Yum & Done

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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 4Make the filling — Stir together the Gruyère, Parmesan, sage, garlic, olive oil, and pepper. Set aside while the dough finishes rising.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Nutrition (per serving): 412 kcal · 17g protein · 38g carbs · 22g fat