Pesto Butter Garlic Bread

What happens when you combine three of the best flavor boosters — garlic, butter, and pesto — into one gloriously toasted bite? You get this Pesto Butter Garlic Bread: crispy, cheesy, buttery perfection with a bright herby twist.

This recipe adds a few personal touches: a splash of lemon zest to cut the richness, and a gooey mozzarella-Parmesan topping that melts into every nook and cranny.

Whether you're serving it alongside pasta, soup, salad — or just snacking on it straight from the tray — this garlic bread is bold, flavorful, and dangerously good.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Buttery, garlicky, and herbaceous with every bite

1. Uses fresh or store-bought pesto — easy either way

2. Lemon zest adds brightness to balance the richness

3. Crispy edges, soft center, and melty cheese on top

4. Ready in under 20 minutes

Final Thoughts:

This Pesto Butter Garlic Bread is the upgrade your pasta nights (or snack boards) have been waiting for. Rich, melty, and packed with bold flavor from garlic, basil, and lemon — it’s the kind of side that steals the spotlight. Serve it with soup, pasta, salad… or just eat it straight from the pan. No judgment here.

Yield: 6-8 servings

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Pesto Butter Garlic Bread

Prep time: 10 MinCook time: 12 MinTotal time: 22 Min

What happens when you combine three of the best flavor boosters — garlic, butter, and pesto— into one gloriously toasted bite? You get thisPesto Butter Garlic Bread: crispy, cheesy, buttery perfection with a bright herby twist.

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Ingredients

• 1 loaf French bread or ciabatta, halved lengthwise
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ⅓ cup pesto (homemade or store-bought)
• 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
• Zest of ½ lemon
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Optional: red pepper flakes or chopped fresh basil, for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
2. In a small bowl, mix together softened butter, pesto, minced garlic, lemon zest, and salt until smooth and combined.
3. Place bread halves cut-side up on the baking sheet. Spread the pesto garlic butter evenly over both halves. Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan.
4. Bake for 10–12 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbling. For extra crispy edges and golden cheese, broil for an additional 1–2 minutes — watching carefully.
5. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Slice and serve warm, garnished with red pepper flakes or fresh basil if desired.

Notes

Use compound butter: Make the pesto butter in advance and store in the fridge for quick spreads later.

Make it vegan: Use dairy-free butter and vegan cheese alternatives.

Try other cheeses: Fontina, provolone, or even feta crumbles work great here.

Add protein: Top with sliced grilled chicken or sun-dried tomatoes for a heartier version.

Nutrition Facts

Calories

446

Carbs

37 g

Cholesterol

60 mg

Fat

27 g

Fiber

2 g

Net carbs

35 g

Protein

14 g

Sat. Fat

14 g

Sodium

922 mg

Sugar

4 g

Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.