A beautiful star-shaped braided bread, perfect for an aperitif with friends before the holidays.
8 people
1
For the basil sauce, place the washed and dried basil leaves, parmesan cheese, walnuts, and 25ml of extra virgin olive oil into a bowl.
2
Blend the ingredients with a hand blender until you get a smooth sauce.
3
Drizzle more oil into the mix if needed.
4
Place the first disc of puff pastry onto the work surface.
5
Spread a spoonful of Mutti Double Concentrated Tomato Paste over the entire surface of the pastry, leaving one centimeter around the border.
6
Then distribute half the mozzarella on top of the Double Concentrate and cover with the second pastry disc, making sure the edges are stuck down well.
7
Spread a generous spoonful of basil sauce over the entire surface of the pastry.
8
Cover with the third disc, repeating the process with Mutti Double Concentrated Tomato Paste and the remaining mozzarella.
9
Place a pastry cutter or a glass in the center of the last pastry disc and cut 16 wedges with a sharp knife.
10
Twist each wedge around itself twice, in pairs: one clockwise and one counterclockwise, and then seal each pair of wedges, joining the ends together.
11
Lightly brush the surface with a beaten egg and bake in a preheated oven at 180 degrees for 20-25 minutes.
In the United States, this beautiful star-shaped braided bread has become a beloved holiday classic. Traditionally made in a sweet version filled with butter, cinnamon or jam, it’s a festive centerpiece often enjoyed on Christmas morning or as a seasonal treat. But the savory version, prepared with Mutti Double Concentrated Tomato Paste, mozzarella and a fragrant homemade basil sauce, is just as delicious and ideal for a holiday aperitif with friends or as an eye-catching appetizer at the Christmas table. You may have admired its intricate, twisted shape and assumed it required hours of complicated braiding, but don’t let its appearance fool you. Making a twisted star bread is surprisingly simple, and today we’ll guide you through the process step by step. With just a few ingredients and a little technique, you’ll create a stunning and tasty bread that looks like it came straight from a bakery and your guests will be asking for the recipe.
If you’d like to personalize the base, you can substitute the puff pastry with your favorite pizza dough. The preparation method stays the same, but if you go this route, be sure to let the dough rise for at least 30 minutes before baking. This gives the bread a softer, more rustic texture. Looking for a plant-based alternative? It’s easy to veganize this recipe. Choose a dairy-free puff pastry, skip the mozzarella and parmesan and enrich your basil sauce with a handful of almonds or cashews to give it a creamy texture. You can also add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy. To boost flavor even more, consider sprinkling the layers with oregano, black pepper or even a touch of chili flakes before assembling the bread. Whether you go classic or creative, sweet or savory, this twisted star bread is sure to brighten up your holiday table and impress your guests before they even take a bite.
