Pesto Bread
Pesto Bread is a flavorful, homemade loaf featuring a vibrant pesto swirl, perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a savory snack. Its soft, airy interior contrasts with a lightly browned crust, making it an inviting choice for bread lovers and pesto enthusiasts alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dissolve yeast with sugar in 1/4 cup warm water and let sit for 5 minutes to proof.
- In a large bowl, mix 2 cups flour with the yeast mixture.
- Add remaining water and flour as needed and mix by hand or with an electric mixer with a dough hook.
- Knead until smooth and elastic.
- Put the dough in a greased bowl to rise until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and divide into 2 balls.
- Roll each dough ball into a rectangle approximately 12 x 8 inches.
- Spread with pesto mixture evenly over the rectangle.
- Roll up each rectangle into a log and place on a baking sheet sprinkled with cornmeal.
- Let the rolled dough rise again until puffed.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) until lightly browned and hollow sounding when tapped.
- Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, ensure your water temperature is around 110°F (43°C) for optimal yeast activation. If you prefer a stronger flavor, consider adding grated Parmesan or garlic to the pesto. You can substitute whole wheat flour for half of the white flour for a healthier option. If you can't find cornmeal, you can use flour to dust the baking sheet instead.
Serving Suggestions
This pesto bread is delicious on its own or served alongside a fresh salad or soup. It pairs beautifully with Mediterranean recipes like Greek Potatoes or Roasted Red Peppers. For a complete meal, slice the bread and serve it with a dip like hummus or as a side for Fried Squid (Calamari Fritti).
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover pesto bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, wrap slices in aluminum foil and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or toast them for a crisp texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pesto Bread contains roughly 339 calories, with 9g protein, 13g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is a good source of calcium (18% of the Daily Value), protein (17% of the Daily Value), and potassium (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 612mg per serving (27% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use store-bought pesto instead of homemade?
Absolutely! Store-bought pesto can save time and still provide great flavor. Just choose a high-quality version to ensure the best taste. You can customize it with additional herbs or cheese if desired.
How do I know when the dough has risen enough?
The dough should double in size, which typically takes about 1 to 2 hours in a warm place. You can check by gently pressing your finger into the dough; if it springs back slowly, it’s ready to shape.
Can I freeze the pesto bread?
Yes, you can freeze the pesto bread after baking. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before reheating.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).