Golden and fluffy on the outside, gooey and herbaceous on the inside, this cheesy garlic pull-apart bread is layered with melty mozzarella and a fresh basil pesto for the ultimate comfort bake. It’s the perfect addition to any meal or gathering, offering both indulgent flavor and a delightful presentation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe combines the soft, pillowy texture of freshly baked bread with the rich, savory elements of cheese, garlic, and homemade pesto. It’s a visually appealing, pull-apart loaf that invites sharing and brings warmth to any table. Whether served as a party appetizer, a side dish to a hearty meal, or simply enjoyed on its own, it’s an irresistible treat that everyone will rave about.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- all-purpose flour
- active dry yeast
- sugar
- salt
- warm milk
- olive oil
- shredded mozzarella cheese
- butter, melted
- garlic, minced
- fresh basil leaves
- grated parmesan
- olive oil (for pesto)
- pinch of salt
Directions
- In a large bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Allow it to sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
- Add flour, salt, and olive oil to the mixture. Knead into a smooth dough for 8–10 minutes.
- Cover and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
- In a blender, mix basil, parmesan, 2 tablespoons olive oil, and a pinch of salt to create the pesto. Set aside.
- Punch down the dough and roll it out into a rectangle on a lightly floured surface.
- Spread the pesto evenly over the dough and top with shredded mozzarella. Roll into a log.
- Cut the log into 2-inch segments and arrange them upright in a greased loaf pan.
- Mix the melted butter and minced garlic. Brush over the top of the arranged dough segments.
- Cover and allow the dough to rise for another 20–30 minutes. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbling with cheese.
- Cool slightly and serve warm.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields 8 servings. Preparation time is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, including rising time, and baking takes 30–35 minutes.
Variations
- Add sun-dried tomatoes to the filling for a tangy burst of flavor.
- Use cheddar or a blend of cheeses for a sharper or more complex taste.
- Incorporate chopped spinach with the pesto for a nutritious twist.
- Make it spicy by adding crushed red pepper flakes to the pesto or garlic butter.
- Try store-bought pesto to save time, though homemade adds a fresher touch.
Storage/reheating
Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 4 days. To reheat, place slices in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8–10 minutes or microwave individual pieces for 20–30 seconds until warmed through.
FAQs
How do I know if the yeast is active?
If your yeast mixture becomes frothy after 5–10 minutes, it’s active and ready to use. If it doesn’t foam, the yeast may be expired.
Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and assemble the bread a day ahead. Cover tightly and refrigerate overnight, then let it come to room temperature before baking.
What if I don’t have fresh basil?
You can use store-bought basil pesto or substitute with other fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro, although the flavor will be different.
Can I freeze this bread?
Yes, once baked and cooled, wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat in the oven.
Is it possible to make this gluten-free?
You can use a gluten-free flour blend designed for yeast baking, though the texture may differ slightly.
Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Yes, but fresh shredded cheese tends to melt better and offers superior texture and flavor.
What can I serve this bread with?
It pairs wonderfully with pasta dishes, soups, or salads, or as an appetizer with dipping sauces.
How do I keep the bread soft after baking?
Cover it with foil or store in an airtight container once cooled to retain moisture.
Can I use a stand mixer for the dough?
Yes, a stand mixer with a dough hook can save effort and help achieve a smooth dough in less time.
Why is my bread not rising properly?
This may be due to expired yeast, too cool rising conditions, or too much salt in direct contact with the yeast.
Conclusion
Cheesy Garlic Pull-Apart Bread with Basil Pesto is a crowd-pleasing recipe that blends the comforting elements of homemade bread with flavorful, aromatic fillings. Whether you’re baking it for a party, family dinner, or simply indulging in some cozy comfort food, this recipe delivers on both taste and texture. Try it once, and it just might become a staple in your kitchen.
Print
Cheesy Garlic Pull-Apart Bread with Basil Pesto
- Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 8 servings) 1x
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Golden, fluffy pull-apart bread layered with gooey mozzarella and fresh basil pesto, brushed with garlic butter for a comforting, savory treat.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup warm milk
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 tbsp butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for pesto)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- Add flour, salt, and olive oil to the mixture. Knead into a smooth dough for about 8–10 minutes.
- Cover and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- In a blender, combine basil, parmesan, olive oil, and a pinch of salt to make the pesto. Set aside.
- Punch down the dough and roll it into a rectangle on a lightly floured surface.
- Spread pesto evenly across the dough, sprinkle with shredded mozzarella, and roll it into a log.
- Cut the log into even segments (about 2 inches), and stack them upright in a greased loaf pan, cut side up.
- Mix melted butter with minced garlic and brush over the top of the bread.
- Cover and let rise for 20–30 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbling with cheese.
- Let cool slightly before serving warm.
Notes
- Use store-bought pesto as a shortcut if short on time.
- Try adding chopped sun-dried tomatoes or olives for extra flavor.
- Best served warm for optimal gooeyness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 410mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
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