Imagine pulling apart a warm, cheesy loaf of bread that oozes with the rich flavors of pesto and gooey mozzarella—sounds irresistible, right? This Pesto Pull Apart Bread is not just a treat for your taste buds; it’s a showstopper for any gathering or a delightful addition to your dinner table. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create a stunning centerpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds. Ready to impress your family and friends? Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe that’s sure to become a favorite!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 1 loaf
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of bread dough
- ½ cup pesto
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- If using homemade bread dough, let it rise and come to room temperature. If using store-bought, allow it to soften slightly.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the bread dough into a large rectangular shape, approximately 12x16 inches.
- Spread the pesto evenly across the entire surface of the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the pesto, ensuring even distribution.
- Drizzle olive oil over the cheese and sprinkle garlic powder, salt, and pepper across the surface.
- Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the dough into roughly 2-inch square sections.
- Carefully stack the cut squares on top of each other, creating a vertical layered stack.
- Transfer the stacked dough into a greased loaf pan, positioning it vertically to maintain the layered structure.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
- Gently pull apart the bread layers and serve warm as a delicious appetizer or side dish.
Tips
- Dough Choice: For the best results, use homemade bread dough if you can. It allows for a fresher taste and texture, but store-bought dough works well too—just ensure it’s slightly softened for easier handling.
- Pesto Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of pesto! Basil pesto is classic, but sun-dried tomato or spinach pesto can add a unique twist to your bread.
- Cheese Options: While mozzarella and Parmesan are fantastic, try adding other cheeses like fontina or provolone for an extra layer of flavor.
- Layering Technique: When stacking the dough squares, make sure to position them tightly in the loaf pan to maintain that beautiful pull-apart effect.
- Baking Perfection: Keep an eye on the bread during the last few minutes of baking. If the top is browning too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
- Serving Suggestions: This bread is best served warm. Pair it with marinara sauce or a side salad for a complete meal, or enjoy it as a standalone appetizer at your next gathering.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
