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