If you’re looking for a show-stopping holiday bread that’s savory, cheesy, buttery, and unbelievably gorgeous, this Garlic Parmesan Christmas Star Bread is guaranteed to steal the spotlight on any festive table. Shaped into a stunning star with soft, golden layers twisted around a rich garlic-butter and Parmesan filling, this bread is both a centerpiece and a delicious appetizer in one. The aroma alone — warm yeast dough, toasted Parmesan, and roasted garlic — will fill your home with pure Christmas comfort. Perfect for Christmas Eve, holiday parties, or cozy winter gatherings, this bread looks impressively intricate but is surprisingly simple to make.
Why You’ll Love Garlic Parmesan Christmas Star Bread
This festive bread is both beautiful and irresistibly flavorful.
- Soft, fluffy layers of homemade dough.
- Buttery garlic and Parmesan filling in every twist.
- Surprisingly easy to shape into a star.
- Perfect as a shareable pull-apart appetizer.
- Stunning as a Christmas table centerpiece.
- Smells amazing straight out of the oven.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
This recipe gives you an elegant bakery-style bread using simple ingredients you already have at home. The dough is soft and workable, the filling is savory and aromatic, and the twisting technique creates a magical star shape that makes everyone say “wow.” Whether you’re new to bread-making or experienced, this recipe is both fun to assemble and rewarding to serve — the perfect mix of festive charm and savory indulgence.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Dough
- ¾ cup warm milk
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 3 tbsp sugar
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 ¾ – 3 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp salt
For the Garlic Parmesan Filling
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- Pinch of salt and pepper
For Brushing
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Additional Parmesan for sprinkling
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Christmas Star Bread
1. Make the Dough
- In a bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Add egg, softened butter, and salt.
- Mix in flour gradually until a soft dough forms.
- Knead 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise 1 hour or until doubled.
2. Prepare the Garlic Parmesan Filling
- Mix softened butter, minced garlic, Parmesan, parsley, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Stir into a smooth, spreadable paste.
3. Shape the Christmas Star
- Punch down dough and divide into 4 equal pieces.
- Roll each piece into a 10–12 inch circle.
- Place the first circle on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Spread a thin layer of garlic Parmesan filling.
- Add the second circle on top, spread filling, repeat with the third.
- Place the fourth circle on top without filling.
- Place a small cup or round cutter in the center as a guide.
- Cut dough into 16 strips, stopping at the circle.
- Take two strips at a time, twist them twice outward, then pinch ends together to form a point.
- Repeat until a star shape forms.
4. Second Rise & Bake
- Let the shaped star rise for 20 minutes.
- Brush with egg wash and sprinkle Parmesan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes or until deep golden.
5. Serve Warm
Enjoy as-is or dip in marinara, garlic butter, or pesto.
Nutritional Information (Estimated per serving)
- Calories: 245
- Protein: 7g
- Carbs: 30g
- Fat: 10g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 260mg
Tips for the Best Christmas Star Bread
- Use warm (not hot) milk to activate yeast properly.
- Roll dough circles evenly for a clean, symmetrical star.
- Don’t overfill — too much butter causes slipping.
- Chill filling briefly if it’s too soft.
- Twist strips tightly for a beautiful layered pattern.
- Brush with egg wash for a shiny golden finish.
- Serve warm — the flavor and aroma are incredible.
Variations & Substitutions
- Cheesy Star: Add mozzarella or cheddar to the filling.
- Herb Lover’s Version: Add rosemary, basil, or thyme.
- Spicy Twist: Add crushed red pepper or jalapeños.
- Pesto Star Bread: Replace filling with basil or sun-dried tomato pesto.
- Sweet Version: Use cinnamon sugar + butter instead of garlic.
- Gluten-Free: Use a high-quality GF flour blend.
What to Serve with This Star Bread
- Warm marinara or pizza sauce
- Herbed olive oil dip
- Soup (tomato, butternut squash, potato)
- Holiday charcuterie boards
- Christmas brunch spreads
- Salads with balsamic dressing
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overworking dough: Can make texture tough.
- Skipping second rise: Bread may bake dense.
- Uneven circles: Makes the star look lopsided.
- Using too much filling: Creates gaps and leaks.
- Underbaking: Bread should be deeply golden.
Storing Tips
- Store at room temp for 2 days in an airtight container.
- Reheat in oven to restore softness.
- Freeze fully baked star for up to 2 months — thaw and warm before serving.
- Freeze unbaked dough disks for convenience.
Conclusion
This Garlic Parmesan Christmas Star Bread is a breathtaking holiday centerpiece — golden, buttery, savory, and shaped with festive flair. Its tender layers, warm garlic aroma, and cheesy filling make it irresistible from the first tear. Whether you’re serving it as a Christmas appetizer, sharing it at a party, or adding something magical to your holiday table, this star bread brings pure joy and unforgettable flavor.
Recipe FAQ’s
Is this bread difficult to shape?
Not at all — the twisting technique is easier than it looks!
Can I make it ahead?
Yes, prepare up to the shaping step and refrigerate overnight.
Can I use pre-made pizza dough?
Yes — it works great for a faster version.
Can I freeze the bread?
Yes — freeze baked or unbaked (shaped but not baked).
Can I make a sweet version?
Absolutely — use cinnamon butter or Nutella instead of garlic filling.
Does it pull apart easily?
Yes — it’s designed to be a pull-apart bread.