Cheesy Pesto Garlic Bread

CHEESE AND GARLIC WITH PESTO BAGUETTE

We can all probably admit that while growing up, some form of bread was usually on the table. Especially when that bread was delivered to the family as fresh, oven-baked garlic bread. It really seems to go with anything, and it’s a relatively inexpensive side dish to have to prepare dinner.

This garlic bread is chock-full of pesto and a mozzarella parmesan blend.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Heinen’s carries it’s own line of pesto sauces, including the jarred Genovese and the refrigerated tub in their local pasta kiosk. It’s a great price, and packs a great flavor!

• Heinen’s bakery also carries most breads you could ever ask for. There is always a daily batch of fresh French baguettes that are individually wrapped. Their exterior are the perfect crunch while the insides are cooked to pinchable doughy goodness.

• Elevating the baguettes with not only butter and garlic, but with pesto and a mozzarella parmesan blend is the key to a perfect dinner table bread. The cheese starts out as a thick layer that bubbles down to a golden perfection when ready to serve.

• I like to add chopped parsley and drizzle olive oil over the tops before serving.

CHEESY PESTO GARLIC BREAD RECIPE

Prep Time: 20 min | Cook Time: 12 min | Serving Size: 8-10 slices per loaf

Ingredients

• 1 loaf of French baguette

• 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened

• roast garlic bulb, see instruction note*

• 1/2 cup basil pesto

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan Reggiano cheese

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

• drizzled olive oil (for garnish)

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

* Prepare the roasted garlic first, that will be added to the butter for the French bread. Cut the top layer off of a whole bulb of garlic, and place in a large foil sheet, centered. Pour generous glugs of olive oil over the cut top and season with salt and pepper to taste. Wrap sides of foil softly folding over the top, and bake in oven at 400°F for 35-40 minutes until golden brown. You will then (with heat protection because it is HOT) squeeze out the soft garlic into the butter when the time comes to prep the bread and mix well.

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment or foil.

Slice the loaf of bread in half lengthwise. Place the halves cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet.

Make Garlic Butter. In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with roasted garlic. Spread the garlic butter evenly over both halves of the bread.

Spread the basil pesto over the garlic butter layer.

Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the pesto layer.

Bake in the preheated oven for 12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Broil (Optional): For a golden brown top, broil the bread for an additional 1-2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.

Remove from the oven and garnish with chopped fresh parsley and olive oil. Slice and serve warm.