Cheesy Pesto Pull Apart Bread Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- Prepare Pesto
Make your own pesto first if not using store-bought. Use an authentic recipe for best flavor. - 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. - 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. - 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. - 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. - 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. - 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. - 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
Find it online: https://reemcook.com/cheesy-pesto-pull-apart-bread-recipe/
