Ooey-Gooey Cheesy Pesto Garlic Bread Recipe for Flavor Lovers

Warm, golden bread meets vibrant pesto in this irresistible cheesy pesto garlic bread recipe that promises to tantalize your taste buds.

Melted cheese cascades over herb-infused spread, creating a mouthwatering masterpiece.

Each slice bursts with rich, savory flavors that dance across your palate.

garlic bold aroma weaves through crispy edges, promising a delightful crunch with every bite.

The combination of creamy cheese and fragrant basil pesto elevates this simple side dish into a crowd-pleasing sensation.

Quick to prepare and impossible to resist, this bread will become your new favorite accompaniment to any meal.

You’ll want to make extra – trust me.

Pesto Garlic Bread Bold Features

• Quickly Create Gourmet Appetizer: Transform basic bread into a restaurant-style starter with minimal ingredients and simple steps, perfect for impressing guests without complex cooking skills.
• Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe by switching cheeses, adding extra herbs, or using different bread types to match personal taste preferences and pantry availability.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Combines classic garlic bread with Italian-inspired pesto, creating a universally loved side dish that appeals to both kids and adults at gatherings or casual meals.
• Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: Requires just a few minutes of preparation and basic kitchen tools, delivering a deliciously cheesy, herb-infused bread that tastes like it took hours to make.

Pesto Garlic Bread Ingredient Rundown

• French Baguette, Sourdough Bread: A crusty bread that provides the perfect canvas for a delicious garlic bread experience.

• Butter: A creamy base that helps distribute flavors and creates a rich, golden texture.
• Garlic: Adds a sharp, aromatic flavor that enhances the overall taste of the bread.
• Pesto: A vibrant sauce made with basil that brings a fresh and herbal dimension to the dish.

• Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Provide a gooey, melty texture and a savory, salty flavor that complements the other ingredients.

• Fresh Basil Leaves: Adds a bright, fresh finish and a pop of color to the final dish.

Making Pesto Garlic Bread Easily

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 375°F.

Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Slice The Bread

Take your bread and slice it lengthwise, creating two perfect halves.

Place these cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 3: Create Flavor Base

Grab your softened butter and mince some garlic.

Mix these together until they’re beautifully blended.

Generously spread this garlicky goodness across both bread halves.

Step 4: Layer On The Deliciousness

Spread a rich layer of pesto over the garlic butter.

• Mozzarella
• Parmesan

Cover the bread completely with this cheesy blanket.

Step 5: Bake To Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the oven.

Bake for 10-12 minutes until the cheese transforms into a melty paradise.

For extra golden-brown magic, switch to broil for 1-2 minutes.

Step 6: Serve And Enjoy

Sprinkle some fresh basil on top.

Slice into mouth-watering pieces.

Serve while it’s warm and watch everyone’s eyes light up.

Tips for Tasty Pesto Garlic Bread

• Select high-quality basil and garlic for a more vibrant, authentic pesto flavor that elevates the entire bread.
• Watch closely during baking to prevent over-browning, ensuring the cheese melts perfectly without burning.
• Use crusty sourdough or ciabatta for extra crunch, or whole wheat bread for a healthier alternative.
• Chop fresh basil right before garnishing to maintain maximum flavor and bright green color.
• Enjoy immediately after baking for the best texture and melted cheese experience.

Creative Pesto Garlic Bread Variations

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace regular bread with gluten-free baguette or ciabatta. Use certified gluten-free pesto and check cheese labels for gluten content.
• Vegan Adaptation: Swap butter with vegan margarine or olive oil. Use dairy-free mozzarella and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. Select plant-based pesto without cheese.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute bread with large zucchini slices or cauliflower bread. Maintain original seasoning and cheese toppings for flavor preservation.
• Herb Lover's Remix: Replace garlic with mixed fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and oregano. Add chopped herbs directly into butter spread for enhanced aromatic profile.

Ways to Serve Pesto Garlic Bread Warm

• Cozy Movie Night Companion: Pair this pesto garlic bread with a classic movie marathon for the perfect comfort food experience.
• Appetizer Extravaganza: Slice into smaller pieces and serve as a delightful starter at gatherings or dinner parties, letting guests enjoy bite-sized flavor explosions.
• Soup's Best Friend: Serve alongside tomato bisque or creamy vegetable soup for a delicious dipping experience that elevates your meal's warmth and satisfaction.
• Salad Side Kick: Complement a fresh green salad with these cheesy, herby bread slices to add a rich and indulgent element to your lighter meal.

Pesto Garlic Bread Storage Ideas

• Store leftover pesto garlic bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent moisture and preserve freshness.
• Warm the bread in the oven at 350F for 5-7 minutes to restore its crispy texture. Avoid using the microwave, which can make the bread soggy and tough.
• Wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Enjoy the pesto garlic bread fresh and warm for the most delicious crispy texture and melted cheese experience.

FAQs

• What ingredients do I need for pesto garlic bread?

You’ll need French bread, butter, garlic, pesto sauce, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and fresh basil for garnish.

• Can I use store-bought pesto?

Absolutely! Store-bought pesto works perfectly and saves time in the kitchen. Just choose a high-quality brand for the best flavor.

• How do I know the bread is perfectly cooked?

Look for melted cheese and slightly crispy edges. The bread should be golden brown and have a crisp texture when done.

• Is this recipe good for entertaining?

Yes! This pesto garlic bread is quick to make, looks impressive, and is always a crowd-pleaser at gatherings or as a party appetizer.

Cheesy Pesto Garlic Bread Recipe

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4.6 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Irresistible cheesy pesto garlic bread promises a flavor explosion that elevates any meal from ordinary to extraordinary. Crisp edges, melted cheese, and fragrant herbs combine in a simple yet spectacular side dish you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 loaf French baguette or Italian bread
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup basil pesto
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers:

• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil leaves, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven to 375°F and cover a baking sheet with parchment paper for even heat distribution.
2. Carefully slice the bread horizontally, revealing a generous surface area for toppings.
3. Create a flavorful base by blending softened butter with finely chopped garlic, ensuring even incorporation of aromatic elements.
4. Generously coat both bread halves with the garlic-infused butter, creating a rich foundation for subsequent layers.
5. Spread a vibrant layer of pesto across the buttered surface, allowing the herbal notes to permeate the bread.
6. Strategically sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, ensuring complete coverage for maximum melting potential.
7. Transfer the prepared bread to the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes until cheese becomes fully melted and bubbly.
8. For an optional golden-brown finish, activate the broiler for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
9. Remove from oven and enhance visual appeal by scattering fresh basil leaves across the surface.
10. Slice into appetizing portions and serve immediately while warm for optimal taste and texture.

Notes

• Boost Flavor Experiment with different pesto varieties like sun-dried tomato or roasted red pepper to add unique twists to the classic recipe.
• Gluten-Free Swap traditional bread with gluten-free alternatives like cauliflower or zucchini bread for a dietary-friendly version.
• Cheese Options Try using dairy-free cheese alternatives or mix in goat cheese for a tangy flavor profile that elevates the traditional mozzarella and Parmesan combination.
• Herb Enhancement Incorporate additional fresh herbs like oregano or thyme directly into the butter mixture to create more complex and layered herbal notes.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 50mg