Description
Cheesy Pesto Garlic Bread is a deliciously warm and savory appetizer featuring crusty French or Italian bread topped with a fragrant blend of butter, basil pesto, and garlic, then loaded with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Perfect as a side dish or party snack, this Italian-inspired recipe offers a flavorful twist on classic garlic bread.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread
- 1 loaf French or Italian bread, halved lengthwise
Spread
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons store-bought or homemade basil pesto
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Toppings
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- Prepare Pesto Butter: In a small bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter, basil pesto, and minced garlic. Mix thoroughly until the ingredients are well incorporated to create a flavorful spread.
- Spread Mixture: Evenly spread the pesto butter mixture over the cut sides of the halved bread, ensuring the surface is fully covered for maximum flavor.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the buttered bread, then top with grated Parmesan cheese to create a rich and cheesy layer.
- Bake Bread: Place the prepared bread halves cut side up on the lined baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes until the cheese is thoroughly melted and bubbly.
- Broil for Golden Top: For an extra golden and slightly crispy cheese topping, broil the bread for an additional 1 to 2 minutes. Watch closely to avoid burning.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley if desired, then slice into 8 pieces and serve warm.
Notes
- For a twist, use sun-dried tomato pesto instead of basil pesto or sprinkle red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
- This cheesy pesto garlic bread works great as a party appetizer, a side dish for Italian meals, or dipped into marinara sauce for added flavor.
- Ensure to watch carefully during broiling to prevent the cheese from burning.
