Cheesy Pesto Pull Apart Bread Recipe

Introduction

Cheesy Pull Apart Bread with Pesto is a simple yet impressive appetizer that combines warm, melty mozzarella with fragrant pesto inside a crusty bread loaf. With just three main ingredients, it’s perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a flavorful snack.

Ingredients

• 1 large crusty bread loaf (about 8 inches in diameter)
• ½ cup pesto (store-bought or homemade)
• 6 oz (170 g) low moisture mozzarella cheese

Instructions

1. Step 1: If you’re making your own pesto, prepare it first using your preferred recipe.
2. Step 2: Using a sharp bread knife, cut slits lengthwise along one side of the bread loaf about 1.5 inches (3 cm) apart. Cut deep but don’t slice all the way through.
3. Step 3: Turn the bread and cut slits in the opposite direction to create a crisscross pattern, again without cutting through the bottom.
4. Step 4: Preheat your oven to 375℉ (180°C). Carefully open the cut slits and spread pesto evenly inside all the crevices using a knife or spatula.
5. Step 5: Grate the mozzarella cheese and stuff it into all the cracks, opening the bread gently to fill each space with cheese.
6. Step 6: Wrap the bread loaf tightly in aluminum foil and place it on a baking tray. Bake for 20 minutes in the preheated oven.
7. Step 7: Remove the foil, spray the bread lightly with olive oil, and bake uncovered for another 5 to 8 minutes until the cheese is melted and the bread turns golden.
8. Step 8: Serve the pull apart bread warm and fresh for the best gooey, cheesy experience.

Tips & Variations

• Use a mixture of mozzarella and sharp cheddar for a deeper flavor.
• Swap pesto for garlic butter or sun-dried tomato spread for variety.
• Try adding chopped fresh herbs like basil or oregano into the cheese for extra freshness.
• To make it spicier, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the pesto before spreading.

Storage

Store leftover pull apart bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day. Reheat in a 350℉ (175°C) oven for 5–7 minutes to restore crispness and melt the cheese again. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use different types of bread for this recipe?

Yes, a sturdy, crusty loaf like sourdough or ciabatta works best to hold the fillings without falling apart.

Is it possible to prepare this recipe ahead of time?

You can assemble the bread with pesto and cheese up to a few hours in advance and keep it wrapped in the fridge. Bake shortly before serving.

Cheesy Pesto Pull Apart Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 85 reviews

This Cheesy Pull Apart Bread with Pesto is a simple yet delicious appetizer perfect for sharing. It features a crusty bread loaf slashed into a criss-cross pattern and generously stuffed with flavorful pesto and melty mozzarella cheese. Baked until golden and gooey, this easy 3-ingredient recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering or cozy night in.

• Author: reem
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 28 minutes
• Total Time: 38 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Ingredients

• 1 large crusty bread loaf (8 inches in diameter)
• ½ cup pesto (store-bought or homemade)
• 6 oz / 170 g low moisture mozzarella cheese

Instructions

1. Prepare Pesto
   Make your own pesto first if not using store-bought. Use an authentic recipe for best flavor.
2. Cut Bread Slits Lengthwise
   Using a sharp bread knife, cut slits lengthwise along one side of the bread about 1.5 inches (3 cm) apart. Cut as deep as possible without slicing all the way through the bread.
3. Cut Bread Slits Crosswise
   Turn the bread and cut slits the other way to form a criss-cross pattern, maintaining the same spacing and depth, again not cutting through.
4. Preheat Oven and Insert Pesto
   Preheat the oven to 375°F (180°C). Open the bread slits carefully with your fingers, then spread pesto evenly between all the cracks using a knife or spatula.
5. Stuff with Mozzarella Cheese
   Grate the mozzarella using a box grater. Stuff the grated cheese into all the bread cracks by gently opening them to ensure the cheese reaches every edge.
6. Wrap and Bake
   Wrap the loaf tightly in aluminum foil and place it on a baking tray. Bake in the oven for 20 minutes to melt the cheese and warm the bread.
7. Unwrap and Finish Baking
   Carefully remove the foil, spray the top with olive oil for a light glaze, and bake uncovered for an additional 5 to 8 minutes until the cheese is melty and the bread turns golden brown.
8. Serve
   Serve the cheesy pull apart bread hot and fresh to family or friends and enjoy!

Notes

• Use a sharp serrated knife to make clean cuts without tearing the bread.
• If using homemade pesto, store any leftovers refrigerated for up to a week.
• You can substitute mozzarella with other meltable cheeses like provolone or cheddar for different flavors.
• For a dairy-free version, use vegan cheese and pesto alternatives.
• Serve immediately after baking for the best texture and flavor.

Keywords: Cheesy Pull Apart Bread, Pesto Bread, Easy Appetizer, Mozzarella, Bread Recipe, Party Food, Italian Snack