How to Make Beautiful and Delicious Star Bread

Mastering Star Bread: A Step-by-Step Recipe for a Showstopping Holiday Treat

When the holiday season rolls around, there's no better centerpiece for your table than a gorgeous, golden-brown Sourdough Star Bread. Not only does it look impressive, but it's soft, fluffy, and delicious—perfect for sharing with friends and family. Whether you're a seasoned baker or trying something new, this star bread recipe is surprisingly easy to make and is bound to impress!

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Ingredients You'll Need:

• 90g starter

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 2 tbsp sugar

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 tbsp active dry yeast

• 3/4 cup warm milk

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

• 1 large egg

• Filling of choice: Cinnamon sugar, Nutella, or savory options like pesto or cheese.

I always recommend using King Arthur Flour for its consistent quality.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

The night before, make your levain:

10g starter

10g sugar

25g water

50g flour

1. Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the levain, the flour, sugar, and salt. Dissolve the yeast in warm milk, then add it to the dry ingredients along with the melted butter and egg. Mix until it forms a soft dough. 

   
   

   • For a smooth dough every time, I swear by this stand mixer!

     
     

2. Knead and Rise: Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, or until it's smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.

   
   

3. Divide and Shape: Once the dough has risen, divide it into 4 equal parts. Roll each piece into a circle, about 10 inches in diameter.

   
   

4. Add Filling: Place the first circle on a baking sheet. Spread your chosen filling (I love cinnamon sugar for a sweet option!) evenly over the surface. Layer the second circle on top and repeat with filling until all layers are stacked.

   
   

   •  This baking mat is perfect for rolling out dough and keeps everything non-stick.

5. Cut and Twist:Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the dough into 16 strips, leaving the center intact. Take two adjacent strips and twist them away from each other twice, then pinch the ends together to form a star-like pattern.

6. Final Rise: Cover your star bread with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise for another 20 minutes while you preheat the oven to 375°F.

7. Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown. If desired, brush the top with melted butter or sprinkle with powdered sugar for a little extra flair!

8. Enjoy! Once cooled slightly, tear apart and enjoy the soft, fluffy layers of your star bread. It’s perfect as a holiday breakfast or a sweet treat with afternoon tea.

For a professional finish, I use this pastry brush to apply butter or glaze smoothly, or top with powdered sugar.

Tips for Making the Best Star Bread:

• Use a high-quality filling: Sweet or savory, your filling is key! Try out different combinations to see what you love.

• Don’t skip the final rise: This allows your dough to relax and expand, resulting in a fluffier bread.

• Practice the twist: The more you practice, the more beautiful your star bread will look!