Pesto Garlic Bread
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Make your next pasta night extra special with this irresistible Pesto Garlic Bread! With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll create a flavorful side dish loaded with melty mozzarella and savory Parmesan cheese. It’s the perfect cheesy, garlicky addition to any meal, guaranteed to impress your guests.
I’m absolutely obsessed with basil pesto! Every summer, I grow fresh basil in my herb garden and whip up multiple batches of homemade pesto before the season wraps up.
Here, you’ll find articles about how long pesto lasts in the fridge, how to make fresh basil, and recipes that include pesto like potato salad, salmon pasta, chicken flatbread, pesto meatballs, and pasta salad. And I have so many more pesto recipes up my sleeve!
Why I love this cheesy garlic bread
- It pairs perfectly with soup, casseroles, and pasta!
- It can be served as an appetizer.
- It’s easy to make with just a few ingredients.
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Pesto bread ingredients
- Bread – There are lots of options. Here, I used a loaf of Italian bread. Keep reading for more options.
- Pesto – You can use store-bought pesto or make this fresh basil pesto, which is made with pine nuts, fresh basil, parmesan cheese, garlic, and salt.
- Mozzarella Cheese – The cheese melts best when grated from a block.
- Parmesan Cheese – Adds depth to the cheesy bread.
- Garnish – Fresh basil and red pepper flakes.
How to make cheesy pesto garlic bread
Preheat the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
Prepare the bread:
- Slice the Italian bread in half lengthwise and place both halves cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet.
- Generously spread about ¼ cup of fresh basil pesto sauce on each half of the bread, ensuring it covers the surface evenly.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the pesto-covered bread, followed by the grated parmesan cheese.
Bake:
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly and the edges of the bread are golden brown.
Garnish and serve:
- Once out of the oven, sprinkle fresh basil leaves and a pinch of red pepper flakes over the top for extra flavor and color.
- Slice the bread into pieces and serve warm.
What is the best type of bread to use for basil pesto bread
There are many options for making garlic bread:
Italian Loaf: Similar to ciabatta but with a denser crumb, Italian bread holds up well to toppings and adds a nice chewiness to the finished dish.
French Baguette: This classic choice offers a crispy exterior and a soft, chewy interior, perfect for soaking up the pesto and garlic butter while still maintaining a pleasant crunch.
Ciabatta: Its airy texture and thick crust make it ideal for absorbing pesto without becoming too soggy. Plus, it has those nice open pockets for the pesto to settle into.
Sourdough: The slight tang of sourdough can complement the bold flavors of garlic and pesto. It crisps up well in the oven and has a heartier bite.
Focaccia: If you’re looking for a softer, fluffier bread option, focaccia is perfect. It’s already rich in flavor and can handle a heavy spread of pesto and garlic.
Tips for making pesto cheese bread
- Serve Warm.
- Finish with a drizzle of olive oil.
- Leftover garlic bread that has been cooled to room temperature can be stored in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Rewarm the bread like pizza in a cast iron skillet, the oven, or an air fryer.
- If you want extra garlic flavor, sprinkle the cheese with garlic powder before baking.
- Create a pesto butter with any leftover pesto.
Serving Suggestions
With Soups
As the perfect appetizer
- Serve pesto garlic bread as part of a spread with cheeses, cured meats, and cream cheese cucumber dip.
- Offer the bread with dips like artichoke dip, hummus, bruschetta dip, or hot boursin dip. The flavors will complement homemade pesto beautifully.
As a Side dish for Pasta Dishes
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Garlic Pesto Bread
Ingredients
- 1 Italian Bread loaf
- 1/2-3/4 cup Pesto
- 8 ounces Mozzarella Cheese
- 4 ounces Parmesan Cheese
- Fresh Basil and Red Pepper Flakes for garish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
- Slice the Italian bread in half lengthwise and place both halves cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet.1 Italian Bread
- Generously spread about ¼ cup of pesto on each half of the bread, making sure it covers the surface evenly.1/2-3/4 cup Pesto
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the pesto-covered bread, followed by the grated parmesan cheese.8 ounces Mozzarella Cheese, 4 ounces Parmesan Cheese
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly, and the edges of the bread are golden and crispy.
- Once out of the oven, sprinkle fresh basil leaves and a pinch of red pepper flakes over the top for an extra burst of flavor and color.Fresh Basil and Red Pepper Flakes for garish
- Slice and serve hot.
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Notes
- Serve warm.
- Finish with a drizzle of olive oil.
