Star Bread

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Star Bread is not only fun and impressive to make, but it also results in a soft, fluffy bread with a delicious filling. Whether you opt for a sweet filling like cinnamon and sugar or a savory version with cheese and herbs, each bite is bursting with flavor. The unique star shape adds a beautiful touch, making it perfect for holiday gatherings, brunches, or as an eye-catching centerpiece for any meal. It’s easy to customize with your favorite fillings, and the dough itself is incredibly versatile, ensuring a delicious result every time.

Ingredients

For the dough:

• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast

• 1 cup whole milk (warm, about 110°F/45°C)

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

• 2 large eggs

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the filling (sweet option):

• 1/2 cup softened butter

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

For the filling (savory option):

• 1/2 cup grated cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or Parmesan)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano or thyme

• Salt and pepper to taste

For the egg wash:

• 1 egg, beaten (for brushing on top)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

For the dough:

1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir until the yeast dissolves and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy.

2. Mix the dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Once the yeast mixture is ready, pour it into the flour mixture, followed by the melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir until the dough begins to come together.

3. Knead the dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, or until it’s smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a bit more flour, a tablespoon at a time.

4. Let the dough rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Allow it to rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

For the filling:

5. Prepare the filling: If you’re making a sweet filling, combine the softened butter, sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl. If you’re making a savory filling, mix together the grated cheese, olive oil, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.

Assembling the star bread:

6. Divide the dough: After the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air. Divide the dough into four equal portions.

7. Roll out the dough: Roll out each portion into a circle, about 1/4 inch thick. Make sure the circles are slightly larger than the size of your baking sheet or pizza pan.

8. Layer the dough: Place the first dough circle on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spread the filling (sweet or savory) evenly over the dough. Top with the second dough circle and repeat the process until all four dough circles are stacked with filling in between. Make sure to leave a bit of space around the edges.

9. Create the star shape: Place a glass or cup in the center of the dough stack to act as a guide. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the dough into 16 equal wedges, leaving the center intact. Take two adjacent wedges and twist them outward in opposite directions, then pinch the ends together. Repeat with all the wedges to form the star shape.

10. Let it rise again: Cover the shaped dough with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise for 30 minutes to 1 hour, or until it puffs up slightly.

Baking the star bread:

11. Egg wash: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the dough with the beaten egg for a golden finish.

12. Bake the star bread: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and cooked through. If the top browns too quickly, cover it loosely with foil and continue baking.

13. Serve: Allow the star bread to cool slightly before serving. It’s best enjoyed warm, but it can also be served at room temperature.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6-8

• Preparation Time: 30 minutes (plus rise time)

• Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes

• Total Time: 2-2.5 hours

Variations

• Sweet Star Bread: You can fill the dough with chocolate chips, fruit preserves, or nut butter for a sweet breakfast or dessert option.

• Savory Star Bread: Try fillings like sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, or even pesto with mozzarella for a savory twist.

• Mini Star Breads: For individual servings, divide the dough into smaller portions and follow the same instructions to create mini star breads.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover star bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

• Freezing: You can freeze the unbaked dough after shaping it into the star and before the final rise. Wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. To bake, let it thaw overnight and complete the final rise and baking process.

• Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes or microwave for 20-30 seconds.

FAQs

1. Can I use a bread machine for this recipe?

Yes, you can use a bread machine to knead and rise the dough. Once it’s ready, follow the steps for shaping and baking the star bread.

2. Can I use whole wheat flour for the dough?

Yes, you can substitute half or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a slightly denser and heartier bread. You may need to adjust the liquid slightly.

3. Can I make this bread ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and filling the night before, assemble the star bread, and refrigerate it overnight. The next day, allow it to come to room temperature and complete the baking process.

4. Can I freeze this star bread?

Yes, you can freeze the unbaked star bread after shaping it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze it for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then let it rise and bake as usual.

5. How do I get the star shape to look perfect?

Take your time with the shaping and twisting process. If the dough is too sticky, lightly dust your hands with flour to prevent it from sticking. Be sure to twist the dough in opposite directions for each section for an even look.

6. Can I add other fillings to the bread?

Yes, you can customize the filling with ingredients like cooked meats, cheese, sautéed vegetables, or even sweet fillings like cinnamon and sugar.

7. How do I prevent the bread from being too doughy?

Make sure to allow the dough enough time to rise, and don’t skip the resting period after shaping. This will ensure the bread has a light and airy texture.

8. How do I know when the star bread is done?

The bread should be golden brown on top and firm when lightly tapped. If you’re unsure, you can check with a toothpick—it should come out clean from the center of the bread.

9. Can I use a different shape for the bread?

Yes! If you prefer, you can shape the dough into a round or braided loaf, or even use a bundt pan for a more uniform look.

10. Can I make this recipe without yeast?

If you prefer a quicker version, you can use baking powder instead of yeast for a fluffier, biscuit-like bread. Keep in mind that it will change the texture of the bread.

Conclusion

Star Bread is not only delicious but also a visually stunning treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you choose a sweet or savory filling, this bread is guaranteed to impress with its soft, fluffy interior and golden, crispy crust. It’s an easy-to-make, yet show-stopping bread that’s perfect for gatherings, holidays, or whenever you want to treat yourself. With its customizable fillings and impressive presentation, Star Bread is sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire!