Name: Pesto Star Bread Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 19 min
Total time: 1 h 49 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 cups all purpose flour, spooned & leveled (242 grams); ½ cup instant mashed potato flakes (42 grams); 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (27 grams); 1 teaspoon salt; ¾ cup warm whole milk at 115-120 degrees F; 1 packet instant yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons); ¼ cup unsalted butter, room temperature; ½ tablespoon vegetable oil (for greasing bowl); ½-¾ cup pesto, pre-made; ¾ cup Parmesan cheese, grated or shredded; 1 egg (for egg wash)

Jump to Recipe· 4.6 from 5 reviews

If you love a show-stopping bread that’s as fun to make as it is delicious to eat, you’re going to adore this Pesto Star Bread Recipe. Trust me, this isn’t just any old bread—it’s beautifully twisted, packed with the fresh flavors of pesto and parmesan, and makes a stunning centerpiece for any gathering. I can’t wait to walk you through every step so you can easily create this impressive, star-shaped delight right at home.

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Why This Recipe Works

Unique Texture: The addition of instant mashed potato flakes keeps the bread tender and soft without any heaviness.
Flavor Harmony: Combining fresh pesto with parmesan cheese creates a bright yet savory taste that’s hard to resist.
Fun Presentation: Twisting the dough into a star shape turns a simple bread into something truly special—perfect for parties or just elevating your weeknight dinner.
No-Fuss Yeast Activation: Using instant yeast makes the process quicker and foolproof, perfect even if you’re new to bread baking.

Pesto Star Bread, Pesto Star Bread Recipe, Easy Pesto Bread, Savory Star-Shaped Bread, Pesto Bread for Parties - A circular dough shaped like a flower with eight twisted petals sits on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Each petal shows visible layers with a green herb filling in between, giving it a layered look of light dough and green specks. The center is smooth and untouched, providing a round blank space. The baking tray is silver and rests on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Pesto Star Bread Recipe plays a vital role—balancing texture, flavor, and ease of preparation. When you pick out your ingredients, aim for quality, especially for the pesto, since it’s front and center.

Pesto Star Bread, Pesto Star Bread Recipe, Easy Pesto Bread, Savory Star-Shaped Bread, Pesto Bread for Parties - Flat lay of a small mound of all purpose flour, a small pile of instant mashed potato flakes, a small heap of granulated sugar, a pinch of coarse salt crystals, a small white ceramic bowl with warm whole milk, a small white ceramic bowl containing instant yeast granules, a cube of unsalted butter, a small white ceramic bowl filled with bright green pesto sauce, a small white ceramic bowl with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and one whole, uncracked brown egg, all arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

All-purpose Flour: The base that gives structure—using good quality flour helps create a smooth, elastic dough.
Instant Mashed Potato Flakes: This might seem unusual, but it keeps the bread incredibly soft, like the ones you find in fancy bakeries.
Granulated Sugar: Feeds the yeast and enhances browning on the crust for that golden finish.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and strengthens the dough’s gluten network.
Warm Whole Milk: Activates the yeast gently and enriches the dough for a richer flavor and tender crumb.
Instant Yeast: Allows for faster rising without the fuss of proofing traditional yeast.
Unsalted Butter: Adds flavor and tenderness while helping the dough develop a soft crumb.
Pesto: I recommend a good-quality store-bought or homemade pesto—this is the star flavor, so let it shine!
Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharpness and a little crusty texture after baking that compliments the pesto perfectly.
Egg: Used to brush the top for a beautiful glossy, golden finish once it’s baked.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best parts about the Pesto Star Bread Recipe is that it’s super versatile. I love swapping in different fillings to mix things up or tweak flavors to suit the season or my mood. You’ll enjoy making it your own!

Variation: I once added sun-dried tomatoes to the pesto layer for a burst of tangy sweetness—totally elevated the bread and got rave reviews!
Dietary Swap: For a lighter version, try using part whole wheat flour, though the texture will be a bit heartier.
Cheese Changes: Feel free to swap parmesan for pecorino or mozzarella—each brings a different character to the final bread.
Herbs & Spices: Adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or fresh basil between layers gives an exciting flavor twist.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Pesto Star Bread Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients and Activate the Yeast

Start by whisking together your flour, instant mashed potato flakes, sugar, and salt in a big bowl. Then, in your stand mixer bowl, stir warm milk with the instant yeast and let it bloom for about 3 minutes—that bubbling start tells you the yeast is alive and ready to go! Combining dry and wet ingredients separately helps ensure even distribution and a smooth dough.

Step 2: Knead the Dough Until Smooth and Soft

Add the flour mixture and room temperature butter to your yeast milk, and use the dough hook to mix on medium speed for 5-7 minutes. You want the dough to feel soft and slightly sticky but not overly sticky—just like a well-loved dough should feel. This step takes a bit of patience, but it’s worth waiting for that perfect texture!

Step 3: Let the Dough Rise

Grease a clean bowl lightly with vegetable oil, turn your dough to coat it in oil, cover it with plastic wrap or a towel, and let it rise for about 1 hour—until the dough roughly doubles in size. I usually set mine near the stove or a warm sunny window; yeast loves a cozy environment.

