Description
Cheesy Pesto Garlic Bread is a delightful appetizer or side dish featuring crusty French baguette or Italian bread topped with a flavorful blend of garlic butter, fragrant basil pesto, and melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for parties, family dinners, or whenever you crave a cheesy, garlicky treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread
- 1 loaf of French baguette or Italian bread
Spread
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
Toppings
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Prepare the Bread: Slice the baguette or Italian bread in half lengthwise and place both halves cut side up on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring even spacing for proper heat circulation.
- Make the Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter with minced garlic, mixing thoroughly. Then, spread this garlicky butter mixture evenly over the cut sides of both bread halves.
- Add the Pesto: Generously spread basil pesto over the garlic butter layer on each bread half, ensuring an even coating for maximum flavor.
- Top with Cheese: Evenly sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese followed by grated Parmesan cheese over the pesto-covered bread halves.
- Bake the Bread: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the bread for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese melts completely and begins to bubble.
- Optional Broiling: For a golden and crispy cheese topping, switch the oven to broil and broil the bread for an additional 1-2 minutes. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the bread from the oven, sprinkle with freshly chopped basil leaves for added aroma and color, slice into serving portions, and serve warm.
Notes
- Use good quality basil pesto or make your own for the freshest flavor.
- Keep an eye during broiling to avoid burning the cheese.
- For added flavor, you can sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes before baking.
- This bread is best served immediately for optimal texture and taste.
- Leftovers can be reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.
