arugula, 1 cup fresh basil leaves, half of the 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon lemon zest, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, and 1 teaspoon pepper. Pulse until finely chopped. Add 8 ounces of Boursin cheese and pulse again until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
  7. Shape the Dough: Once risen, punch down the dough gently and divide it into three equal parts. Shape each into a ball and roll each ball into a 10-inch circle on parchment paper.
  8. Layer the Filling: Place one dough circle on parchment paper, spread half of the filling evenly over it, then sprinkle half of the ½ cup grated parmesan cheese. Repeat with the second circle and remaining filling and parmesan. Place the third circle on top to cover all layers.
  9. 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 create points for the star design.
  10. Twist the Strips: Working in pairs, twist two adjacent strips away from each other twice, then pinch the ends together to secure the pattern. Cover the shaped bread and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
  11. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an egg wash by beating the remaining egg with a splash of water to brush on the bread for a shiny golden crust.
  12. Bake the Bread: Brush the risen bread with the egg wash and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown and hollow sounding when tapped underneath.
  13. Make Garlic Butter: While baking, melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter in a small pan, add the remaining minced garlic cloves, and sauté briefly to infuse the oil. Remove from heat and stir in 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley.
  14. Serve Warm: As soon as the bread comes out of the oven, brush it generously with the garlic butter mixture. Serve warm for best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Ensure the water temperature for activating yeast is between 105°F and 115°F for best proofing.
  • The egg wash creates a beautiful golden-brown crust; don’t skip it.
  • You can substitute Boursin cheese with any herb-flavored cream cheese if unavailable.
  • Letting the bread cool slightly will help it set but serve while still warm for optimal taste.
  • Store leftovers wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to two days or freeze after baking.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Bread
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: European

Find it online: https://saracooking.com/star-bread-a-flavorful-twist-on-tradition-recipe/