Step 4: Roll Out the Dough Circles and Layer with Pesto and Cheese

Once risen, gently punch down the dough and divide it into four equal balls. Roll out each ball gently on a floured surface to about 10 inches in diameter. The dough will look thin but that’s perfect—it’ll puff during baking. For each layer, place on parchment-lined baking sheet, spread a thin layer of pesto, and sprinkle about ¼ cup parmesan, leaving a border. I find spreading pesto lightly prevents the layers from sliding around later, which can be a little tricky!

Step 5: Form the Star Shape

Place a 3-inch biscuit cutter in the center as your guide (don’t press down), then make 16 evenly spaced cuts from the edge of the cutter to the outer ring, creating 16 strips. Remove the cutter, then carefully twist each pair of strips away from each other two to three times, pinching the ends together gently—use a dab of water if needed to seal. This step is so fun and really makes your bread a showstopper!

Step 6: Brush with Egg Wash and Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Whisk an egg and brush it all over the star bread’s surface to create that gorgeous shiny golden crust. Bake for 15-19 minutes, keeping an eye out—the moment it turns a deep golden is when you want to pull it out. After baking, cool for about 10 minutes before serving, so the flavors fully settle.

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Tips from My Kitchen

Don’t Skip the Potato Flakes: I used to think it was optional, but it truly makes the bread extra soft and keeps it fresh longer.
Keep the Pesto Layer Thin: When I overloaded the pesto once, the layers slipped apart—so spread it sparingly to hold the star shape well.
Twist Gently: Twisting too hard can tear the dough strips—slow and steady wins this race for neat, even twists.
Watch the Bake Time Closely: Oven temperatures vary; I check at 15 minutes to avoid overbaking and keep the crumb tender.

How to Serve Pesto Star Bread Recipe

Pesto Star Bread, Pesto Star Bread Recipe, Easy Pesto Bread, Savory Star-Shaped Bread, Pesto Bread for Parties - A golden brown star-shaped bread with eight twisted points sits on a piece of brown parchment paper. Each point shows layers of dough filled with green pesto, visible as thin lines inside. The center is smooth and round with a slightly shiny texture. Around the bread, bright green basil leaves and scattered grated cheese add a fresh touch. A wooden bowl with green pesto and a spoon is to the bottom right, and another wooden bowl filled with grated cheese is at the top left, all placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I love sprinkling freshly grated parmesan on top right after baking for an extra cheesy touch. Sometimes, I drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil or scatter chopped fresh basil leaves to brighten the flavors before serving. It just gives it that final gourmet look and taste.

Side Dishes

This pesto star bread pairs wonderfully with a simple tomato soup or a fresh green salad for lunch. On occasion, I’ve served it alongside a charcuterie board with olives, cured meats, and cheeses, making it the perfect centerpiece for dinner parties.

Creative Ways to Present

For festive occasions, I’ve placed the star bread on a wooden board surrounded by small bowls of pesto, olive oil with herbs, and marinara sauce for dipping. It turns the whole experience interactive and fun for guests, like a centerpiece that everyone can nibble from.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I wrap leftover bread tightly in plastic wrap and leave it at room temperature if it’s not humid. If your kitchen is warm or humid, refrigerate it to keep it fresh for up to 2 days. I’ve found that this bread maintains softness well, especially if wrapped carefully.

Freezing

This star bread freezes beautifully! I slice it into wedges, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then again in foil before freezing. When I’m ready to enjoy, I thaw at room temp or warm them gently—it’s a great way to have this fresh bread on hand anytime.

Reheating

I usually warm leftovers in a 300°F oven for about 5-7 minutes to crisp up the crust without drying it out. Alternatively, a quick zap in the microwave at 50% power for 1 minute works in a pinch, but I prefer the oven method for the best texture.

FAQs

Can I make the pesto from scratch for the Pesto Star Bread Recipe?

Absolutely! Homemade pesto is fantastic in this recipe and adds a fresh, vibrant flavor that’s hard to beat. Just make sure your pesto isn’t too watery—thicker pesto spreads better and helps the layers stay intact during the twisting and baking process.
What if I don’t have instant mashed potato flakes? Can I substitute?

If you don’t have instant potato flakes, you can try substituting with a small amount of mashed cooked potato, but keep it minimal to avoid adding too much moisture. Alternatively, omitting this ingredient will still give you good bread, but it might be slightly less tender.
Can I prepare the dough a day ahead?

Yes, you can make the dough the night before and let it rise slowly in the fridge. Be sure to bring it back to room temperature before rolling and assembling your star bread—that extra time helps develop flavor and makes handling easier.
How do I prevent the layers from sliding apart after baking?

Spread pesto thinly to avoid too much moisture between layers, and make sure to pinch the ends of the twists firmly. Also, twisting gently preserves structure—these little steps helped me perfect the shape over time.

Final Thoughts

This Pesto Star Bread Recipe is one of my all-time favorites for when I want to impress without stress. It’s beautiful, bursting with flavor, and the process feels more like a fun little project than a chore. I’m excited for you to try it and share it with people you love—because nothing brings people together quite like fresh, homemade bread. Give it a go, and you might just find this becoming a new tradition in your kitchen!