PESTO STAR BREAD

Pesto Star Bread image

I was excited to work with the Taste of Home Test Kitchen to make a savory version of my Christmas Star Twisted Bread. Pesto bread is perfect for the holidays (but it's a showstopper at any time of the year). -Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 1h5m

Yield 16 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 13

Ingredients

1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast
1/4 cup warm water (110° to 115°)
3/4 cup warm 2% milk (110° to 115°)
1 large egg, room temperature
1/4 cup butter, softened
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon salt
3-1/4 to 3-3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup prepared basil pesto
6 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, divided
1/4 cup sun-dried tomato pesto
2 tablespoons butter, melted
Optional: Additional grated Parmesan cheese, basil pesto, torn fresh basil and marinara sauce

Steps:

In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. In a large bowl, combine milk, egg, butter, sugar, salt, yeast mixture and 2 cups flour; beat on medium speed until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough (dough will be sticky)., Turn dough onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour., Punch down dough. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; divide into 4 portions. Roll each into a 12-in. circle. Place 1 circle on a greased 14-in. pizza pan. Spread with half the basil pesto to within 1/2 in. of edges; sprinkle with 2 tablespoons Parmesan. Place second circle of dough on top; spread with sun-dried tomato pesto and sprinkle with 2 tablespoons Parmesan. Top with third circle of dough, remaining basil pesto and remaining 2 tablespoons Parmesan; top with final portion of dough., Place a 2-1/2-in. round cutter on top of the dough in center of circle (do not press down). With a sharp knife, make 16 evenly spaced cuts from round cutter to edge of dough, forming a starburst. Remove cutter; grasp 2 adjacent strips and rotate twice outward. Pinch ends together. Repeat with remaining strips., Cover with a kitchen towel; let rise in a warm place until almost doubled, about 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 375°. Bake until golden brown, 18-22 minutes. Remove from oven; brush with melted butter, avoiding areas where pesto is visible. Cool completely on a wire rack. If desired, sprinkle with additional cheese and basil before serving; serve with pesto or marinara.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 192 calories, Fat 9g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 26mg cholesterol, Sodium 355mg sodium, Carbohydrate 23g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 5g protein.