Let me show you how to make the best cheesy pesto garlic bread with just 4 ingredients. Baguette lovingly smothered in my homemade basil pesto sauce, cheese and butter.
Each bite is bursting with flavors, it is a whole experience and definitely tastes better than regular pesto bread. This recipe is great for picnics, appetizers, or finger foods, it is a sure crowd-pleaser.
Cheesy pesto garlic bread recipe
If you want a fancy garlic bread that the whole family including your guests would love and enjoy then this quick and easy gourmet pesto garlic bread is the way to go.
This recipe is a great finger food for parties as you can all tear and share the bread without needing a plate or cutlery. It is simple, easy but packed full of delicious flavours.
As mentioned earlier, I used my homemade pesto but you can buy store bought, that said making yours at home only takes 5 minutes, it keeps well in the fridge and can be made ahead of time.
Related post: if you love pesto then you will love this 2 ingredients pesto mayo recipe.
A quick overview on how to make your own pesto at home
I have basil pesto recipe here if you want to check it out. To make yours at home, simply add fresh basil leaves, garlic and pine nuts in a food processer and give it a quick blitz for a few seconds. By the way, you can any other greens of choice but I highly recommend basil for this garlic bread recipe.
Then add parmesan cheese, olive oil salt and pepper then blend to combine. Taste and adjust the seasoning, viola, you just made the best homemade pesto sauce ever.
Ingredients for pesto garlic bread
Baguette: I used thin baguette but you can use any
Basil Pesto sauce: I used homemade pesto but store-bought would work just fine. Make to use the brand that you trust and like, it is also, important to use one that is not packed in oil.
Butter
Mozzarella cheese: I used firm mozzarella cheese, it is different from fresh mozzarella which is not recommended for this recipe as it might leave the bread wet. You can substitute for any other melting cheese of choice.
How to make cheesy pesto garlic bread
Preheat the oven to 190C/385F and slice the mozzarella cheese thinly then set aside (you can shred the cheese of you would prefer)
Cut the baguette about 1 inch crosswise but not cutting it all the way through the bottom of the loaf (see image in collage for reference) It should looks like pages of a book at this point.
Spread basil pesto into the crevices of each bread slices then stuff with the mozzarella slices.
Place the bread loaf on an aluminium foil wide enough to wrap the bread in, melt butter in the microwave for a few seconds, add about ½ tbsp of pesto and mix to combine and brush over the bread then wrap loosely.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes or until the cheese is completely melted. Carefully bring the out of the oven once it is done and serve immediately.
Tip
Notice I did not add any more garlic to this recipe, that is because my pesto contained garlic already. If you would like yours more garlicky, then add more freshly minced garlic into the pesto or just rub it into the cuts of the bread before baking.
How to store
In the fridge: this garlic pesto bread is best served immediately and consumed within few hours of making it. However, if you do have leftovers, store it in the fridge for up to 3 days wrapped in plastic bag/clingfilm as you would with pizza.
To reheat: the best way to reheat would be in the oven. Warm in a preheated oven for about 3 to 5 minutes or until warmed to your liking.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead
Yes, you can make it ahead of time just before you bake it. Place it in the fridge for up to 24 hours and it can be frozen for up to 2 months.
I am vegan but would like to try this recipe
This recipe can be made vegan making some simple swaps. If you choose to make your own pesto then substitute the parmesan cheese for nutritional yeast. Swap the mozzarella cheese for vegan melting cheese of choice or omit it completely.
Can I make garlic pesto bread with no cheese
Absolutely you can, instead of the cheese, mix butter with cheese-free pesto and bake in the oven for about 20 minutes or until toasted to your liking.
What do you eat with cheesy pesto garlic bread
We love to eat this on its own as a complete meal or as an appetizer with marinara dipping sauce and mini meatballs, but here are other serving suggestions you may like. Serve along with soups, salads, or pasta dishes.
More finger food recipes you should try
If you made this easy garlic bread recipe, don’t forget to leave me feedback and rate it 5 stars. Tag us @cravingsmallbites on Instagram and save away to your Pinterest
Cheesy Pesto Garlic Bread
Ingredients
- 2 mini-baguette 1 feet each
- ½ cup basil Pesto sauce or as needed
- 2 tbsp butter
- 250 g block mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 190C/385F and slice the mozzarella cheese thinly then set aside (you can shred the cheese of you would prefer)
- Cut the baguette about 1 inch crosswise but not cutting it all the way through the bottom of the loaf (see image in collage for reference) It should looks like pages of a book at this point.
- Spread basil pesto into the crevices of each bread slices then stuff with the mozzarella slices.
- Place the bread loaf on an aluminium foil wide enough to wrap the bread in, melt butter in the microwave for a few seconds, add about ½ tbsp of pesto and mix to combine and brush over the bread then wrap loosely.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes or until the cheese is completely melted. Carefully bring the out of the oven once it is done and serve immediately.
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