Name: Cheesy Pesto Garlic Bread Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 loaf French or Italian bread (halved lengthwise); 1/2 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade); 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened); 3 cloves garlic (minced); 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

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If you’re on the hunt for the ultimate comfort food to wow your friends or simply treat yourself, look no further than Cheesy Pesto Garlic Bread. This recipe takes classic garlic bread to new heights by loading it with a luscious pesto-butter blend and mountains of gooey cheese. Every bite boasts the buttery crunch of toasted bread, vibrant basil pesto, and the irresistible pull of bubbling, golden cheese. Whether you serve it as a party starter, a cozy side for pasta, or a snack all on its own, this Cheesy Pesto Garlic Bread always steals the show.

Cheesy Pesto Garlic Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The best part about making Cheesy Pesto Garlic Bread is how a short list of everyday ingredients comes together for huge flavor. Each one is essential—think verdant pesto, real butter, and your favorite bread creating the perfect base for melty cheese and a kick of garlic.

French or Italian bread: The ideal blank canvas with a crisp crust and tender crumb—perfect for soaking up all that flavor.
Basil pesto: Store-bought is convenient, but if you have homemade, even better! Pesto adds herby, nutty, and garlicky notes.
Unsalted butter: Softened for easy mixing; it ensures that every inch of bread is rich and luscious.
Garlic cloves: Freshly minced for maximum punch; skip the jarred stuff for the boldest taste.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: That signature cheesy pull! Melts beautifully and browns just right.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty bite and helps create that crisp, flavorful cheese layer.
Chopped fresh basil or parsley (optional): A sprinkle on top brings a burst of color and garden-fresh aroma.

How to Make Cheesy Pesto Garlic Bread

Step 1: Prepare the Pesto Garlic Butter

In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, and vibrant basil pesto. Mix until everything comes together as a dreamy green spread. This is your magic mixture—it soaks into the bread, delivering flavor in every bite of your Cheesy Pesto Garlic Bread.

Step 2: Slather the Bread

Take your halved bread and lay each piece cut-side up. Generously spread the pesto garlic butter all over the surface right up to the edges. Don’t skimp—this is where all that flavor gets locked in.

Step 3: Add the Cheese

Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly across both halves. Next, dust with a touch of grated Parmesan. These cheeses melt together into a bubbling, golden blanket, making the Cheesy Pesto Garlic Bread totally irresistible.

Step 4: Bake until Bubbly

Lay the bread halves on a baking sheet, cheese side up, and slide them into a 375°F oven. Bake for about 12 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and just starting to brown. If you crave an extra-golden top, switch on the broiler for an extra minute or two—just keep a close watch to avoid burning.

Step 5: Slice and Garnish

Once your Cheesy Pesto Garlic Bread is gloriously melted and golden, pull it from the oven and let it cool for a moment. Slice it into thick, satisfying pieces and, if you like, sprinkle on some fresh basil or parsley for a burst of color and herbal freshness.

How to Serve Cheesy Pesto Garlic Bread

Garnishes

A final sprinkle of chopped basil or parsley right before serving does wonders. It not only adds a splash of green but highlights the herby notes in the Cheesy Pesto Garlic Bread. For a hint of heat, try a pinch of red pepper flakes!

Side Dishes

Cheesy Pesto Garlic Bread is the ultimate sidekick to so many dishes. It’s perfect next to a steaming bowl of tomato soup, a simple Caesar salad, or a hearty pasta. The bread’s richness balances out lighter mains, and it’s equally at home sharing the plate with lasagna or even eggs for brunch.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to go beyond the ordinary, cut your Cheesy Pesto Garlic Bread into strips for dippable breadsticks or slice into cubes for a festive appetizer platter. Stack it high on a rustic board for parties or serve in a basket lined with a colorful napkin—it’ll steal the spotlight every time.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover Cheesy Pesto Garlic Bread in foil or store in an airtight container at room temperature if eating within a day. For longer storage, pop it in the fridge where it stays fresh for up to three days. The bread’s texture holds up well, and a quick reheat brings all that melty goodness back to life.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap the cooled, unsliced bread tightly in foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag. You can also freeze individual slices for easy, single-serve portions. Cheesy Pesto Garlic Bread freezes beautifully for up to two months—just thaw and reheat when the craving strikes.

Reheating

For oven-fresh results, warm the bread in a 350°F oven for 5 to 8 minutes until the cheese is melty. Individual slices can also be reheated in a toaster oven. Avoid the microwave if you can; it tends to make the bread soggy instead of crunchy and glorious.

FAQs

Can I make Cheesy Pesto Garlic Bread ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the bread up to the point of baking, then cover and refrigerate for several hours or overnight. When ready to serve, just bake as directed—add an extra minute or two since it will be chilled.

What type Side Dish

A sturdy loaf like French or Italian bread works perfectly. These loaves have enough structure to hold all the toppings and get crispy at the edges without becoming too dense.

Can I use different cheeses?

Definitely! While mozzarella and Parmesan make a classic combo, feel free to mix in provolone, fontina, or even a bit of sharp cheddar for a unique twist on your Cheesy Pesto Garlic Bread.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?

Yes, you can use plant-based butter, vegan cheese, and a dairy-free pesto for a vegan version. Just check that all your substitutes have good melting qualities and robust flavor.

Can I grill Cheesy Pesto Garlic Bread instead of baking?

Grilling adds a smoky flavor and beautiful charred marks. Just wrap the assembled bread in foil and grill over indirect heat until the cheese melts, then open the foil for a brief finish over direct heat.

Final Thoughts

It’s honestly hard to beat the magic of homemade Cheesy Pesto Garlic Bread—crispy, melty, packed with fresh flavor, and simple enough for any night of the week. Give it a go and watch it disappear faster than you can say “seconds!” Your taste buds—and your happily fed loved ones—will thank you.

Cheesy Pesto Garlic Bread Recipe

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4.7 from 29 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 8 slices 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the irresistible Cheesy Pesto Garlic Bread that’s oozing with gooey cheese and aromatic pesto, making it the ultimate crowd-pleaser for any gathering or a cozy night in.

Ingredients

Scale

Bread:

1 loaf French or Italian bread (halved lengthwise)

Pesto Butter:

1/2 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
3 cloves garlic (minced)

Cheese Topping:

1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F.
Prepare Pesto Butter: Mix softened butter, minced garlic, and pesto in a bowl. Spread the mixture on the cut sides of the bread.
Add Cheese: Top with mozzarella and Parmesan. Bake for 12–15 minutes until cheese melts and bubbles. Broil for an extra 1–2 minutes for a golden crust.
Serve: Let it cool slightly, garnish with fresh herbs, slice, and serve warm.