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Spring Greens Star Bread Recipe

Spring Greens Star Bread Recipe
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★★★★★

5.2 from 19 reviews

This Spring Greens Star Bread is a visually stunning and flavorful pull-apart bread featuring a fresh herb and cheese filling made with arugula, basil, boursin cheese, and parmesan. The dough is enriched with eggs and butter, creating a soft texture, while the star-shaped twists reveal vibrant green layers inside. Perfect as an appetizer or accompaniment, this bread impresses with both taste and presentation.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough

  • ¼ cup warm water
  • 1 tsp active dry yeast
  • ½ cup warm milk
  • 2 tbsp sugar (plus a pinch for yeast activation)
  • 2 eggs (divided)
  • 4 tbsp butter (divided)
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
  • 1 tsp kosher salt (divided)

Filling

  • 2 cups baby arugula
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced, divided)
  • Lemon zest from 1 lemon
  • 150 g boursin cheese
  • ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
  • Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water with a pinch of sugar and the active dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes bubbly and frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
  2. Prepare Dough Mixture: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine the warm milk, 2 tablespoons of sugar, one beaten egg, melted butter (2 tablespoons), and the activated yeast mixture. Mix gently to combine.
  3. Add Dry Ingredients and Knead: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and half of the kosher salt to the wet ingredients. Knead the dough on medium speed for about 8-10 minutes until it forms a soft, elastic ball. Add extra flour if the dough is too sticky.
  4. First Rise: Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm area until doubled in size, approximately 1 to 1.5 hours.
  5. Prepare the Filling: In a food processor, pulse together the baby arugula, fresh basil leaves, half of the minced garlic cloves, lemon zest, a pinch of kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and boursin cheese until you have a smooth, spreadable mixture.
  6. Shape the Bread: Punch down the risen dough and divide it into three equal portions. Roll each portion into a circle of about 8 inches in diameter. Place one circle on a parchment-lined baking tray, spread half of the green filling evenly over it, then sprinkle one-third of the grated parmesan cheese. Repeat layering with the second dough circle, the remaining filling, and parmesan. Place the last dough circle on top.
  7. Form the Star Shape: Place a small cup or glass in the center of the stacked circles to mark the middle. Using a sharp knife, cut the dough into 16 strips from the edge of the cup to the edge of the dough, spacing evenly. Take two adjacent strips and twist them away from each other twice, then pinch the ends together to seal. Repeat this twisting with every two strips around the circle to form the star shape.
  8. Second Rise: Cover the shaped bread loosely with plastic wrap and let it rise for another 30-40 minutes until slightly puffed.
  9. Egg Wash and Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix the remaining beaten egg with a tablespoon of water to make an egg wash. Gently brush it over the surface of the bread to achieve a golden crust. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
  10. Cool and Serve: Allow the bread to cool for at least 15 minutes on a wire rack. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy the bread warm or at room temperature.

Notes

  • For best results, use fresh and vibrant herbs for the filling.
  • Ensure the liquids are warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
  • You can substitute boursin cheese with cream cheese mixed with herbs if desired.
  • This bread is best eaten the day it’s made but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
  • Reheat slices in a warm oven to refresh texture and flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: Spring Greens Star Bread, Herb Bread, Arugula Bread, Boursin Cheese Bread, Pull Apart Bread, Star Bread Recipe

Find it online: https://amayaharis.com/spring-greens-star-bread-recipe/