Cheesy Pesto Garlic Bread is the perfect blend of buttery garlic goodness, fresh basil pesto, and melty cheese all on top of a crispy loaf of French or Italian bread. This easy-to-make, flavor-packed bread is ideal as a side dish, appetizer, or even a delicious snack on its own. The combination of garlic, pesto, and two types of cheese makes each bite irresistible, and it’s a great way to elevate your standard garlic bread to something truly special.
Ingredients:
- 1 loaf of French baguette or Italian bread
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup basil pesto
- 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). Prepare a baking sheet by either covering it with parchment paper or applying a light coating of oil to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Bread: Slice the loaf of French baguette or Italian bread in half lengthwise. Place the halves, cut-side up, on the prepared baking sheet.
- Make the Garlic Butter: In a petite mixing bowl, combine the softened butter with the minced garlic, blending them together until fully incorporated. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
- Spread the Garlic Butter: Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over both halves of the bread, making sure to cover the surface completely.
- Add the Pesto: Spread the basil pesto over the garlic butter layer on each bread half.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the bread, followed by the grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake: Place the bread in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges of the bread are golden and crispy.
- Garnish and Serve: Once out of the oven, garnish the cheesy pesto garlic bread with freshly chopped basil leaves for an extra burst of freshness.Cut the bread into slices and serve right away. Relish every bite!
Conclusion:
This Cheesy Pesto Garlic Bread is an absolute crowd-pleaser, with layers of garlic, pesto, and gooey cheese on a crispy baguette. Whether served as an appetizer, a side to your favorite pasta, or simply on its own, this bread is sure to become a new favorite in your household. The fresh basil garnish adds a beautiful touch, making this dish both flavorful and visually appealing.
Cheesy Pesto Garlic Bread
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of French baguette or Italian bread
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 cup basil pesto
- 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). Prepare a baking sheet by either covering it with parchment paper or applying a light coating of oil to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Bread: Slice the loaf of French baguette or Italian bread in half lengthwise. Place the halves, cut-side up, on the prepared baking sheet.
- Make the Garlic Butter: In a petite mixing bowl, combine the softened butter with the minced garlic, blending them together until fully incorporated. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
- Spread the Garlic Butter: Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over both halves of the bread, making sure to cover the surface completely.
- Add the Pesto: Spread the basil pesto over the garlic butter layer on each bread half.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the bread, followed by the grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake: Place the bread in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges of the bread are golden and crispy.
- Garnish and Serve: Once out of the oven, garnish the cheesy pesto garlic bread with freshly chopped basil leaves for an extra burst of freshness. Cut the bread into slices and serve right away. Relish every bite!