Star-Shaped Garlic Herb Bread Recipe – Easy Homemade Italian Bread

Last Updated on 6 months ago by Neha Deshmukh

Star-Shaped Garlic Herb Bread Recipe – Easy Homemade Italian Bread

Hey everyone! I’m so excited to share this recipe with you. It’s for a stunning star-shaped garlic herb bread that’s surprisingly easy to make. I first stumbled upon a similar version during a Christmas market in Mumbai, and I knew I had to recreate it at home. It’s become a bit of a tradition ever since – perfect for festive gatherings, or honestly, just a cozy weekend treat!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t just any bread recipe. It’s a showstopper! The star shape is beautiful, and the combination of savory marinara, fragrant garlic butter, and gooey mozzarella is absolutely irresistible. Plus, it’s easier than it looks. Don’t let the fancy shape intimidate you – I’ll walk you through every step. It’s a fantastic way to impress your family and friends without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this magical bread:

• 1 cup luke warm milk (about 240ml)
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 2.5 cup all purpose flour (about 300g)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3 tablespoons butter, softened
• 3 garlic cloves, minced (for the dough)
• 1 lb 13 oz tomato purée (approximately 700g)
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano powder
• 2 tablespoons sugar (for the sauce)
• 10-12 garlic cloves, minced (for the garlic butter)
• 3 tablespoons butter (for the garlic butter)
• 1 tablespoon oil (for the garlic butter)
• 1.5 cup Mozzarella cheese, shredded (about 170g)
• 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few things can really make or break this recipe:

• Active Dry Yeast: Make sure your yeast is fresh! If you’re unsure, test it by mixing it with warm milk and sugar. It should get foamy within 5-10 minutes. This ensures your dough rises beautifully.
• All-Purpose Flour: This is your workhorse flour. You can experiment with bread flour for a chewier texture, but all-purpose works perfectly well.
• Oregano: I prefer using Mediterranean oregano for its robust flavor, but any good quality dried oregano will do.
• Tomato Purée: Don’t skimp on the tomato purée! A good quality purée makes all the difference in the marinara sauce. I like using a brand with a rich, slightly sweet flavor.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get baking!

1. Activate the Yeast: In a glass, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Give it a gentle stir and let it sit for about 5 minutes, until it gets nice and foamy. This is how we know the yeast is alive and kicking!
2. Make the Dough: In a mixer or a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and knead for about 5 minutes, until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Add the Butter: Now, add the softened butter gradually, kneading until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. This might take another 5-7 minutes.
4. First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for 2-3 hours, or you can refrigerate it overnight for a slower rise. I often do the overnight rise – it develops a lovely flavor!
5. Make the Marinara Sauce: While the dough is rising, let’s make the sauce. In a saucepan, sauté the minced garlic and chopped onion until softened. Add the tomato purée, oregano, sugar, and salt. Simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Garlic Butter Time: In a small pan, fry the minced garlic in butter and oil until golden and fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
7. Shape the Star: Divide the dough into three equal balls. Roll each ball into a thin circle, about 12 inches in diameter. Layer the first dough round with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese. Spread the second layer with Dijon mustard and the garlic butter sauce. Top with the third dough round.
8. Create the Star: Gently press a small bowl in the center of the dough to create a guide. Cut strips from the edge of the dough to the center. Now, twist pairs of strips to form the star shape.
9. Rest & Preheat: Let the shaped dough rest for 20 minutes. While it’s resting, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
10. Bake to Golden Perfection: Brush the star bread with the beaten egg wash. Bake for 30 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly. Let it cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Expert Tips

• Don’t overwork the dough! Overkneading can result in a tough bread.
• If the dough is sticky, add a little flour, one tablespoon at a time.
• For a richer flavor, use salted butter in both the dough and the garlic butter sauce.

Variations

• Vegan Adaptation: Substitute the butter with vegan butter and the egg wash with plant-based milk.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use a gluten-free flour blend designed for bread making. I recommend a blend that includes xanthan gum for better texture.
• Spice Level Adjustment: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce or increase the amount of garlic in the garlic butter for a spicier kick. My friend, Priya, loves adding a generous amount of chili flakes!
• Festival Adaptations: This bread is perfect for Christmas or New Year’s! You can add a sprinkle of parmesan cheese on top before baking for a festive touch.

Serving Suggestions

This star-shaped bread is delicious on its own, but it’s even better served with a side of extra marinara sauce for dipping. It also pairs beautifully with a simple green salad.

Storage Instructions

Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage.

FAQs

What type of flour is best for this recipe?

All-purpose flour works great! But you can experiment with bread flour for a chewier texture.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make the dough a day ahead and refrigerate it. It will actually develop a more complex flavor.

What is the best way to prevent the bread from drying out?

Store it in an airtight container. You can also wrap it tightly in plastic wrap.

Can I use fresh oregano instead of dried?

Yes, you can! Use about 3 tablespoons of chopped fresh oregano.

How can I adjust the sweetness of the marinara sauce?

Add more or less sugar to taste. A pinch of balsamic vinegar can also add a nice depth of flavor.

What can I substitute for the egg wash?

You can use a tablespoon of milk or melted butter instead of the egg wash.

Enjoy baking this beautiful and delicious star-shaped garlic herb bread! I hope it brings a little joy to your kitchen and your table. Let me know how it turns out in the comments below!