Pesto Pull-Apart Bread

Delight in the savory layers of our Pesto Pull-Apart Bread, where every slice unravels a burst of rich basil pesto flavor. This easy-to-make bread combines soft, fluffy dough with aromatic pesto and optional touches of Parmesan and pine nuts for added richness. Perfect for sharing, this bread pulls apart effortlessly, making it an ideal companion for gatherings or a family dinner. Bake it today and watch it disappear in moments!”

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 250 grams all-purpose flour
• 5 grams salt
• 20 grams powdered sugar
• 6 grams instant yeast
• 155 ml water
• 25 ml oil

For the Filling:

• 1/2 cup basil pesto (you can use store-bought or homemade)
• Optional: 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for extra flavor)
• Optional: 2 tbsp pine nuts (for added texture)

For the Topping:

• 1 tbsp olive oil (for brushing)
• 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, powdered sugar, and instant yeast. Mix these dry ingredients well.
• Gradually add water and oil to the dry ingredients, mixing until the dough begins to form.
• Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
• Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.

2. Prepare the Pesto Filling:

• While the dough is rising, prepare your pesto if you haven’t already. If you’re adding Parmesan cheese and pine nuts, mix these into the pesto now.

3. Shape the Bread:

• Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles.
• Roll the dough out on a floured surface into a rectangle about 1/2 inch thick.
• Spread the pesto mixture evenly over the rolled-out dough.
• Cut the dough into squares that will fit into your loaf pan when stacked.
• Stack the dough squares on top of each other and arrange them sideways in a greased 9×5 inch loaf pan.

4. Second Rise:

• Cover the loaf pan with a cloth and let the dough rise for another 30 minutes.

5. Bake the Bread:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Brush the top of the dough with olive oil and sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese if using.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.

6. Serve:
   • Allow the bread to cool for a few minutes before removing it from the pan.
   • Serve warm, pulling apart sections as you go.

Homemade Basil Pesto Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
• 1/3 cup pine nuts (you can substitute walnuts or almonds if preferred)
• 5 garlic cloves, peeled
• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Lemon juice (optional, to taste)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Basil:
   • Wash the basil leaves and pat them dry with a towel to remove any excess moisture.
2. Blend Basil and Pine Nuts:
   • In a food processor, combine the basil leaves, pine nuts, and garlic cloves. Pulse a few times until chopped. You can also use a blender, though you may need to stop and stir occasionally to ensure even blending.
3. Add Oil:
   • With the processor on, slowly add the olive oil in a steady stream. This helps to emulsify and blend the ingredients into a smooth paste.
4. Add Cheese and Seasonings:
   • Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the mixture and pulse until blended. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If you like a bit of tanginess, add a few drops of lemon juice and pulse again to mix.
5. Adjust Consistency:
   • If the pesto is too thick, add more olive oil a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
6. Store or Use Immediately:
   • Use the pesto immediately in your recipes, or store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container. To preserve the bright green color, you can cover the surface of the pesto with a thin layer of olive oil. It will keep for about a week in the fridge.
7. Freezing:
   • For longer storage, pesto freezes well. Spoon it into an ice cube tray, freeze, and then transfer the frozen cubes to a freezer bag. This way, you can thaw only as much as you need for future use.

This basil pesto is rich, aromatic, and packed with the fresh flavors of basil and garlic, enhanced by the nuttiness of pine nuts and the savory notes of Parmesan cheese. Enjoy your homemade pesto in a variety of dishes!

This Pesto Pull-Apart Bread is perfect as a side dish, an appetizer, or even a savory snack. Its layers are flavorful and aromatic, making it a hit at any gathering or a cozy family meal. Enjoy baking and sharing!