Cheesy Garlic Butter Herb Star Bread is a delightful treat that combines the rich flavors of garlic, butter, and herbs in a visually stunning presentation. This pull-apart bread is perfect for gatherings, parties, or even a cozy family dinner. With its soft texture and cheesy filling, this recipe is designed to impress and satisfy. Whether you want to serve it as an appetizer or a side dish, this bread will definitely steal the spotlight!

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Garlic Butter Herb

This Cheesy Garlic Butter Herb Star Bread has a multitude of benefits that make it a must-try! First, it’s visually appealing with its star shape, making it an excellent centerpiece for any table. Second, it’s incredibly flavorful thanks to the combination of garlic-infused butter with herbs and cheese. Third, it’s versatile; you can serve it as a cheesy garlic butter sauce dip or alongside pasta. Fourth, it’s easy to make, perfect for cooking novices. Also, the aroma while baking fills the kitchen with a warm, inviting scent. Lastly, it’s vegetarian-friendly, fitting a variety of dietary needs!

Ingredients for Cheesy Garlic Butter Herb

Gather these items:

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

How to Make Cheesy Garlic Butter Herb Step-by-Step

Step 1: 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.
Step 2: 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.
Step 3: 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.
Step 4: In a small bowl, mix together the Boursin cheese, softened butter, chopped parsley, fresh thyme, and beaten egg until smooth and well combined.
Step 5: 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.
Step 6: 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.
Step 7: 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.
Step 8: 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.
Step 9: 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.
Step 10: 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.
Step 11: 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.

Pro Tips for the Best Cheesy Garlic Butter Herb

Keep these in mind:

Let the dough rise in a warm place for best results.
Experiment with different herbs for varied flavors.
Store leftovers in an airtight container.
For a richer flavor, consider using a mix of cheese in the filling.

Best Ways to Serve Cheesy Garlic Butter Herb

This Cheesy Garlic Butter Herb Star Bread is versatile! Serve it warm as a side dish with pasta, or as a delightful appetizer with a cheesy garlic herb dip. Another option is to pair it with your favorite seafood dish for a delicious meal. The possibilities are endless!

Cheesy Garlic Butter Herb Star Bread Recipe - Cheesy Garlic Butter Herb - main visual representation

How to Store and Reheat Cheesy Garlic Butter Herb

For storage, place any leftover Cheesy Garlic Butter Herb in an airtight container. To reheat, simply pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, ensuring it remains soft and delicious. This is perfect for meal prep as well!

Frequently Asked Questions About Cheesy Garlic Butter Herb

What’s the secret to perfect Cheesy Garlic Butter Herb?

The secret to perfect Cheesy Garlic Butter Herb lies in letting the dough rise properly and using quality ingredients, especially the garlic-infused butter with herbs, which enhances the flavor.

Can I make Cheesy Garlic Butter Herb ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough and filling in advance. Assemble the bread and let it rise before baking. This way, you can enjoy fresh bread without the hassle on the day you serve it.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Cheesy Garlic Butter Herb?

To avoid common mistakes when making Cheesy Garlic Butter Herb, ensure your yeast is fresh and active, and don’t skip the proofing steps. This will help achieve the light, fluffy texture.

Variations of Cheesy Garlic Butter Herb You Can Try

Feel free to experiment with different flavors! You can use various cheeses like mozzarella for a stretchier texture or add sun-dried tomatoes for a twist. Consider making a garlic butter herb seasoning blend for a unique taste. Additionally, try incorporating spinach or other herbs for an exciting variation!

For more tips on baking bread, check out this helpful guide. If you’re interested in more recipes, visit this page for inspiration. You can also learn about different types of cheese to use in your cooking!