If you’re looking to wow your friends and family with something that’s both impressive and irresistibly tasty, Spinach-Artichoke Pull-Apart Star Bread is your golden ticket. Imagine tender, buttery bread swirled with a creamy, tangy spinach and artichoke filling, all baked into a dazzling star shape that’s meant for sharing. Every pull is packed with savory flavor, melting cheese, and pops of fresh herbs. Whether you’re gathering for brunch, a cozy dinner, or need a stunning centerpiece for a party, this recipe will have everyone reaching for “just one more piece.”
Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need a laundry list of fancy items to make this showstopper; each ingredient in Spinach-Artichoke Pull-Apart Star Bread is simple, yet essential. Every component, from the pillowy dough to the zippy filling, plays an important role in bringing this bread to life, so don’t skip a thing if you can help it!
- All-purpose flour (500g): This forms the tender, chewy base of your bread—fresh flour makes a big difference!
- Instant yeast (7g): Gives lift and ensures your dough puffs up beautifully in the oven for that star-worthy rise.
- Salt (1 tsp): Don’t skimp—the right amount of salt brings out all the flavors in the dough.
- Olive oil (2 tbsp): Adds richness and helps keep the bread soft and moist.
- Lukewarm milk (250ml): The secret to a supple, elastic dough that’s a breeze to knead.
- Sugar (1 tbsp): A small touch that boosts flavor and helps the yeast do its magic.
- Egg (1, for egg wash): Brushed on top for that glistening, golden finish.
- Frozen spinach (200g), thawed and squeezed dry: Using frozen spinach makes prep easy—just be sure to squeeze out extra liquid!
- Marinated artichoke hearts (100g), chopped: Liven up your filling with tang, texture, and unbeatable flavor.
- Feta cheese (150g), crumbled: Brings just the right amount of briny, creamy goodness.
- Cream cheese (100g), softened: Makes the filling extra creamy and helps it bake into every swirl.
- Garlic clove (1), grated: Adds a punch of flavor—freshly grated garlic is best!
- Lemon zest (zest of ½ lemon): A little zest brightens everything up for a fresh finish.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: You’ll season the filling to bring all the flavors together.
- Extra crumbled feta (optional garnish): Adds a little flair (and even more cheese—never a bad idea).
- Black sesame or nigella seeds (optional garnish): An optional hit of crunch and striking color on top.
How to Make Spinach-Artichoke Pull-Apart Star Bread
Step 1: Make the Dough
Begin by combining the flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast in a large bowl. Pour in the lukewarm milk and olive oil, then knead the mixture for 8–10 minutes until your dough is soft, smooth, and just a little tacky. Take your time—the kneading is what gives the bread its fluffy texture. Once ready, cover the bowl and set it aside in a warm spot to rise for about an hour, until doubled in size.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
While the dough rises, get your filling ready. In a medium bowl, mix together the thawed and well-drained spinach, chopped artichoke hearts, crumbled feta, softened cream cheese, grated garlic, lemon zest, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Stir it all together until you have a creamy, chunky spread that smells amazing—taste for seasoning and adjust as needed.
Step 3: Shape the Star
After the dough has risen, divide it into two equal pieces. Roll each one out into a circle that’s about 30cm wide—you want them as even as possible. Lay the first circle on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Spread your spinach-artichoke filling evenly over the surface, leaving a 1cm border around the edge (this keeps the filling tucked neatly inside). Place the second dough circle on top, gently pressing the edges together to seal.
Step 4: Cut and Twist
Here’s where Spinach-Artichoke Pull-Apart Star Bread gets its showstopping shape! Place a small glass right in the center of your dough. Using a sharp knife or pizza wheel, cut the dough from the edge of the glass outward into 16 equal strips—think of it like the rays of a sun. Working with two strips at a time, twist them away from each other twice, then pinch the ends together firmly. Keep going around the circle, and soon you’ll see your beautiful star take shape.
Step 5: Brush and Bake
Remove the glass from the center, then give the star a generous brush with beaten egg (this gives you that shiny, golden crust). Sprinkle crumbled feta and black sesame or nigella seeds on top if you like a little extra panache. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 25 to 30 minutes, until your star bread is deeply golden and puffed.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Once out of the oven, let your Spinach-Artichoke Pull-Apart Star Bread cool for about 10 minutes to make pulling apart easier and avoid burning your fingers on the gooey filling. Now comes the fun part—gather everyone around, tear off a piece, and dig in while it’s still soft and warm!
How to Serve Spinach-Artichoke Pull-Apart Star Bread
Garnishes
For a truly dazzling finish, a sprinkle of extra feta, a dash of fresh herbs like parsley or dill, or a scattering of crunchy black sesame seeds goes a long way. These little extras highlight the flavors in the bread and make it feel extra special right out of the oven.
Side Dishes
Serve your Spinach-Artichoke Pull-Apart Star Bread with a bright, citrusy salad to balance its richness—a simple arugula and tomato salad or a zesty Greek salad are perfect partners. It also pairs beautifully with soups like tomato basil or roasted red pepper for a comforting meal.
Creative Ways to Present
This bread looks stunning on a rustic wooden board or a marble platter. For parties, let everyone pull off a “star arm” themselves. Or, pre-pull sections, tuck them into a bread basket, and serve alongside dips like tzatziki or roasted red pepper hummus for a fun, interactive snack spread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have pieces left (though I doubt you will!), wrap them well in foil or keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. The bread will stay soft and flavorful, ready for a quick snack or an easy addition to tomorrow’s lunch.
Freezing
To freeze, let your Spinach-Artichoke Pull-Apart Star Bread cool completely. Individually wrap portions or the entire bread in plastic wrap and then foil to lock in freshness. You can freeze it for up to two months—just thaw at room temperature when a craving hits!
Reheating
For warm, melty goodness, reheat leftover bread in a 160°C (320°F) oven for about 10 minutes. This brings back the tender texture and revives the filling. A toaster oven works great for individual portions, too—forget the microwave, which makes the bread tough.
FAQs
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Just chop and wilt 200g of fresh spinach in a skillet, then let it cool and squeeze out any moisture before mixing it into your filling. The result is just as delicious (if not more vibrant).
Is Spinach-Artichoke Pull-Apart Star Bread vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as written. If you want to make it vegan, use a plant-based cream cheese and feta substitute, and brush the top with olive oil instead of egg wash.
Can I prep Spinach-Artichoke Pull-Apart Star Bread ahead of time?
Definitely! Shape the bread through the twisting step, cover it well, and refrigerate overnight. Bring to room temperature while your oven preheats, then bake fresh. This makes party prep a breeze!
What’s the best way to get even “star arms” when twisting?
Using a small glass to mark the center helps, and scoring the dough lightly before the final cut can guide you to perfect symmetry. Try using a ruler or string to plan your markings in advance for impressive results!
Can I swap in other fillings?
Go for it! Try sun-dried tomatoes and pesto for a Mediterranean vibe, or experiment with roasted red peppers and goat cheese. The dough and shaping technique work beautifully with a range of savory fillings.
Final Thoughts
This Spinach-Artichoke Pull-Apart Star Bread is the ultimate way to turn humble ingredients into something magical and shareable. It’s fun, flavorful, absolutely beautiful, and sure to disappear in record time—so invite your favorite people and make a starry, delicious memory together!
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