Description
This Cheesy Pesto Garlic Bread recipe is a delightful and easy-to-make appetizer featuring crusty French or Italian bread topped with a flavorful garlic butter, fresh basil pesto, and a melty blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Perfectly baked to golden bubbly perfection and garnished with fresh basil, this dish is ideal for sharing as a savory snack or side.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread and Spread
- 1 loaf of French baguette or Italian bread
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Pesto and Cheese Topping
- 1/2 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Prepare the bread: Slice the baguette or Italian bread lengthwise into two halves and place them cut side up on the prepared baking sheet.
- Make the garlic butter spread: In a small bowl, mix the softened unsalted butter with the minced garlic and a pinch of salt and pepper. Spread this mixture evenly over both halves of the bread to infuse it with rich garlic flavor.
- Apply the pesto: Generously spread the basil pesto over the garlic butter, covering the surface evenly for a vibrant herby layer.
- Add the cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses evenly over the pesto, ensuring a good cheese coverage for a melty, cheesy topping.
- Bake: Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the bread edges are lightly toasted.
- Broil for crispiness: For a beautiful golden-brown and crispy cheese top, switch your oven to broil and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven, sprinkle the top with chopped fresh basil leaves for a burst of color and freshness, slice into servings, and serve warm.
Notes
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor impact in the garlic butter.
- Store-bought pesto is a convenient option, but homemade pesto can elevate the dish’s freshness and flavor.
- Keep a close eye during the broiling step to prevent the cheese from burning.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and taste; leftovers can be reheated in the oven for a few minutes.
- For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter.
