Name: Cheesy Pesto Garlic Bread
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 loaf French baguette or Italian bread.; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened.; 3 cloves garlic, minced.; 1/2 cup basil pesto.; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese.; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese.; Fresh basil leaves, chopped.; Salt and pepper to taste.

A close-up of cheesy pesto bread slices garnished with parsley, placed on parchment paper. | recipesbyclare.com

This Cheesy Pesto Garlic Bread has become my most requested recipe since I started my food blog. I created it one night when I had leftover pesto from my garden basil and wanted to jazz up regular garlic bread. Now my family won't let me make plain garlic bread anymore this version is just too good to pass up.

What Makes This So Special

Listen there's garlic bread and then there's this garlic bread. The combination of melty cheese and fresh pesto takes it to a whole new level. Every time I serve it people ask for the recipe. Even my Italian grandmother gave it her seal of approval and trust me that's not easy to get.

Let's Get Everything Ready

Bread: I always grab a fresh crusty baguette from my local bakery.
Butter: The good European style butter makes such a difference.
Garlic: Fresh cloves only no jarred stuff here.
Pesto: Homemade when I have garden basil store bought works too.
Cheese: A mix of gooey mozzarella and sharp parmesan creates magic.
Optional: Sometimes I add red pepper flakes for a kick.

Step By Step Magic

Getting Started: First thing I do is get my butter super soft then mix in that freshly minced garlic. I learned the hard way that room temperature butter makes all the difference.
Bread Prep: Split that beautiful loaf right down the middle. I like nice even halves for perfect portions.
Layer Those Flavors: Spread that garlic butter first then add your pesto. Don't be shy with the cheese we want it oozy and delicious.
Into The Oven: Keep an eye on it while it broils those last few minutes are crucial for that golden brown top.

My Best Tips

After making this bread hundreds of times I've learned a few tricks. Always use fresh bread the day you buy it. Get your butter completely soft and don't skimp on the garlic. That broiler step at the end is what gives you that instagram worthy cheese pull.

A close-up shot of several pieces of toasted bread topped with melted cheese and pesto, arranged neatly on a baking tray. | recipesbyclare.com

Make It Your Own

Sometimes I add a pinch of red pepper flakes when I'm craving heat. Other times I'll swap out the mozzarella for smoked gouda it's incredible. My daughter loves when I add some sun dried tomatoes under the cheese. There's no wrong way to make this bread.

Perfect Pairings

In our house this bread goes with everything. It's amazing with a big bowl of pasta but we also love it with soup on chilly nights. Sometimes I'll serve it with a big salad and call it dinner. Nobody ever complains especially when that cheese is all melty and perfect.

Saving Some For Later

Let me tell you about storing this bread if you're lucky enough to have leftovers. Wrap it up tight and pop it in the fridge. When you're ready to eat just warm it in the oven never the microwave. A few minutes at 350 and it's almost as good as fresh.

Making It For Everyone

My friend Sarah is gluten free so I started making her version with gluten free bread. It works beautifully just watch it carefully under the broiler. For my vegan friends I use dairy free cheese and adjust the pesto recipe. Everyone deserves great garlic bread.

Your Questions Answered

After sharing this recipe on my blog I get so many questions. Yes store bought pesto works great when you're short on time. Fresh bread is non negotiable though. And if you're wondering about dairy free options I've tested them all just ask my lactose intolerant sister.

A slice of pizza topped with melted cheese and pesto, resting on parchment paper. | recipesbyclare.com

Quick Snack Magic

My teenagers have turned this into their favorite after school snack. They've even learned to make it themselves which makes this mama proud. Sometimes they'll cut it into strips for easy dunking in marinara sauce pure genius if you ask me.

Party Perfect

This bread has starred at countless parties in my house. For big gatherings I make several loaves and cut them into smaller pieces. They disappear so fast I usually have to hide a few pieces in the kitchen for myself.

Fresh Herbs Make Everything Better

When my herb garden is thriving I love sprinkling fresh basil or parsley on top right before serving. The heat from the bread releases their fragrance and everyone always asks what smells so amazing.

Kids in the Kitchen

This recipe is perfect for getting kids involved in cooking. My little ones love spreading the butter and sprinkling the cheese. Yes it gets messy but seeing their proud faces when that cheese turns golden brown is worth every cleanup.

Making Your Own Pesto

When I have time I make my own pesto it's a game changer. Fresh basil from my garden pine nuts good olive oil and real parmigiano reggiano. The smell alone makes everyone wander into the kitchen asking what's cooking.

A close-up of toasted bread topped with melted cheese and a vibrant green pesto spread, garnished with fresh parsley. | recipesbyclare.com

Making It a Meal

Some nights we load this up with extras to make it dinner worthy. A layer of shredded rotisserie chicken or some crispy prosciutto takes it from side dish to main event. Add a salad and you've got a perfect meal.

Potluck Star

Every potluck I go to people beg me to bring this bread. I've started preparing it at home and finishing it in the host's oven. That way everyone gets to experience it fresh from the oven the way it should be.

Watch That Broiler

The broiler is your friend and enemy with this recipe. It creates that gorgeous brown top but look away for 30 seconds and you'll have charred bread. I set a timer and stand right there watching it's worth the attention.

Feeding a Crowd

When I'm hosting big family dinners I prep several loaves assembly line style. Get all your ingredients lined up and you can knock out multiple loaves in no time. Trust me you'll want the extra everyone always wants seconds.

More Than Just Bread

This recipe has become more than just bread in our family. It's birthday dinners and movie nights comfort food and celebration food. Every time I make it I think of all the happy moments we've shared around our table. That's what cooking is all about right?

Three pieces of toasted bread are topped with melted cheese and pesto, arranged on a parchment-lined surface with fresh basil leaves nearby. | recipesbyclare.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this ahead of time?: You can prepare the bread with garlic butter and pesto ahead of time, then add cheese and bake just before serving for the best melty result.
→ What type of bread works best?: French baguette or Italian bread work best as they have a crispy crust and soft interior. Make sure to use fresh bread for the best texture.
→ Can I use store-bought pesto?: Yes, store-bought pesto works well in this recipe. Choose a high-quality brand for the best flavor, or make your own fresh pesto.
→ Why broil at the end?: Broiling for 1-2 minutes creates a golden brown, slightly crispy cheese top. Watch carefully to prevent burning as broilers can heat quickly.
→ How should I store leftovers?: Store leftovers wrapped in foil in the refrigerator. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warm to maintain the crispy texture.

Pesto Garlic Bread