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Guiding Star - Christmas Meal

Guiding Star - Christmas Meal

Guiding Star Christmas Meal is a golden star-shaped stuffed bread that feeds a crowd and makes the whole table gasp before dinner even starts.

★★★★½ 4.8 (214 ratings)
35 minPrep time35 minCook time8Servings412 kcalCalories

🧂 Ingredients

  • 4 cups (500g) bread flour, plus extra for dusting
  • 2 1/4 tsp (7g) instant yeast
  • 1 cup (240ml) whole milk, warmed to 110°F (43°C)
  • 3 tbsp (45g) unsalted butter, melted, plus more for brushing
  • 1 large egg, plus 1 egg beaten for egg wash
  • 1 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
  • 1 1/2 cups (170g) shredded Gruyère
  • 1 cup (100g) finely grated Parmesan
  • 2 tbsp fresh sage, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

📋 Instructions

  1. 1Mix the dough — Whisk the flour, yeast, and salt in a large bowl. Add the warm milk, melted butter, and egg, then stir until a shaggy dough forms.
  2. 2Knead until smooth — Knead on a floured counter for 8 to 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and springs back when poked. It should feel soft but not sticky.
  3. 3Let it rise — Place the dough in a buttered bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm spot for 60 to 75 minutes, until doubled in size.
  4. 4Make the filling — Stir together the Gruyère, Parmesan, sage, garlic, olive oil, and pepper. Set aside while the dough finishes rising.
  5. 5Roll and layer — Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Divide the dough into four balls. Roll each into a 12-inch circle and stack them on parchment, spreading filling between each layer and leaving a 1-inch border.
  6. 6Cut the star points — Set a small bowl in the center as a guide and cut 12 even wedges from the edge to the bowl. Remove the bowl.
  7. 7Twist each point — Take two neighboring wedges and twist them away from each other twice, then pinch the tips together. Repeat around the circle to form the star.
  8. 8Bake until golden — Brush with egg wash and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until deep golden brown and the center reads 200°F (93°C). Tent the tips with foil if they brown too fast.
  9. 9Cool and serve — Slide onto a rack for 5 minutes, brush with a little melted butter, and serve warm so the cheese is still gooey.
👨‍🍳 Chef's Note: If your kitchen is cold, let the dough rise in an oven that's off but has the light on, which keeps it cozy and steady.

Servings: 8

Cuisine: American

Course: Bread

Nutrition (per serving): 412 kcal · 17g protein · 38g carbs · 22g fat