The Perfect Star for Your Holiday Table

Recipe Spotlight: Sourdough Sweet Potato Asiago Bread Star Rolls

Imagine a centerpiece bread that tastes just as amazing as it looks! Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner or just want to experiment with something new, these rolls will quickly become a favorite.

Why You’ll Love It:

• Visually Stunning: Forming the rolls into a star shape adds an elegant touch that’s easier to achieve than it looks.

• Flavor Packed: Sweet potato, sourdough tang, and Asiago create a harmonious blend of sweet, savory, and nutty.

• A Crowd Pleaser: Perfect for sharing, the rolls pull apart beautifully, making them an instant hit at gatherings.

I’ve shared all my tips for shaping and baking these beauties in the blog post, so be sure to check it out!

Click here for the full recipe ➡️

What sparked the idea for the star shape?

The star shape was inspired by the festive warmth of the holiday season and the desire to create something both visually stunning and symbolic. Stars often evoke feelings of celebration, connection, and joy—perfect for gatherings and special occasions.

When I attempted the star shape last year, it didn’t turn out the way I envisioned. I placed the rolls on the pan, but when they were baked, the arrangement looked rather scattered. I brought the rolls to a Holiday gathering and pretended they were supposed to be arranged like that. The rolls tasted great, they just didn’t have the presentation I was hoping for.

I decided to revisit the idea this year when I came across King Arthur Baking’s shaping method for star bread rolls. Their roll recipe is different; however, their approach to arranging the rolls in a star pattern gave me the inspiration I needed to achieve the shape I was looking for. By carefully spacing the rolls around a brie wheel and forming the star shape on a parchment-lined pizza pan, I was able to capture the festive look I was striving for.

Baking is all about persistence and learning from others. This star-shaped arrangement is not only visually stunning but also incredibly practical, allowing each roll to bake evenly and remain easy to pull apart for sharing. It’s a centerpiece that embodies the warmth and joy of the holidays!

I brought these star bread rolls to a Holiday gathering again this year and was pleased to display the uniform star shape. Everyone enjoyed the rolls so much, I came home with an empty pan.

Pro tip: Parchment paper is your best friend for shaping and transferring the star roll with ease. Keep it handy!

Click here for the full recipe ➡️

What inspired the sweet potato flavor?

The sweet potato flavor was inspired by its natural sweetness, earthy undertones, and velvety texture, which complement sourdough beautifully.

Sweet potatoes are a quintessential fall and winter ingredient, evoking comfort and warmth. I wanted to capture that cozy, seasonal vibe in bread form, and sweet potato felt like the perfect choice.

Their moisture content contributes to a soft, pillowy crumb, while their subtle sweetness enhances the savory notes of the Asiago cheese. Additionally, using roasted sweet potato adds depth and a caramelized flavor that elevates the bread beyond the ordinary.

Sweet potatoes remind me of holiday gatherings and hearty family meals, making them an ideal ingredient for bread meant to be shared. Their vibrant color also adds a cheerful, golden hue to the dough, giving the finished rolls a visual warmth that’s as inviting as their flavor.

What pairs well with these rolls?

The Sourdough Sweet Potato Asiago Bread Star Rolls have a rich, savory-sweet flavor profile with the earthy sweetness of sweet potato and the sharp nuttiness of Asiago cheese. They pair beautifully with a variety of dishes, making them a versatile addition to any table.

Here are some pairing suggestions:

Soups & Stews

These rolls are perfect for dipping into hearty, warming soups and stews:

• Butternut Squash Soup: The creamy sweetness complements the rolls’ earthy flavor.

• Beef Stew: A robust, savory stew pairs wonderfully with the rolls’ cheesy, tangy profile.

• Creamy Tomato Basil Soup: The tang of the sourdough plays nicely with the acidity of tomatoes.

Salads

Serve the rolls alongside vibrant, fresh salads to balance their richness:

• Arugula & Pear Salad: Add toasted walnuts and a balsamic vinaigrette for a sweet and peppery contrast.

• Spinach Salad with Dried Cranberries and Goat Cheese: The tartness of the cranberries and creaminess of goat cheese enhance the rolls’ flavors.

• Caesar Salad: The Asiago in the rolls echoes the cheese in the salad, creating a harmonious pairing.

Main Dishes

Pair the rolls with these crowd-pleasing entrees:

• Roast Chicken or Turkey: The rolls are a fantastic addition to any roast dinner, perfect for soaking up pan juices or gravy.

• Honey-Glazed Ham: The sweet-savory ham complements the sweet potato and Asiago beautifully.

• Vegetarian Lentil Bake: The rolls add a hearty, satisfying element to vegetarian dishes.

Spreads & Condiments

Enhance the flavor of the rolls with these spreads:

• Whipped Honey Butter: Sweet and creamy, this is a simple but luxurious pairing.

• Garlic Herb Cream Cheese: The tangy, savory spread enhances the cheesy rolls.

• Cranberry Orange Relish: A tart, fruity condiment brings out the rolls’ subtle sweetness.

With these pairings, your Sourdough Sweet Potato Asiago Bread Star Rolls will shine as the centerpiece of a memorable meal!

Festive Baking Project

Join our festive fun! Baking together makes everything more fun and rewarding. The challenge is to bake your version of Sourdough Sweet Potato Asiago Bread Star Rolls.

1. Bake the rolls using the recipe on my blog.

2. Post a photo of your creation on Instagram and tag @bread_experience.

3. Share a story about your baking journey—what you learned, how the rolls turned out, or who you shared them with!

I’ll feature my favorite submission in next month’s newsletter, along with a special shoutout.