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Spring Greens Star Bread Recipe

Spring Greens Star Bread Recipe
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★★★★★

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.

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. Second Rise: Transfer the star bread on parchment to a baking sheet. Cover with towel and rise for 30 minutes until doubled.
  10. 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.
  11. Bake Bread: Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped on the bottom.
  12. 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.
  13. Brush Bread with Garlic Butter: Remove bread from oven and immediately brush evenly with garlic parsley butter while warm for absorption.
  14. 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

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

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