This beautiful and savory pull-apart bread, adapted from using sourdough, is perfect for Each layer is bursting with sharp cheddar cheese and flavorful everything bagel seasoning.

Indulge in this festive Sourdough Cheesy Star Bread! This easy-to-follow recipe, inspired by Bob’s Red Mill “Cheesy Star Bread with Everything Bagel Seasoning,” features layers of sharp cheddar cheese and flavorful bagel seasoning. Perfect for holiday appetizers and other Winter gatherings or a special treat, this pull-apart bread will surely impress.

Find the full recipe with step-by-step instructions and helpful tips below:

Sourdough Cheesy Star Bread with Everything But the Bagel Seasoning

Yields: 8-12 servings
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 30–32 minutes

Ingredients:

  • For the Dough:
    • 4 ¾ cups [600g] all-purpose flour*, divided
      • NOTE: All-purpose flour is suitable for this kind of baking. Because it has a high enough protein content to make for a good ferment but not so much that the finished bake will be as tough and chewy as with bread flour.
    • 2 tablespoons [25g] sugar
    • 1 tsp [17g] sea salt
    • ½ cup whole milk
    • ¼ cup [60g] water
    • ½ cup [120g] sourdough starter
    • ⅓ cup unsalted butter
    • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • For the Filling:
    • 1 large egg, beaten
    • ¼ cup [34g] Everything Bagel Seasoning, divided
      • NOTE: make your own: 1 tsp kosher salt + 1 tbsp each poppy seeds, sesame seeds, garlic powder, onion powder)
    • 2 cups [180g] shredded white cheddar cheese

Instructions:

  1. Make the Dough:
    • Combine 1 ½ cups [185g] flour, sugar, and salt in a stand mixer bowl.
    • Heat milk, water, and butter in a saucepan until 120-130°F [50°C].
    • Add the warm milk mixture to the dry ingredients and mix until combined.
    • Add the egg and mix.
    • Gradually add the remaining flour and the starter, mixing until a soft dough forms.
    • Knead with the dough hook for 6-7 minutes until smooth and slightly elastic.
    • Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for 8–10 minutes or overnight in your fridge until doubled in size.
  2. Assemble the Bread:
    • Preheat oven to 400°F [205°C]. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
    • Gently divide the dough into four equal pieces.
    • Roll out each piece into an 11-inch round.
    • Stack the rounds on the parchment paper, brushing each layer with beaten egg and sprinkling with cheese and seasoning (leaving a ½-inch [1cm] border).
  3. Shape the Star:
    • Make a small indent in the center of the stacked rounds.
    • Cut the rounds into 16 equal strips from the center to the edge.
    • Two adjacent strips are twisted twice, and the ends are sealed with a pinch.
    • Repeat with the remaining strips to form an 8-pointed star.
    • Cover and let rest for 45 minutes.
  4. Bake and Serve:
    • Brush the star with beaten egg and sprinkle with remaining seasoning.
    • Bake for 30-32 minutes until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 200°F [93°C].
    • Let cool for 15 minutes before serving.

Tips & Notes:

  • If using salt-free Everything Bagel Seasoning, sprinkle a pinch or two of salt on each layer.
  • For extra flavor, use a combination of sharp and mild cheddar cheese.

We hope this revised recipe is easy to follow and enjoyable for our sourdough lovers!