I just made this Cheesy Pesto Garlic Bread Recipe, and honestly, it blew me away! The combination of gooey mozzarella, fresh basil pesto, and soft garlic bread is irresistible. I love how it’s simple to make but tastes like something straight out of a fancy restaurant.
Every bite is bursting with flavor, and the aroma alone is enough to make anyone hungry. You can also enjoy similar flavors with a Mushroom Gruyere Puff Pastry Braid recipe. I can’t wait to share how you can make this at home too!
Ingredients
Homemade Garlicky Pesto
- 2 small bunches of fresh basil (60g/2oz total) – Use fresh basil for a vibrant flavor; frozen basil doesn’t have the same aroma.
- 4 tbsp pine nuts, optionally toasted – Toasting enhances the nutty flavor.
- 1/2 cup / 40g freshly grated Parmesan – Freshly grated cheese melts better and tastes richer.
- 1/2 cup / 120ml extra virgin olive oil – Use good quality olive oil for the best flavor.
- 3 cloves of garlic – For that signature garlicky punch. Use 1 clove if you want milder flavor.
- 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste – Adjust according to the saltiness of your cheese.
- 1/4 tsp black pepper, or to taste – Freshly cracked is best.
Cheesy Bread
- 1x 14oz / 400g loaf of bread – Flat, soft loaf works best; French or Italian bread is ideal. You can also try a twist on bread like Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Muffins recipe for a herby variation.
- 2.5 cups / 250g shredded mozzarella – Mozzarella melts perfectly and gives the gooey texture.
Note: Several servings – Makes approximately 12 slices.
Variations
- Dairy-free: Swap mozzarella with vegan cheese.
- Flavor boost: Add a sprinkle of chili flakes for heat.
- Herb twist: Mix parsley or chives into the pesto.
- Low-fat option: Use part-skim mozzarella or reduce oil in pesto.
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Equipment You Need
- Food processor – For blending the pesto smoothly.
- Plastic spatula – To evenly spread the pesto on the bread.
- Foil – To prevent the bread from burning while baking.
- Oven tray – To hold the bread securely in the oven.
How to Make Cheesy Pesto Garlic Bread
Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F / 180°C. While it heats, get your ingredients ready. This ensures everything goes smoothly when assembling the bread.
Make the Pesto
Add fresh basil, pine nuts, Parmesan, garlic, salt, and pepper to your food processor. Slowly pour in olive oil and pulse until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Slice the Bread
Cut your loaf in half lengthwise. Press down gently if it’s too circular to create a flatter surface for spreading.
Spread Pesto and Bake
Evenly spread the garlicky pesto across the bread halves. Wrap in foil, making a tent shape, and bake for 10-12 minutes to warm through.
Add Cheese
Unwrap the foil, sprinkle shredded mozzarella generously over the bread. Bake uncovered for another 5-8 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.
Serve
Slice the bread into pieces and serve immediately while cheese is stretchy. Perfect as a side or snack!
Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better
- I always use freshly grated Parmesan—it melts so much better.
- I lightly toast pine nuts before adding them; it gives the pesto a deeper flavor.
- Don’t skip the foil tent; it keeps the bread soft and prevents the cheese from burning.
- I find slicing the bread evenly makes for better presentation and easier serving.
How to Serve Cheesy Pesto Garlic Bread
Serve this bread as a side with pasta, lasagna, or a fresh salad. Garnish with extra fresh basil or a sprinkle of Parmesan. You can also drizzle a little olive oil on top for shine and flavor.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a rough idea per serving (2 slices):
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Protein: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fat: 20g
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing
If you want to make it ahead, bake the bread, wrap it in foil, and store in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Freezing
Wrap the baked bread tightly in foil and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat in the oven at 350°F / 180°C for 5-10 minutes until hot and bubbly.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here’s why this recipe is a must-try:
- Easy and quick to prepare, even on busy nights.
- Gooey, cheesy, and bursting with fresh basil flavor.
- Perfectly customizable for dietary needs or flavor tweaks.
- Ideal as a finger food or side dish for any meal.
- Freezes and reheats beautifully for busy days.
Cheesy Pesto Garlic Bread Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F / 180°C. While it heats, get your ingredients ready. This ensures everything goes smoothly when assembling the bread.
- Add fresh basil, pine nuts, Parmesan, garlic, salt, and pepper to your food processor. Slowly pour in olive oil and pulse until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Cut your loaf in half lengthwise. Press down gently if it’s too circular to create a flatter surface for spreading.
- Evenly spread the garlicky pesto across the bread halves. Wrap in foil, making a tent shape, and bake for 10-12 minutes to warm through.
- Unwrap the foil, sprinkle shredded mozzarella generously over the bread. Bake uncovered for another 5-8 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Slice the bread into pieces and serve immediately while cheese is stretchy. Perfect as a side or snack!
Notes
- I always use freshly grated Parmesan—it melts so much better.
- I lightly toast pine nuts before adding them; it gives the pesto a deeper flavor.
- Don’t skip the foil tent; it keeps the bread soft and prevents the cheese from burning.
- I find slicing the bread evenly makes for better presentation and easier serving.