pesto-parmesan bread rounds
These make excellent, easy appetizers or accompaniments to a soup or salad meal, a potluck contribution, or just for a snack. So delish and easy. You may garnish in many different ways. They can be served hot from the oven or at room temperature. Either way, they always get gobbled up.
Blue Ribbon Recipe
Packed with flavor, these pesto Parmesan bread rounds are sure to be popular whenever you serve them. A slice of French bread or baguette is topped with a smooth, creamy, and tangy cheese mixture. Mozzarella cheese adds a creamy texture, while the Parmesan adds a savory note. From the pesto, basil is the prominent flavor. We opted to top them with more fresh basil, but sun-dried tomatoes would be fantastic too. While these are an appetizer, they can be served as a side to chicken or salmon.
Ingredients
- 1 pound loaf French bread or baguette
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/3 cup basil pesto (or sun-dried tomato pesto)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup grated mozzarella cheese
- salt and black pepper, to taste
- OPTIONAL GARNISHES:
- roasted red peppers
- sun-dried tomatoes, sliced
- dollop of olive tapenade
- black or green olives, halved
- basil leaf
How To Make pesto-parmesan bread rounds
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Step 1Preheat the broiler. Slice the bread into 3/4" slices on a slight diagonal. -
Step 2Place in one layer on the baking sheet. Place under broiler and cook for up to 5 minutes until slices are golden brown and lightly toasted (watch carefully so bread does not burn).
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Step 3Mix the mayonnaise, pesto, garlic, Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, salt, and pepper.
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Step 4Remove toasted bread rounds from the oven and turn over to the untoasted side.
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Step 5Slather each piece with a generous amount of the mayo-pesto mixture. Use all of the mixture equally between the slices of bread.
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Step 6Turn the oven to bake and set to 350 degrees F. Place bread rounds in the oven. Bake for about 5 to 7 minutes until the mayo-pesto mixture gets slightly puffy and melty.
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Step 7Turn the broiler back on. Broil for about 2-3 minutes, until the mayo-pesto mixture gets bubbly and golden. Remove from oven.
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Step 8Serve hot from the oven or at room temperature. If desired, garnish with one of the optional garnishes listed. These are delicious!
- Last Step: Don't forget to share! Post a picture of your finished recipe here and on your favorite social network. Don't forget to tag Just A Pinch and include #justapinchrecipes!
