From the bird-eye view, the bread unravels like a spiral galaxy; the golden bakes, dusted with flour, glistens quietly. The layers subtly expose their charming olive emerald and thyme flecks. The edges are just crisp, and the bread resonates a rustic elegance.

Twirling Thyme Mediterranean Star Bread

Name: Twirling Thyme Mediterranean Star Bread
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 65 min
Yield: 2
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: dried thyme, 2 tsp; black olives, 1/2 cup pitted and chopped; honey, 2 tbsp; all-purpose flour, 2 cups plus extra for dusting; active dry yeast, 1 tbsp; salt, 1/2 tbsp; water, 1 cup warmed to about 100°F; olive oil, 1/4 cup plus extra for brushing

Category Brunch

Prep 45 minutes

Cook 20 minutes

Style Mediterranean

Technique Baking

Diet Friendly Vegetarian

Daily Recipe: January 07, 2026

Transition into a Mediterranean evening with this humble but sophisticated creation. It showcases the thyme, a flavoursome herb that's not only a culinary champion but also boasts some significant health benefits. Our star bread, enveloping layers of thyme, olives, and a subtle touch of honey, will infuse your kitchen with its warm, inviting aroma.

Ingredients (for 2)

Dried thyme - 2 tsp
Black olives - 1/2 cup - pitted and chopped
Honey - 2 tbsp
All-purpose flour - 2 cups - plus extra for dusting
Active dry yeast - 1 tbsp
Salt - 1/2 tbsp
Water - 1 cup - warmed to about 100°F
Olive oil - 1/4 cup - plus extra for brushing

Preparation

Step 1 - 🥣🍚🧂

In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, 1 tbsp of yeast, and 1/2 tbsp of salt and mix well.
Step 2 - 💧🍯🥣

Add 1 cup of warm water and 1/4 cup of olive oil to the large bowl. Stir until you achieve a smooth dough.
Step 3 - 👐🍞🕑

On a surface lightly dusted with flour, knead the dough for about 5-10 minutes until elastic.
Step 4 - 🍞🕐☀

Cover the dough in the bowl with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
Step 5 - 👊🥪⭕

Punch the dough down and form into two equal portions. Roll out each portion into a flat circular disc.
Step 6 - 🍕🍯🌿

Place one disc onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spread 1/2 cup chopped olives, 2 tsp thyme and drizzle 2 tbsp honey on the dough disc.
Step 7 - 🍞✂🌀

Place the second disc on top, and cut the stack into 8 equal wedges, leaving the center intact. Twist each wedge upon itself.
Step 8 - 🍞🕒☀

Brush the surface with a bit of extra olive oil, and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
Step 9 - 🔥⏲️🎵

Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F for 20 minutes, until golden brown. The bread should sound hollow when tapped.

Additional

Kids can enjoy engaging in the shaping of this star bread. Plus, to add a bit of gratification, swap out thyme with sweet spreads like Nutella or fruit jams. This makes an endearing, personalized breakfast or a snack item. Its star shape is sure to keep intrigue and fun intact!