Pesto Garlic Bread

Course: Bread

Cuisine: Italian

Prep Time: 5

Cook Time: 10

Total Time: 15

Servings: people

Calories: 303kcal

Author: Platings and Pairings

Why settle for regular garlic bread when you can make this pesto-packed, extra-cheesy version in the same amount of time? This pesto garlic bread recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, featuring a crispy top, soft interior, and a herby freshness that makes it unforgettable.

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Equipment

Ingredients

1 loaf french bread or ciabatta
1/2 cup pesto homemade or store-bought
¼ cup butter softened (unsalted)
3 cloves garlic grated or minced
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 cup mozzarella cheese grated
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese grated
Basil leaves to garnish (optional)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Soften the ¼ cup butter in the microwave in a medium bowl in short increments.
Once softened, add the 1/2 cup pesto, 3 cloves garlic, and 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and stir to combine.
Cut the 1 loaf french bread in half and spread with a thick layer of the butter-pesto mixture.
Set the bread buttered side up on a rimmed sheet pan and sprinkle with the 1 cup mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese.
Bake for 10-12 minutes. Add an extra 1-2 minutes under the broiler if you want for more browning.
Garnish with fresh basil, if desired. Slice and serve.

Notes

Storing

Transfer leftover pesto garlic bread in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it at room temperature for 1-2 days or in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350 degrees F oven or air fryer for 5-10 minutes until lightly toasted and the cheese is golden.
You can also freeze this pesto garlic bread for up to 3 months. Either wrap the loaf in plastic wrap after spreading the pesto mixture over with sprinkled mozzarella or after it's done baking and has cooled. Reheat from frozen and make sure to add an extra 1-3 minutes to the bake time.

Tips and Tricks

Be sure to soften the butter rather than melt it. Softened butter mixes and spreads easily, while melted butter can separate and make the bread greasy. For best results, leave the butter on the counter for about 30 minutes. If you're short on time, you can soften it in the microwave using short, low-power increments.
If you prefer a softer, more tender garlic bread, loosely tent the baking sheet with aluminum foil for the first 5-6 minutes of baking. Remove the foil for the remaining time to allow the top to become crisp and golden.
For a crispier finish, you can bake the bread for an additional 1-2 minutes. Keep a close eye on it during this extra time to prevent the edges from over-browning or burning.
Score the bread before spreading by making shallow diagonal cuts (about 1-inch apart) across the bread halves without cutting all the way through. This creates easy-to-pull apart sections after baking.
Place the bread on a baking sheet with a wire rack to allow hot air to circulate underneath, ensuring the bottom crisps up instead of steaming.

Variations

Dairy-free pesto garlic bread - Replace the regular butter with a plant-based alternative and swap the Parmesan for a vegan Parmesan or nutritional yeast for a similar savory depth. For best results, be sure to check that both your pesto and loaf of bread are dairy-free as well, as some recipes may include milk, butter, or whey.
Gluten-free pesto garlic bread - Select a sturdy gluten-free French loaf or ciabatta-style bread. Gently spread the pesto butter to avoid breaking the crumb, as gluten-free loaves can be more delicate before baking.
Extra cheesy pesto garlic bread - Layer on additional shredded mozzarella and Parmesan for maximum richness. For a gourmet twist, try melting in other flavorful cheeses such as Gruyère, Asiago, or Fontina.
Flavor boost - Stir red pepper flakes and/or lemon zest into the pesto butter for a subtle kick or brightness that’ll cut through the richness. Using roasted garlic cloves instead of raw garlic is another delicious and simple variation, offering a more mellow and sweet flavor.

Nutrition