Description
Basil Pesto Bread Rounds are a delicious and easy-to-make Italian-inspired appetizer featuring crispy rounds of crusty baguette topped with flavorful basil pesto, melted mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for serving as a warm appetizer or side dish, these cheesy pesto toasts combine fresh herbs and gooey cheese for an irresistible bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 1 French baguette or similar crusty bread, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
- 1/2 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
- Prepare Bread Slices: Arrange the baguette slices in a single layer on the baking sheet. Brush each slice lightly with olive oil, then season with a pinch of salt and black pepper to enhance flavor.
- Add Pesto and Cheese: Spread about 1 teaspoon of basil pesto evenly onto each bread round. Top each slice with a generous pinch of shredded mozzarella and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese for a rich, cheesy topping.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the cheese has melted fully and the edges of the bread are golden brown and crisp.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the bread rounds from the oven, garnish with chopped fresh basil if desired, and serve warm as a tasty appetizer or side dish.
Notes
- For variation, try adding sliced cherry tomatoes or a dollop of ricotta cheese on top before baking.
- These can also be made in an air fryer for quicker crisping—just adjust cooking time accordingly.
