5 from 12 votes
Pesto Cheese Bread
Pesto Cheese Bread features a soft French or Italian loaf generously spread with vibrant pesto and topped with melted mozzarella. Baking creates a golden crust with bubbly cheese edges, combining aromatic basil flavors and creamy cheese. This bread is practical for sharing at gatherings, as a flavorful appetizer, or alongside meals, and can be made with homemade or store-bought pesto and fresh shredded cheese for best texture.
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Total Time
25 mins
Servings:
6
servings (2 slices each)
Calories:
386 kcal
Course:
Appetizer
Cuisine:
American
Ingredients
- 1 loaf French bread (see note 1)
- 1/2 cup pesto or store bought (see note 2, homemade
- 2 cups (8 ounces) mozzarella cheese shredded
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil for easy clean up. Cut loaf of bread lengthwise and place both halves on prepared baking sheet.
- Spread 1/4 cup pesto on each half of bread and top with one cup of shredded mozzarella. Bake until edges turn golden brown, about 20 minutes.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- Use a soft French or Italian loaf rather than a dense baguette for better texture.
- Freshly shred mozzarella rather than using pre-shredded for improved melting.
- Homemade pesto can be made ahead and kept in the refrigerator with olive oil on top to prevent discoloration.
- Store leftover bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Alternative cheeses such as Parmesan, provolone, or fontina can replace mozzarella partially or fully.
Nutrition Information
Serving
2slices
Calories
386kcal
(19%)
Carbohydrates
40g
(13%)
Protein
17g
(34%)
Fat
17g
(26%)
Saturated Fat
7g
(35%)
Cholesterol
32mg
(11%)
Sodium
772mg
(32%)
Potassium
114mg
(2%)
Fiber
2g
(8%)
Sugar
3g
(6%)
Vitamin A
672IU
(13%)
Vitamin C
1mg
(1%)
Calcium
253mg
(25%)
Iron
3mg
(17%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 6 servings (2 slices each)
Amount Per Serving
Calories 386
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 2slices | |
| Calories | 386kcal | 19% |
| Carbohydrates | 40g | 13% |
| Protein | 17g | 34% |
| Fat | 17g | 26% |
| Saturated Fat | 7g | 35% |
| Cholesterol | 32mg | 11% |
| Sodium | 772mg | 32% |
| Potassium | 114mg | 2% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 3g | 6% |
| Vitamin A | 672IU | 13% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 253mg | 25% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.