Description
Basil Pesto Bread Rounds are delicious, bite-sized appetizers that feature crusty bread topped with fresh basil pesto and melted cheese. They make the perfect party snack or side dish for Italian meals.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 loaf of French bread or baguette, sliced into rounds
- 1/4 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Slice the French bread or baguette into rounds about 1/2 inch thick and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Brush each bread round with a little olive oil to help them crisp up while baking.
- Spread a thin layer of basil pesto on each bread round, making sure to cover the entire surface.
- Top each pesto-covered round with shredded mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
- If desired, lightly sprinkle with garlic powder for extra flavor.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges of the bread are golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped basil before serving, if desired.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, you can drizzle a little balsamic glaze over the top before serving.
- If you prefer a more substantial topping, add a few slices of tomato or roasted red peppers to the bread rounds before baking.
- This can be made ahead by preparing the bread rounds and refrigerating them (without baking). Bake them fresh when needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bread round
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 15mg