Cheesy Pesto Garlic Bread 

Get ready to elevate your garlic bread game with this Cheesy Pesto Garlic Bread! This recipe combines the rich flavors of pesto, gooey melted cheese, and the classic garlic bread we all love. Perfect as a side dish for pasta night, a delicious appetizer, or even a tasty snack. It’s simple, flavorful, and guaranteed to be a hit with everyone at the table. Vegan + Gluten-free Option.

The combo of crusty bread, homemade pesto, fresh garlic, and gooey cheese is pure magic in this Cheesy Pesto Garlic Bread recipe. It's seriously such a treat and incredibly versatile --- Whether it's alongside a steaming bowl of soup, as an accompaniment to pasta, or simply enjoyed as a standalone snack, this garlicky golden creation has my heart.

It definitely holds its own in the deliciousness department-- right alongside my Cheesy Kale Garlic Bread recipe, because you can never have too many garlic bread recipes up your sleeve! Haha. But seriously this pesto garlic bread recipe is not only the perfect side dish it's a total breeze to make-- ready in just 25 minutes. It's a hit with kids + a total crowd-pleaser. You can customize it to your liking with both vegan and gluten-friendly options. For an extra twist, try it with a herb roasted tomatoes!

Why You Will LOVE This Cheesy Pesto Garlic Bread

• The golden cheesiness is nothing short of heavenly.
• Crispy crust with a soft, fluffy interior.
• SO versatile --Whether it's a cozy dinner or a game day snack
• Kid-friendly -- My kid can't get enough of it, which makes mealtime a breeze for busy parents like me. Haha
• It caters to various dietary preferences with vegan + gluten-friendly choices so nobody has to miss out!

How To Make Cheesy Pesto Garlic Bread

Cut up your crusty bread and whip up some homemade pesto (or use store-bought, no judgment!). Spoon generous amounts of the pesto oil mixture onto each halved French bread, then pile on the mild cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Bake until it's golden and bubbly, and dig in!

Ingredients

GARLIC BREAD:

• French bread or Italian loaf. Halved (I used Ciabatta bread)
• Extra virgin olive oil. Feel free to use your favorite high-quality EVOO. My fave tried and trusted brand is California Olive Ranch.
• Garlic cloves. Fresh garlic works best for garlic bread.
• Pesto sauce. Homemade or store-bought.
• Cheese. I use freshly grated mozzarella, mild cheddar + parmesan. For a vegan option, there are great premium dairy-free shreds that taste great.
• Fresh parsley. Finely chopped.
• Red pepper flakes. Optional (Reduce for less spiciness)

SHOP MY FAVORITE TOOLS FOR BAKING, ESPECIALLY FOR THIS GARLIC BREAD!

Here, I’ve curated a list of baking essentials that I use to achieve my favorite baked goods, especially with this Cheesy Pesto Garlic Bread. Everything from my fave loaf pan, wooden spoons, parchment paper, and more. SEE THEM HERE!

Best Types Of Bread For Garlic Bread

When it comes to making garlic bread, my favorites are French baguettes, sourdough, and Italian ciabatta. These breads offer a perfect balance with their crispy exteriors and soft interiors, making them ideal for soaking up the garlic pesto mix + cheese --- creating a deliciously rich and flavorful bite every time.

Best Types of Cheese to Use

Even though this cheesy pesto garlic bread is based on using cheddar cheese, parmesan + mozzarella you can also switch things up and add a new flare to its flavor profile by adding any of the following (feel free to mix and match):

• Provolone
• Gruyère
• Fontina
• Gouda
• Muenster, etc.

Tips to Making the Best Garlic Bread In The Oven

• For extra crispy garlic bread, it's best to keep it in the oven for an extra 2-3 minutes while watching to make sure that it doesn't burn.
• You can cover the tops with foil for the first 5 minutes to prevent the bread from toasting too quickly. Then remove the foil for the remaining minutes of baking.
• Ensure an even distribution of the pesto oil mix on each slice. This ensures every bite is packed with flavor.
• It's always best to use a really good sharp knife to cut your garlic bread to keep things intact.

What Can I Serve with Cheesy Pesto Garlic Bread?

This golden garlic bread recipe is the ideal companion to a range of comforting dishes. Whether you're enjoying classics like mac + cheese, rich dishes like Creamy Chicken Alfredo, or flavorful options such as Creamy Jumbo Shell Tomato Pasta, Creamy Blackened Chicken Rigatoni Pasta, or Pesto Rigatoni Pasta Bake, or even the timeless favorite, lasagna, this garlic bread's delightful crunch is the ideal accompaniment.

For those cozy soup nights, pair it with Creamy Cajun Pumpkin Tortellini Soup or the classic Creamy Roasted Red Pepper and Tomato Soup. For an extra dose of garlic goodness, indulge in Creamy Garlic Bread Soup. Or opt for a balanced meal by serving it with a fresh salad like this Fall Harvest BBQ Chickpea Kale Salad.

