Imagine sinking your teeth into a slice of perfectly golden, crispy French bread, lavishly coated with aromatic garlic butter, rich pesto, and melted mozzarella cheese that stretches with every bite. This isn't just another garlic bread recipe - this is a culinary masterpiece that transforms a simple side dish into a gourmet sensation that will have your family and friends begging for more. Get ready to elevate your bread game with this irresistible Cheesy Garlic Bread with Pesto that promises to be the star of any meal!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 loaf French bread
- 1/2 cup pesto
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp butter, softened
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- Using a sharp bread knife, slice the French bread horizontally in half lengthwise, creating two long halves.
- In a small mixing bowl, combine softened butter, minced garlic, and salt. Mix thoroughly until the ingredients are well incorporated.
- Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly across both halves of the bread, ensuring complete coverage from edge to edge.
- Spread a generous layer of pesto sauce over the garlic butter on each bread half, creating a rich and flavorful base.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the pesto, covering the entire surface of each bread half.
- Place the prepared bread halves on the prepared baking sheet, cheese side up.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and starts to turn golden brown and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 2-3 minutes to allow the cheese to set slightly.
- Slice the bread into diagonal pieces and serve warm as a delicious appetizer or side dish.
Tips
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients: The better your pesto and cheese, the more incredible your garlic bread will taste.
- Ensure your butter is truly softened for easy spreading and even distribution of garlic flavor.
- For extra crispiness, broil the bread for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Experiment with different cheese blends like adding parmesan or provolone for more complex flavor.
- Serve immediately after baking for the ultimate melty, crispy texture - this dish is best enjoyed fresh and hot!
- If you prefer a lighter version, use olive oil instead of butter and go easy on the cheese.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 30mg
