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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.