There is something truly magical about the Spring Greens Star Bread that instantly brightens up any meal or gathering. This beautiful bread, with its stunning star shape and vibrant green herb filling, is not only a feast for the eyes but also a delightful blend of fresh, tangy, and savory flavors. The combination of peppery arugula, fragrant basil, zesty lemon, and creamy boursin cheese nestled within soft, tender dough makes this Spring Greens Star Bread an irresistible centerpiece to share with friends and family.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple yet fresh ingredients is the key to creating a bread that tastes as wonderful as it looks. Each component plays a crucial role in delivering that perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color that defines this recipe.

Warm water: Activates the yeast for a perfect rise in your dough.
Traditional active dry yeast: The leavening agent that ensures soft, airy bread.
Warm milk: Adds tenderness and richness to the dough.
Sugar: Helps feed the yeast and brings a hint of sweetness.
Eggs: Contribute moisture and color to the bread.
Butter: Adds richness and helps create a tender crumb.
All-purpose flour: The foundation for your dough’s structure.
Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors beautifully.
Baby arugula: Provides a peppery, lively note to the filling.
Fresh basil leaves: Infuse a sweet, aromatic freshness.
Garlic cloves: Add warm, savory undertones, split between dough and butter.
Pepper: Lends a subtle heat to balance the fresh greens.
Lemon zest: Brings a bright, citrusy lift to the filling.
Boursin cheese: Offers a creamy, herby richness that melts into the filling.
Finely grated parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, savory dimension.
Chopped fresh parsley: Mixed into garlic butter to finish with a fresh herb note.

How to Make Spring Greens Star Bread

Step 1: Activate the Yeast and Prepare the Dough

Start by warming the water and dissolving a pinch of sugar with the active dry yeast. This wakes the yeast up and gets it bubbly in about five minutes. Mixing warm milk, sugar, eggs, butter, flour, and salt with the activated yeast ensures the dough develops a soft, elastic texture perfect for shaping.

Step 2: Knead and Let the Dough Rise

Using a stand mixer with a dough hook makes kneading easy and smooth. The dough should come together into a ball that is neither too sticky nor dry. After forming the dough, it’s important to cover it and let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour to an hour and a half until doubled in size, creating a light and airy base for your star bread.

Step 3: Prepare the Herb and Cheese Filling

While the dough rises, pulse the arugula, basil, half of the garlic, lemon zest, salt, and pepper in a food processor until finely chopped. Adding boursin cheese and combining it gently creates a creamy, fragrant filling that brings the essence of spring into every bite of your Spring Greens Star Bread.

Step 4: Roll Out and Layer the Dough

Deflate the risen dough and divide it into three equal balls. Roll each ball into a 10-inch circle, alternating and resting the dough if it springs back. Layer the circles with the herb and cheese filling and parmesan cheese sandwiched between, which will build the flavors and give rise to deliciously distinct layers.

Step 5: Shape the Star

Cut the layered dough into 16 strips around a marked center circle, then expertly twist pairs of strips away from each other and pinch their ends together to form the star’s pointed arms. This shaping technique is what gives Spring Greens Star Bread its eye-catching, magnificent appearance.

Step 6: Final Rise and Bake

Allow the shaped star bread to rise once more until puffed up again. Brush the twists with an egg wash to promote a glossy, golden crust, then bake at 350°F until beautifully golden and hollow-sounding when tapped on the bottom—signs your bread is cooked through and ready to enjoy.

Step 7: Garlic Butter Finish

While baking, melt butter with the remaining garlic and parsley to create a fragrant garlic butter. Brush this luscious mixture over the warm star bread as soon as it comes out of the oven to add an irresistible aroma and rich flavor that soaks into every twist.

How to Serve Spring Greens Star Bread

Garnishes

To take your Spring Greens Star Bread to the next level, consider garnishing with a fresh sprinkle of chopped parsley or a few basil leaves. These add a pop of color and hint at the fresh herbs inside the bread, making each slice even more inviting.

Side Dishes

This bread pairs beautifully with a light salad or warm soup. Its herby and cheesy filling complements crisp greens dressed with lemon vinaigrette or hearty tomato soup, making it a perfect companion for both casual lunches and elegant dinners.

Creative Ways to Present

Presenting your Spring Greens Star Bread on a rustic wooden board surrounded by small bowls of dipping oils, herb butter, or even a fresh tomato bruschetta spreads the joy and encourages guests to tear the star-shaped bread apart to share. This interactive serving style makes any meal feel like a celebration.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover Spring Greens Star Bread, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Stored at room temperature, it remains soft and flavorful for up to two days, perfect for enjoying the next day as a snack or with a meal.

Freezing

For longer storage, wrap the bread securely in plastic wrap followed by foil and freeze it for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating, retaining all the bread’s fresh qualities and flavors.

Reheating

Reheat the Spring Greens Star Bread in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 10-15 minutes to refresh its crisp crust and warm the herby interior. Avoid microwaving if possible, as the oven helps keep that fantastic texture and flavor intact.

FAQs

Can I use other greens besides arugula and basil?

Absolutely! Spinach, kale, or even fresh parsley can be excellent alternatives or additions, adding different nuances but keeping that fresh, green flavor profile in the Spring Greens Star Bread.

Is it possible to make this recipe without a stand mixer?

Yes, you can knead the dough by hand. It takes a bit more effort but allows you to feel the dough’s development, which is a rewarding and traditional way to connect with the baking process.

What type of cheese can substitute boursin if I can’t find it?

Cream cheese mixed with garlic and herbs is a great substitute that maintains the creamy, flavorful filling essential to the Spring Greens Star Bread’s character.

How do I know when the bread is fully baked?

Tap the bottom of the bread—it should sound hollow. The top will be a beautiful golden brown, and the texture should feel firm but springy to the touch.

Can I add nuts or seeds for extra texture?

Definitely! Toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds sprinkled into the filling or on top before baking add a lovely crunch and boost the bread’s visual appeal and nutrition.

Final Thoughts

Making and sharing Spring Greens Star Bread is a joyful experience that fills your home with warm, enticing aromas and delivers a taste sensation that celebrates fresh herbs and creamy cheese wrapped in golden dough. Whether you’re baking it for a special occasion or just to brighten your day, this star bread promises to bring smiles and be the shining star at your table. Give it a try—you won’t regret the delicious journey!

Spring Greens Star Bread Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 22 reviews

This Spring Greens Star Bread is a beautifully twisted, soft yeast bread filled with a flavorful mixture of baby arugula, fresh basil, garlic, lemon zest, boursin cheese, and parmesan. It’s an impressive centerpiece perfect for sharing, offering a delightful blend of fresh herbs and creamy cheeses wrapped in a golden, buttery crust. Serve warm with garlic parsley butter for an inviting appetizer or snack.

Author: Isla
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 1 star bread, serves 8 1x
Category: Bread, Appetizer
Method: Baking, Yeast Proofing, Twisting
Cuisine: European, Fusion
Diet: Vegetarian

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 for yeast activation
2 eggs, divided
4 tbsp butter, divided (room temperature and melted)
2 ½ cups + 2 tbsp all-purpose flour, plus extra for rolling
1 tsp kosher salt, divided

Filling Ingredients

2 cups baby arugula, loosely packed
1 cup fresh basil leaves, loosely packed
3 cloves garlic, minced, divided
¼ tsp black pepper
Zest of 1 lemon
150 g boursin cheese (herb and garlic flavor recommended)
½ cup finely grated parmesan cheese
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

Activate Yeast: Heat the water to between 105°F and 115°F. Add a pinch of sugar and the yeast. Stir briefly and set aside for about 5 minutes until the yeast is bubbly and risen.
Make Dough: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine warm milk, sugar, 1 beaten egg, 1 tbsp melted butter, and the activated yeast mixture. Stir together. Add flour and ½ tsp kosher salt. Mix on low speed until dough begins to come together, scraping the sides occasionally. If sticky, add flour tablespoon by tablespoon until manageable.
Knead Dough: Continue mixing on low for about 5 minutes until dough is soft and stretchy. Remove and knead lightly on a floured surface to form a smooth ball.
First Rise: Place dough in a greased bowl, lightly oil the top, cover with cling film or towel, and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 1 ½ hours until doubled in size.
Prepare Filling: In a food processor, pulse arugula, basil, half the minced garlic, lemon zest, remaining ½ tsp salt, and pepper until finely chopped. Add boursin cheese and pulse until smooth. Transfer filling to a bowl and chill.
Shape Dough Circles: Punch down the dough. Divide into three equal pieces, shape each into balls. Roll each piece out on a floured surface into a 10-inch circle. Rest the dough if it springs back.
Assemble Layers: Place one dough circle on parchment paper. Spread half of the filling evenly, then sprinkle half the parmesan cheese. Place second dough circle on top, spread remaining filling and parmesan, then cover with last dough circle.
Cut Strips and Twist: Use a glass or cutter to mark a 3-inch circle in the center. Cut sixteen strips from the edge of dough to circle center (cut into quarters, then each quarter into four strips). Take two strips, twist away from each other twice, pinch ends to form a point. Repeat with remaining strips to form an eight-point star.
Second Rise: Transfer the star bread on parchment to a baking sheet. Cover with towel and rise for 30 minutes until doubled.
Prepare Egg Wash and Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F. Beat remaining egg with a splash of water. Brush egg wash over twisted strips for a golden finish.
Bake Bread: Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped on the bottom.
Make Garlic Butter: While baking, melt remaining butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add remaining minced garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant, remove before browning. Stir in chopped parsley.
Brush Bread with Garlic Butter: Remove bread from oven and immediately brush evenly with garlic parsley butter while warm for absorption.
Serve: Enjoy the spring greens star bread warm as an impressive appetizer or snack.

Notes

Make sure water is not too hot to avoid killing the yeast; optimal temperature is 105°F to 115°F.
If dough is too sticky, add flour gradually to prevent a dense loaf.
Rest rolling dough if it resists stretching to relax the gluten for easier shaping.
The bread is best served warm to enjoy the melted cheese and butter flavors.
Substitute boursin with any soft herb cheese if unavailable.
For a vegetarian diet, ensure yeast and all cheese ingredients comply with vegetarian standards.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of bread)
Calories: 210 kcal
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 320 mg
Fat: 11 g
Saturated Fat: 6 g
Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 20 g
Fiber: 1.5 g
Protein: 7 g
Cholesterol: 55 mg

Keywords: spring greens bread, star bread, arugula bread, basil bread, garlic bread, twisted bread, cheese bread, homemade yeast bread