Description
This Cheesy Pesto Pull Apart Bread is a deliciously gooey, savory appetizer or snack featuring a crusty artisan bread loaded with garlic butter, fresh pesto, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Perfectly baked to golden perfection, it’s irresistible finger food that is ideal for sharing.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread
- 1 round crusty artisan bread loaf (sourdough or Italian bread preferred)
Flavored Butter and Pesto
- 4 tablespoons softened butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup fresh pesto
Cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Bread: Slice the round loaf in a crosshatch pattern by cutting horizontally and vertically, stopping just before reaching the bottom crust to create deep pockets without cutting all the way through.
- Mix the Flavored Butter: In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, and olive oil to form a rich and aromatic spread.
- Spread Pesto and Butter: Generously spoon the garlic butter and fresh pesto mixture into each of the bread’s crevices, ensuring every pocket is filled for maximum flavor.
- Add Cheese: Stuff shredded mozzarella and sprinkle Parmesan into each cut of the bread, pressing lightly to secure the cheese inside.
- Bake Until Golden: Wrap the stuffed bread in foil and place it on a baking tray. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes. Then, uncover and bake for an additional 5 minutes to achieve a golden, crispy crust.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, sprinkle with fresh herbs if desired, and let the bread cool slightly before serving to enjoy warm, cheesy pull-apart bites.
Notes
- Use fresh pesto for the best flavor, or substitute with store-bought if needed.
- Ensure not to cut all the way through the bread loaf to keep it intact while stuffing.
- For a crispier crust, do not cover in foil for the final 5 minutes of baking.
- Serve warm for the best gooey cheese experience.
- Can be prepared ahead by assembling, then baking just before serving.
