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Spring Greens Star Bread with Boursin and Parmesan Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 70 reviews

This Spring Greens Star Bread is a visually stunning and flavorful yeast bread filled with a vibrant mix of baby arugula, fresh basil, garlic, and creamy Boursin cheese, layered between tender layers of soft dough twisted to form a beautiful star shape. Brushed with garlic butter after baking, it’s perfect as a centerpiece for gatherings or a delicious appetizer to share.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

  • ¼ cup warm water (105°F to 115°F)
  • 1 tsp traditional active dry yeast
  • ½ cup warm milk
  • 2 tbsp sugar, plus a pinch
  • 2 eggs, divided
  • 4 tbsp butter, divided
  • 2 ½ cups + 2 tbsp all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
  • 1 tsp kosher salt, divided

Filling Ingredients

  • 2 cups baby arugula, loosely packed
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves, loosely packed
  • 3 minced garlic cloves, divided
  • ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 150 g Boursin cheese
  • ½ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Activate Yeast: Heat the water to between 105°F and 115°F. Add a pinch of sugar and the yeast and stir briefly. Set aside for about 5 minutes until the yeast is bubbly and risen.
  2. Prepare Dough Mixture: In a stand mixer bowl with a dough hook, combine warm milk, 2 tbsp sugar, 1 beaten egg, 1 tbsp melted butter, and the activated yeast mixture. Stir to combine, then add 2 ½ cups + 2 tbsp flour and ½ tsp kosher salt.
  3. Knead Dough: Mix on low speed with the dough hook until the dough begins to come together, scraping down sides occasionally. Add more flour by tablespoons if dough is too sticky. Continue mixing for about 5 minutes until dough is soft and stretchy. Knead lightly on a floured surface to form a smooth ball.
  4. First Rise: Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, rub oil on top, cover with cling film or tea towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1 ½ hours until doubled in size.
  5. Prepare Filling: In a food processor, combine baby arugula, basil, half the minced garlic, lemon zest, remaining ½ tsp kosher salt, and pepper. Pulse until finely chopped, then add Boursin cheese and pulse until smooth. Transfer to a bowl and chill until needed.
  6. Divide and Roll Dough: Punch down the risen dough, then transfer to a floured surface. Divide into three equal balls. Roll each into a 10-inch circle, letting dough rest if it resists rolling.
  7. Assemble Star Layers: Place one dough circle on parchment on a baking sheet. Spread half the filling evenly over it, then sprinkle half the Parmesan cheese. Top with the second dough circle and repeat with remaining filling and Parmesan. Finish with the third dough circle on top.
  8. Cut and Form Star: Mark a 3-inch circle in the center of the layered dough. Using kitchen shears, cut sixteen strips from the edge of the dough circle towards the mark, dividing the dough first into quarters, then each quarter into four strips. Pair two strips and twist them away from each other twice, pinch the ends together to form a pointed star arm. Repeat for all eight pairs.
  9. Second Rise: Cover the shaped star bread with a tea towel and let it rise in a warm place for 30 minutes or until it doubles in size.
  10. Preheat and Egg Wash: Preheat oven to 350°F. Beat the remaining egg with a splash of water to make an egg wash. Brush the egg wash evenly over the star bread, especially the twists.
  11. Bake the Bread: Bake the bread for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
  12. Make Garlic Butter: While baking, melt the remaining butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the remaining minced garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant, then remove from heat. Stir in chopped parsley.
  13. Brush Garlic Butter: Remove bread from oven while warm and brush evenly with the prepared garlic butter to enhance flavor and moisture.
  14. Serve: Serve the Spring Greens Star Bread warm for best taste and texture. Enjoy!

Notes

  • Ensure the water temperature for yeast activation is between 105°F and 115°F to avoid killing the yeast.
  • If the dough is too sticky while rolling out, allow it to rest for 10 minutes to relax the gluten before continuing.
  • The garlic butter should be removed from heat before the garlic browns to prevent bitterness.
  • This bread is best served fresh and warm but can be reheated gently before serving.
  • The twisting technique creates a beautiful star shape that also separates the filling into bite-sized sections for easy sharing.

Keywords: spring greens bread, star bread, cheesy bread, garlic bread, homemade bread, yeast bread, arugula bread, festive bread

Find it online: https://bakedbylisa.com/spring-greens-star-bread-with-boursin-and-parmesan-recipe/