If you’re craving the perfect bite-sized snack bursting with Italian flavor, Basil Pesto Bread Rounds will be your new favorite go-to recipe. Golden, crisp bread rounds topped with vibrant basil pesto and gooey cheese are impossible to resist! Whether you serve them as an appetizer, a side for pasta night, or just a savory snack, these delicious rounds are guaranteed to steal the show. Best of all, they’re ready in about 20 minutes and look absolutely stunning on any platter.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed by how just a handful of pantry staples come together to create Basil Pesto Bread Rounds. Each ingredient is chosen for maximum flavor and the perfect crispy, cheesy texture, so let’s break down what makes each one special!
- Baguette or French loaf: The crusty exterior and soft interior of a baguette make the ideal base for holding all the toppings.
- Basil pesto: Store-bought works fine, but homemade pesto really elevates each bite with its fresh, herby aroma.
- Shredded mozzarella or Italian blend cheese: Melts into irresistible gooeyness over the pesto layer for ultimate comfort.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty finish that beautifully complements the mozzarella.
- Olive oil: A quick brush gives the bread rounds gorgeous golden color and crispy edges.
- Garlic clove: Rubbing the bread with fresh garlic gives just the right hint of savory depth.
- Salt and black pepper: A simple seasoning that brings all the flavors together—you can sprinkle to taste.
- Fresh basil leaves (optional): For a pop of color and freshness, garish with sliced or whole basil leaves before serving.
How to Make Basil Pesto Bread Rounds
Step 1: Prep the Bread
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Slice your baguette or French loaf into ½-inch thick rounds; you should get about 16 pieces. Arranging them in a single layer ensures every round gets deliciously crisp.
Step 2: Infuse with Olive Oil and Garlic
Place the bread slices on the baking sheet and lightly brush each one with olive oil. Take your halved garlic clove and rub the cut side over the tops of the bread rounds. This easy little trick gently infuses each piece with subtle garlicky goodness without overpowering the pesto.
Step 3: Toast for Added Crunch
Pop the tray into the oven and bake the rounds for 4 to 5 minutes. You’re just looking for a light toasting to give the bread that ideal crunch and to help it stand up to the toppings. Remove from the oven, but leave the rounds on the baking sheet—you’ll need it again in just a sec!
Step 4: Add the Basil Pesto and Cheeses
It’s time for the stars! Spread about 1 teaspoon of basil pesto over each toasted bread round. Next, sprinkle a generous layer of mozzarella or Italian blend cheese. Finish with a little shower of grated Parmesan to bring everything together.
Step 5: Bake Until Melty and Golden
Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for another 6 to 8 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and beginning to bubble with golden brown spots. This step transforms your Basil Pesto Bread Rounds into their full cheesy glory.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Remove the bread rounds from the oven. Season lightly with salt and freshly ground black pepper if you like. For extra wow factor, add a few fresh basil leaves on top, then serve immediately while the cheese is deliciously hot and stretchy!
How to Serve Basil Pesto Bread Rounds
Garnishes
A sprinkle of finely grated Parmesan and a few torn basil leaves just before serving is all you need to make your Basil Pesto Bread Rounds look restaurant-worthy. For extra color and zip, you could also add a few flecks of crushed red pepper or even a drizzle of good-quality balsamic glaze.
Side Dishes
These rounds are incredibly versatile! They pair beautifully alongside classic Italian favorites like spaghetti, lasagna, or a big leafy green salad. They also work as a stunning appetizer for holiday parties or family gatherings—your guests won’t be able to stop at just one.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange Basil Pesto Bread Rounds on a rustic wooden board with a cluster of cherry tomatoes and olives as a Mediterranean-inspired centerpiece. If you’re feeling adventurous, top some rounds with a thin slice of sun-dried tomato or fresh mozzarella before baking for an extra flavor twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Basil Pesto Bread Rounds (good luck!), let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The flavors settle in nicely overnight, though the bread may lose some crispness.
Freezing
Want to get ahead for your next gathering? After assembling but before baking with cheese, you can freeze the rounds on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the cook time—no need to thaw!
Reheating
For best results, reheat the stored or frozen Basil Pesto Bread Rounds on a baking sheet in a toaster oven, air fryer, or regular oven at 325°F until the cheese is melty and the bread is crisped up again. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the lovely crunch.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Appetizer
Absolutely! Any sturdy bread like ciabatta, rustic country loaf, or even slices of sourdough work beautifully for Basil Pesto Bread Rounds. Just adjust the size of the rounds as needed for your desired presentation.
Is it better to use homemade or store-bought pesto?
Both are delicious for this recipe! Homemade basil pesto offers unbeatable freshness and color, though high-quality store-bought versions are incredibly convenient and a tasty shortcut for busy days.
How do I keep the bread from turning soggy?
That quick initial toast before adding the pesto is key! It creates a light barrier, helping the bread rounds stay crisp even after you layer on the sauce and cheese.
Can I make these Basil Pesto Bread Rounds gluten-free?
Definitely! Just substitute your favorite gluten-free baguette or bread loaf and follow the rest of the recipe. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free.
What cheese can I use instead of mozzarella?
Feel free to experiment—provolone, fontina, or even a little crumbled goat cheese can be absolutely delicious on Basil Pesto Bread Rounds. Use your preferences and what you have on hand!
Final Thoughts
I hope you find as much joy in sharing these Basil Pesto Bread Rounds as I do. They’re easy to whip up, infinitely crowd-pleasing, and deliver a little taste of Italy in every cheesy, fragrant bite. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll be making them for every occasion!
Print
Basil Pesto Bread Rounds Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 16 bread rounds
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Basil Pesto Bread Rounds are a delightful appetizer or party snack featuring crispy bread slices topped with flavorful pesto, gooey melted cheese, and a hint of garlic. Easy to make and sure to impress!
Ingredients
Bread Rounds:
- 1 baguette or small French loaf sliced into ½-inch rounds (about 16 slices)
Pesto and Cheese Topping:
- 1/2 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Italian blend cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, halved
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the bread: Arrange the bread slices on the baking sheet and lightly brush each one with olive oil. Rub the cut side of the garlic clove over the tops of the bread rounds for subtle flavor.
- Toast the bread: Bake for 4–5 minutes until lightly toasted. Remove from the oven.
- Add toppings: Spread about 1 tsp of pesto on each slice. Top with shredded mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan.
- Final baking: Return to the oven and bake for another 6–8 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Season and serve: Season with salt and pepper if desired, and garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Notes
- These are great as appetizers, side dishes, or party snacks.
- You can add a slice of tomato or a sun-dried tomato before the cheese for extra flavor.
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