How to Make Sourdough Star Bread

What is Sourdough Star Bread?

Sourdough star bread is a visually stunning and delicious bread that's perfect for special occasions or simply to impress your family and friends. This intricate-looking bread is surprisingly easy to make and offers a delightful combination of a soft, fluffy interior with a slightly crisp exterior. Using sourdough starter not only adds complex flavors but also makes this bread healthier and more digestible.

Ingredients You Will Need

To make sourdough star bread, you'll need some basic ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Here's a quick list:

• 150g active sourdough starter
• 300g all-purpose flour
• 30g sugar
• 30g butter, melted
• 120ml milk
• 1 egg
• 1/2 tsp salt
• Your choice of filling (e.g., cinnamon sugar, chocolate spread, or pesto)

Preparing the Dough

The first step in making sourdough star bread is preparing the dough. Begin by mixing the sourdough starter with milk, sugar, butter, and egg until combined. Gradually add the flour and salt, kneading until you achieve a smooth and elastic dough. Let the dough rest in a warm place for about 4-6 hours until it doubles in size.

Shaping the Star Bread

Once your dough has risen, it's time to shape it into a star. Divide the dough into four equal portions. Roll each portion into a circle, approximately 10 inches in diameter. Place the first circle on a parchment-lined baking sheet and spread your filling evenly over it. Repeat with the remaining layers, leaving the top layer bare.

Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, make 16 evenly spaced cuts around the circle, starting from the edge and moving towards the center, leaving a small uncut circle in the middle. Take two adjacent strips and twist them away from each other twice, then pinch the ends together to form a point. Repeat with the remaining strips to create an eight-pointed star.

Baking Your Sourdough Star Bread

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While waiting, let your shaped bread rise for another 30-45 minutes. This final proofing will help ensure a light and airy texture. Before baking, you can brush the star bread with an egg wash for a beautiful golden color.

Bake for approximately 20-25 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. Let it cool slightly before serving.

Enjoying Your Homemade Bread

Your sourdough star bread is now ready to be enjoyed! This versatile bread can be served as a centerpiece for brunch, as a sweet treat with afternoon tea, or even as an appetizer at dinner parties. The intricate design makes it as appealing to the eyes as it is to the taste buds.

Feel free to experiment with different fillings to suit your taste preferences. Whether you prefer sweet or savory flavors, this bread is sure to delight everyone who tries it.