Description
Cheesy Pesto Garlic Bread takes the classic garlic bread to a whole new level with the addition of flavorful pesto and gooey melted cheese. This golden, crispy bread is a perfect side dish to accompany pastas, soups, or even as an appetizer on its own. The blend of fresh garlic, aromatic pesto, and melted cheese creates a savory treat that will quickly become a crowd favorite. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner or a festive celebration, Cheesy Pesto Garlic Bread is sure to impress with its irresistible flavor and texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Gather these ingredients to make your Cheesy Pesto Garlic Bread:
- 1 loaf of Italian or French bread (preferably a baguette or ciabatta)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Garlic Butter:
- Mix Butter and Garlic: In a small bowl, combine the softened butter and minced garlic. Stir until fully incorporated.
- Add Pesto: Mix in the pesto, and season with salt and pepper to taste. The pesto adds a fresh, herbaceous flavor to the garlic butter mixture.
Prepare the Bread:
- Slice the Bread: Cut the loaf of bread in half lengthwise, then slice each half into smaller sections (optional for easier serving).
- Spread the Garlic Pesto Butter: Generously spread the garlic pesto butter mixture over the cut sides of the bread, making sure to cover every inch of the surface.
Add the Cheese:
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese over the buttered bread. Follow with a light sprinkle of grated Parmesan for extra flavor.
- Add Fresh Basil: If desired, sprinkle some fresh basil on top of the cheese for added color and fragrance.
Bake the Bread:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake the Bread: Place the prepared bread halves on a baking sheet, cut side up, and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown around the edges.
- Serve: Once the bread is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Slice into individual pieces and serve warm.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 250-300 kcal
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Protein: 12g