Cheesy Pesto Garlic Bread Add-ons

Ready to elevate your Garlic Bread recipe to the next level? Try these delicious add-on ideas!

• Top with Easy Shredded Chicken
• Add some spice with Homemade Cajun Seasoning
• Sprinkle some candied bacon atop for extra deliciousness.
• Top with herb-roasted tomatoes for an intense, sweet-tart flavor in every bite.
• Drizzle with balsamic glaze for a touch of tangy sweetness.
• Sautéed mushrooms would also go beautifully atop!

Which Olive Oil is Best?

When it comes to using olive oil, it's always important to use a high-quality oil which gives you the most robust flavor. I love using EVOO (aka Extra virgin olive oil) for the best chemical stability when it comes to baking or cooking, however, you can also use artisan-style oil for even more flavor. Personally, I enjoy using Brightland's oils which come in various flavor profiles like basil, chili oil, etc which adds so much flavor.

How Long Does Garlic Bread Take in the Air Fryer?

If you're thinking of making this delicious homemade garlic bread recipe in an air fryer, it's definitely an easy task! To do so, simply spray the air fryer basket with oil and once your garlic bread is assembled with the toppings, place each bread inside of your air fryer and cook at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 5-6 minutes or until golden at the edges and the cheese has melted.

Cheesy Pesto Garlic Bread Q + A's

More Comforting Bread Recipes You Will LOVE

If you enjoyed this Cheesy Pesto Garlic Bread recipe, make sure to add these irresistible baked goods to your "must-make next" list!

• The Best Vegan Pumpkin Bread
• Soft Buttery Vegan Brioche Bread
• Loaded Cheddar Pesto Zucchini Bread 
• Cinnamon Maple Peach Bread
• Easy Vegan Chocolate Bread
• Southern-Style Bacon Grilled Cheese Sandwich
• Everything Chicken Tomato Grilled Cheese

MADE OUR RECIPE(S)?

If you tried this Cheesy Pesto Garlic Bread recipe or any other recipe on my website, please please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how you go in the 📝 comments below. And don't forget to tag @orchidsnsweettea_ on Instagram  and hashtag it #orchidsandsweettea! I love hearing from you!

Cheesy Pesto Garlic Bread 

July 24, 2024 •

By Shanika

No ratings yet

Get ready to elevate your garlic bread game with this Cheesy Pesto Garlic Bread! This recipe combines the rich flavors of pesto, gooey melted cheese, and the classic garlic bread we all love. Perfect as a side dish for pasta night, a delicious appetizer, or even a tasty snack. It’s simple, flavorful, and guaranteed to be a hit with everyone at the table. Vegan + Gluten-free Option.

Prep Time: 10 minutes mins

Cook Time: 15 minutes mins

Total Time: 25 minutes mins

Serves: 8 servings

Units:

US Customary|Metric

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Ingredients

GARLIC BREAD:

• 1 loaf french bread or Italian loaf, halved (I used Ciabatta bread)
• ⅓ cup Extra virgin olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• ¼ cup pesto sauce, homemade or store-bought
• 1 cup Mozzarella cheese, shredded or grated
• ½ cup Mild cheddar, shredded or grated
• ⅓ cup freshly-grated parmesan
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional (Reduce for less spiciness)

Instructions

CUT THE BREAD:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
• Cut the french bread in half, length-way and Place each halved french bread unto the prepared baking sheet, insides facing upward.

TO MAKE THE PESTO:

• If you're choosing to make your own from scratch, see my Homemade Pesto Sauce recipe!

TO MAKE THE "PESTO OIL" MIXTURE:

• In a bowl, add the pesto, olive oil, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes, mixing everything together until combined.

ASSEMBLY + BAKE:

• Spoon generous amounts of pesto oil mixture unto each halved french bread evenly followed by the mild cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan----sprinkling them atop each half evenly.
• Bake for 10-15 minutes or so, or until the cheese has melted (and becomes bubbly), and the edges are slightly golden brown. For a bit of extra crispiness, bake for another 3-5 minutes, but watch it carefully to avoid burning.
• Remove from oven and let it cool slightly. Slice, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve.
• Bon Appetit!

Tips & Tricks

• STORAGE: Leftover bread is best kept tightly wrapped in foil paper or plastic wrap, refrigerated for 3-5 days for optimal freshness. To extend its shelf life, you can also freeze garlic bread. When frozen, garlic bread will last for 2-3 months. 
• GLUTEN-FREE OPTION: To make this garlic bread GF-friendly, be sure to substitute the french bread or baguettes with a gluten-free version. 
• VEGAN OPTION: This garlic bread can definitely be enjoyed vegan by substituting two things: the cheese and ensuring that the bread is vegan-friendly. For a vegan option, So Delicious Dairy-Free or Violife cheese shreds tastes great.

Nutrition

Calories: 130kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 4mg | Sodium: 150mg | Potassium: 19mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 0.3g | Vitamin A: 267IU | Vitamin C: 0.5mg | Calcium: 53mg | Iron: 0.2mg

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