Ingredients
Scale
- 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 (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). The oven should be hot enough to melt the cheese and crisp the bread, but not so hot that it burns the garlic and pesto.
- Prepare the Bread: Slice the loaf of bread in half lengthwise. Make sure the slices are even so that each half can be topped with the same amount of garlic butter, pesto, and cheese. Place the bread halves on a baking sheet, cut-side up.
- Make the Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, combine the softened butter with minced garlic. Stir well to ensure the garlic is evenly distributed throughout the butter. If you want to kick up the flavor, you can also add a pinch of salt or a dash of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Spread the Garlic Butter: Spread the garlic butter evenly over the cut sides of the bread. Be generous, making sure every inch of the surface is covered in buttery goodness.
- Add the Pesto: After spreading the garlic butter, add a layer of basil pesto on top. Use the back of a spoon to spread it evenly across the bread, ensuring every bite gets a hint of the aromatic pesto flavor.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan over the pesto. Don’t be afraid to add a little extra cheese for a cheesy, indulgent treat.
- Bake: Place the prepared bread in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on it to ensure the bread doesn’t burn.
- Broil (Optional): If you want a crispier, golden-brown top, broil the bread for an additional 1-2 minutes. Be careful to watch it closely, as broiling can quickly go from crispy to burnt.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the bread from the oven and garnish it with freshly chopped basil for a burst of color and freshness. Slice the bread into individual pieces and serve warm.
Notes
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh garlic, basil, and high-quality cheese.
- Adjust the Seasoning: Feel free to adjust the garlic and pesto to suit your preferences. If you love garlic, add more. If you want a more subtle flavor, use less.
- Try Different Cheeses: While mozzarella and Parmesan are the classics, feel free to experiment with different cheeses like provolone, cheddar, or Gruyère for a unique twist.
- Make Ahead: If you’re hosting a gathering, you can prepare the garlic bread ahead of time. Simply assemble it, cover it tightly, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes