Cheesy Pesto Garlic Bread

Cheesy Pesto Garlic Bread is a quick and irresistible appetizer or side dish featuring crusty bread topped with garlic butter, basil pesto, and gooey melted cheese.

Perfect for serving alongside pasta, soups, or as a snack on its own, this bread is a crowd-pleaser with bold, savory flavors.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper or foil
• Mixing bowl
• Spoon or brush
• Serrated knife

Ingredients Overview

• Bread: A crusty loaf like French bread or ciabatta works best.
• Garlic butter: A mix of butter and garlic adds rich flavor to the base.
• Pesto: Adds an herby, nutty kick to complement the garlic.
• Cheese: Mozzarella or a cheese blend creates a gooey, irresistible topping.

Ingredients

• 1 loaf French bread or ciabatta, sliced in half lengthwise
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder)
• 1/3 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Optional garnish: chopped parsley or basil

Directions

1. Preheat the oven
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
2. Prepare garlic butter
   In a small bowl, mix softened butter with minced garlic or garlic powder until well combined.
3. Assemble the bread
   Place the bread halves cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet. Spread the garlic butter evenly over the surface of the bread. Next, spread an even layer of pesto on top of the garlic butter.
4. Add cheese
   Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the pesto layer, then top with grated Parmesan.
5. Bake
   Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For extra browning, switch the oven to broil for 1–2 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
6. Serve
   Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool for a minute. Slice into pieces and garnish with chopped parsley or basil if desired. Serve warm.

Prep Time

10 minutes

Bake Time

10–12 minutes

Total Time

20–22 minutes

Nutrition (per slice, ~12 slices)

• Calories: ~180
• Fat: ~10g
• Carbohydrates: ~16g
• Protein: ~6g

Expert Tips

• Bread choice: Use a sturdy, crusty bread to hold up under the toppings.
• Custom pesto: Try sun-dried tomato pesto or spinach pesto for a twist on flavor.
• Even spreading: Spread each layer evenly to ensure consistent flavor in every bite.

FAQs

Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

Yes, but freshly shredded mozzarella melts better and has a creamier texture.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Assemble the bread and refrigerate for up to 6 hours before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the bake time if chilled.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–7 minutes to restore crispness.

Storing & Reheating

• Storing: Wrap leftovers in foil and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven or toaster oven until warmed through.

Substitutions & Variations

• Cheese options: Swap mozzarella with provolone or Gruyère for a unique flavor.
• Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free baguette or loaf.
• Add-ons: Sprinkle red pepper flakes, pine nuts, or diced tomatoes on top for extra flavor and texture.

Cheesy Pesto Garlic Bread

Cheesy Pesto Garlic Bread is a quick and irresistible appetizer or side dish featuring crusty bread topped with garlic butter, basil pesto, and gooey melted cheese.

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Equipment

• - Baking sheet
• - Parchment paper or foil
• - Mixing bowl
• - Spoon or brush
• - Serrated knife

Ingredients

  

• - 1 loaf French bread or ciabatta sliced in half lengthwise
• - 1/4 cup unsalted butter softened
• - 2 cloves garlic minced (or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder)
• - 1/3 cup basil pesto store-bought or homemade
• - 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• - Optional garnish: chopped parsley or basil

Instructions

 

• **Preheat the oven**
• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
• **Prepare garlic butter**
• In a small bowl, mix softened butter with minced garlic or garlic powder until well combined.
• **Assemble the bread**
• Place the bread halves cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet. Spread the garlic butter evenly over the surface of the bread. Next, spread an even layer of pesto on top of the garlic butter.
• **Add cheese**
• Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the pesto layer, then top with grated Parmesan.
• **Bake**
• Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For extra browning, switch the oven to broil for 1–2 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
• **Serve**
• Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool for a minute. Slice into pieces and garnish with chopped parsley or basil if desired. Serve warm.