Name: Cheesy Pesto Sundried Tomato Pull Apart Bread Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4 ounces fontina cheese, freshly grated; 4 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, freshly grated or torn into small pieces; 2 tablespoons freshly grated parmesan cheese; Additional parmesan cheese for sprinkling (optional); 1 loaf crusty Italian bread (circular loaf preferred); 3/4 cup pesto, homemade or store-bought; 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (jarred, packed in oil and herbs); 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

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Introduction

This Cheesy Pesto Sundried Tomato Pull Apart Bread is a delightful appetizer perfect for sharing. Bursting with melted cheeses, flavorful pesto, and tangy sundried tomatoes, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to prepare and irresistible to eat.

A round loaf of bread is covered in melted white cheese that drips down its golden-brown crust. The bread has deep cuts filled with a green spread and bits of dark red pieces. The cheese has a shiny, gooey texture that sits mostly on top but also fills some cuts, with a light sprinkle of white crumbs on the surface. The bread rests on a gray background sprinkled lightly with crumbs. A white bowl filled with a green sauce and a silver spoon is at the top right corner, next to an off-white cloth. On the left side, there is a small bowl with dark red sauce. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 ounces fontina cheese, freshly grated
4 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, freshly grated or torn into small pieces

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 loaf crusty Italian bread (circular loaf recommended)

3/4 cup pesto, homemade or store bought
1/2 cup sundried tomatoes, chopped (jarred in oil and herbs preferred)

2 tablespoons freshly grated parmesan cheese

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375℉. Using a serrated bread knife, make 1-inch diagonal cuts through the loaf, taking care not to cut all the way through the bottom crust. Then make diagonal cuts in the opposite direction to form a criss-cross pattern.
Step 2: Pour the melted butter into the bread crevices. Spoon the pesto evenly into the cuts, followed by the chopped sundried tomatoes. Finally, push the fontina and mozzarella cheeses into the crevices, allowing some cheese to sit on top if needed. Sprinkle the grated parmesan over the top.

Step 3: Wrap the bread tightly in aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 12-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving, adding extra parmesan if desired.

Tips & Variations

For a spicy kick, add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes before baking.
Try swapping the sundried tomatoes for roasted red peppers for a different flavor profile.

Use a combination of your favorite cheeses like gouda or provolone for a unique twist.

Storage

Store any leftovers wrapped tightly in foil or an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350℉ for 10-15 minutes to restore the melty texture. Avoid microwaving as it can make the bread soggy.

How to Serve

A round bread loaf is cut into many small square pieces, filled with a melted creamy white cheese. Between the cuts, there are green herb layers and small bits of dark red sun-dried tomatoes. The bread looks crispy and golden brown on the outside with cheese bubbling and slightly browned on top. The loaf sits on a white marbled surface with scattered cheese crumbs around. In the background, there is a white bowl filled with green pesto and a white dish containing grated cheese, both slightly blurred. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of bread?

Yes, any sturdy, crusty bread like a baguette or sourdough loaf will work well. Just ensure you don’t slice all the way through the bottom crust.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

You can substitute the cheeses with dairy-free alternatives, and use a vegan butter in place of unsalted butter. The flavor will be different but still delicious.