Pesto Pizza Stuffed Star Bread Recipe
This Pesto Pizza Stuffed Star Bread is a visually stunning and delicious twist on traditional pizza. Layers of pesto and mozzarella cheese are sandwiched between circles of pizza dough, then cut and twisted into a beautiful star shape before baking. It’s perfect for sharing as a delightful appetizer or a fun dinner centerpiece, served warm with marinara sauce for dipping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Pizza Dough
- 1 1/2 lb. store-bought or homemade pizza dough
Filling & Topping
- 9 tbsp. pesto, divided
- 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese
- Marinara sauce, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dough: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Divide the pizza dough into 4 equal pieces and roll each piece into an 11-inch circle for uniform size and easier stacking.
- Assemble the Layers: Place one dough circle on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spread 3 tablespoons of pesto evenly over the dough, then sprinkle with 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese. Repeat layering with the next dough circle, pesto, and mozzarella, finishing with the last dough circle on top—leave this top layer plain.
- Top and Cut the Dough: Brush the top dough layer with olive oil and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese. Then, place a bowl or glass with a 3-inch diameter in the center. Using a sharp knife, cut from the edge of the bowl to the edge of the dough, creating 16 equal strips while ensuring the knife cuts through all layers. Remove the bowl once cutting is complete.
- Form the Star Shape: Grab two adjacent strips and twist them away from each other 4 times. Pinch the ends together to form a point. Continue this twisting technique with the remaining strip pairs to form 8 points, creating a star-shaped stuffed bread.
- Bake and Serve: Bake the star bread in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until golden brown. Serve warm with marinara sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
- You can use either store-bought or homemade pizza dough depending on your preference.
- Feel free to substitute mozzarella with other melty cheeses like provolone or fontina for variation.
- Chilling the dough slightly before rolling can help with easier handling.
- The pesto can be homemade or store-bought; adjust the quantity if you prefer a stronger or milder flavor.
- Ensure to twist the strips firmly so the star shape holds during baking.
Keywords: pesto pizza, stuffed star bread, appetizer, Italian bread, pesto, mozzarella, homemade pizza
