Pesto Parmesan Sourdough Bread

Pesto Parmesan Sourdough Bread

Are you ready to elevate your bread game to a whole new level? Say hello to Pesto Parmesan Sourdough Bread—a delightful combination of tangy sourdough and bold pesto flavor, all topped with gooey parmesan cheese! Not only is this bread indulgent and delicious, but it’s also surprisingly easy to make, making it perfect for both seasoned bakers and beginners alike. Imagine the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your kitchen, beckoning every family member to gather around the table.

Did you know that sourdough bread has been around for thousands of years? Ancient Egyptians were among the first to discover the wonders of fermentation, leading to the intriguing art of sourdough. Anyone can whip up a basic loaf, but adding pesto and parmesan sets this recipe apart, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. If you’ve enjoyed making homemade pizza dough or classic focaccia from our blog, you’re going to love this bread! So let’s dive in and learn how to create this irresistible treat that promises to impress.

What is Pesto Parmesan Sourdough Bread?

So what’s the deal with Pesto Parmesan Sourdough Bread? You might be wondering if it’s just another fancy loaf, but trust me, it’s more than that! With a name that rolls off the tongue, you can almost hear it

whispering, "Try me!" This bread is a heavenly blend of flaky, chewy, and cheesy goodness—all thanks to the pesto and parmesan. Who wouldn’t want to dig into a warm slice slathered with butter or dunked in olive oil? As the saying goes, "The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach," and I assure you, this bread will win hearts and palates alike. So grab your apron, and let’s create something truly delightful!

Why You’ll Love This Pesto Parmesan Sourdough Bread

Pesto Parmesan Sourdough Bread is an amazing treat for a few reasons. First and foremost, the star ingredient is the pesto, which infuses the bread with an aromatic burst of basil, garlic, and pine nuts. Just wait until you take that first bite—the flavors will dance on your taste buds!

Secondly, making your own bread from scratch is not only cost-effective but also allows you to skip those preservatives found in store-bought options. Imagine having fresh bread that’s both wholesome and delicious without breaking the bank!

Lastly, you can serve this versatile bread with various toppings and dips, from creamy spreads to zesty marinades. It’s a wonderful addition to any meal and pairs wonderfully with our favorite Caprese salad recipe if you want to take your dinner to the next level.

How to Make Pesto Parmesan Sourdough Bread

Quick Overview

Making Pesto Parmesan Sourdough Bread is a breeze! With a prep time of about 15 minutes, followed by hours of fermentation (just let the magic happen), you’ll soon have an aromatic loaf ready to delight your family and friends. The best part? The easy step-by-step process is perfect for everyone, from novices to experienced bakers. Let’s get cooking!

Key Ingredients for Pesto Parmesan Sourdough Bread

• 500g bread flour
• 350g active sourdough starter
• 200g warm water
• 100g pesto (store-bought or homemade)
• 200g grated parmesan cheese
• 10g salt

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour, warm water, and active sourdough starter. Stir until a rough dough forms.

2. Add Ingredients: Fold in the pesto and salt, ensuring everything is evenly incorporated. You might have to use your hands here to really mix it well.

3. First Rise: Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for about 4 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

4. Shape the Loaf: On a floured surface, turn out the dough and gently stretch and fold it to create surface tension. Shape it into a round loaf.

5. Second Rise: Place the shaped dough into a floured proofing basket or bowl. Cover again and let it rise for another 2 hours.

6. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) about 30 minutes before baking. If you have a baking stone or Dutch oven, place it in the oven to heat up.

7. Bake the Bread: Once the oven is hot, carefully transfer the dough to the baking surface. Bake for 30-35 minutes until the crust is golden brown and it sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

8. Cool and Enjoy: Remove from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing. This helps to set the structure of the bread and maximize flavor!

What to Serve Pesto Parmesan Sourdough Bread With

This delicious bread is perfect on its own, but why not enhance your meal with some delightful pairings? Serve it alongside a fresh Caprese salad for a delightful balance of flavors. Alternatively, a warm bowl of tomato soup complements the bread beautifully, making for a comforting and satisfying meal. You could also slice it up and serve it with a cheese platter, allowing everyone to enjoy its cheesy goodness in various ways!

Top Tips for Perfecting Pesto Parmesan Sourdough Bread

• Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, opt for fresh pesto and high-quality parmesan cheese.
• Don’t Rush the Rise: Allow the dough ample time to rise; this is essential for developing flavor and texture.
• Practice Patience: Resist the urge to slice into the bread immediately after baking—the cooling period is crucial to achieving the best taste and texture.

Storing and Reheating Tips

To keep your Pesto Parmesan Sourdough Bread fresh, store it in a paper bag at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap and freeze it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it at room temperature or reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to restore its delightful crust.

Now you’ve got all the knowledge and tips to create this scrumptious Pesto Parmesan Sourdough Bread! Dive in, enjoy the process, and savor each mouthful of this tasty delight! Happy baking!

Pesto Parmesan Sourdough Bread

A delightful combination of tangy sourdough and bold pesto flavor, topped with gooey parmesan cheese, perfect for both seasoned bakers and beginners.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 4 hours hrs

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Appetizer, Bread

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 250

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main ingredients

• 500 g bread flour
• 350 g active sourdough starter
• 200 g warm water
• 100 g pesto (store-bought or homemade) For best flavor, use fresh pesto.
• 200 g grated parmesan cheese Opt for high-quality parmesan.
• 10 g salt

Method

 

Preparation and Mixing

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour, warm water, and active sourdough starter. Stir until a rough dough forms.
2. Fold in the pesto and salt, ensuring everything is evenly incorporated.

Rising and Shaping

1. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for about 4 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
2. On a floured surface, turn out the dough and gently stretch and fold it to create surface tension. Shape it into a round loaf.
3. Place the shaped dough into a floured proofing basket or bowl. Cover again and let it rise for another 2 hours.

Baking

1. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) about 30 minutes before baking, ideally with a baking stone or Dutch oven inside.
2. Once the oven is hot, carefully transfer the dough to the baking surface. Bake for 30-35 minutes until the crust is golden brown and it sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Cooling and Serving

1. Remove from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Notes

To keep your bread fresh, store it in a paper bag at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes.