Name: Cheesy Pesto Pull Apart Bread Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 2 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour; 2 tsp active dry yeast; 1½ Tbsp granulated sugar; 1 tsp salt; ¾ cup + 2 Tbsp whole milk, warm; 1 large egg yolk; 5 Tbsp unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup shredded Cabot Seriously Sharp Cheddar Cheese; 1 cup shredded Cabot Monterey Jack Cheese; 4 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted; ½ cup prepared pesto

There’s something irresistibly comforting about warm, cheesy bread pulling apart layer by layer. This Cheesy Pesto Pull Apart Bread Recipe brings together fresh basil pesto and sharp cheddar in a way that's perfect for sharing—whether it's game night, a casual gathering, or just because. Trust me, once you make it, you’ll find yourself reaching for seconds (and maybe thirds!).

A round baking pan filled with nine fluffy bread rolls, each roll topped with melted cheese that is light golden brown and slightly bubbly, with a green herb sauce visible throughout the dough giving a speckled greenish texture; one roll is pulled away, showing a soft, fluffy inside with a light green tint from the herbs. The pan is placed on a white square plate, with bright green fresh basil leaves beside the pan. In the background, there are three blocks of cheese with visible labels and a white marbled surface underneath everything. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheesy Pesto Pull Apart Bread Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Cheesy Pesto Pull Apart Bread Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Cheesy Pesto Pull Apart Bread Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’m honestly obsessed with how this bread turns out every time: golden crust, gooey cheese, and that punch of fresh pesto flavor in each bite. It’s one of those recipes that feels fancy but comes together so easily—and it’s guaranteed to wow your friends and family.

Perfect for Sharing: It’s designed to be pulled apart, making it a fun centerpiece for any casual get-together.
Simple Ingredients: No need for fancy pantry items—basic staples with pesto and quality cheeses make all the difference.
Customizable: You can switch up the cheeses or pesto variety to suit your tastes or what you have on hand.
Freshly Baked Goodness: Nothing beats the aroma and taste of bread made from scratch right in your kitchen.

A round bread ring with about two layers of fluffy dough, baked with a green herb sauce spread all over the dough, topped with a golden melted cheese layer that looks soft and slightly crispy in some spots. The green sauce gives a speckled texture mixed with the cheese on top. A woman's hand is pulling a piece from the side, showing the soft, cheesy inside stretching slightly. The bread is on a white plate with a white marbled surface below, with blurred cheese blocks in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe balances the richness of two kinds of cheddar cheese with the herbal punch of pesto, all wrapped in a soft bread that’s fluffy on the inside with a lightly crisp crust. Each ingredient plays a role in creating that perfect bite.

Flat lay of a small mound of all-purpose flour, two teaspoons of active dry yeast granules scattered beside it, a small heap of granulated sugar, a white ceramic bowl with warm whole milk, a single large whole egg with a clean shell, a few tablespoons of softened unsalted butter shaped into a small pat, a pile of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, a pile of shredded Monterey Jack cheese, a small white bowl with melted unsalted butter, a small white bowl filled with vibrant green prepared basil pesto, all arranged symmetrically on a simple white ceramic surface, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

All-purpose flour: Gives the bread enough structure while still keeping it tender and soft.
Active dry yeast: Essential for that perfect rise and airy texture in the bread.
Granulated sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds a slight hint of sweetness to balance the flavors.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
Whole milk (warm): Adds moisture and richness that helps the dough stay soft.
Egg yolk: Gives the bread a beautiful golden color and tender crumb.
Unsalted butter (softened and melted): Softened butter works into the dough for moisture; melted butter brushed over layers helps the bread get golden and rich.
Cabot Seriously Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Sharpness adds depth and that classic cheesy punch.
Cabot Monterey Jack Cheese: Melts wonderfully, providing gooey, milder cheese layers.
Prepared pesto: The star flavor here—fresh basil, garlic, and parmesan come all together in glorious green swirls.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love tweaking this recipe depending on the occasion. Sometimes I add sun-dried tomatoes or swap in a little mozzarella for an ooey-gooey stretchier pull apart. You should feel totally free to play around with the cheese and pesto combos to find your perfect version.

Variation: One time, I stirred in some chopped roasted red peppers with the pesto for a smoky twist—it was a huge hit that added a lovely pop of color and flavor.
Dietary Modifications: For a lighter version, try using part-skim mozzarella and a lower-fat pesto, or swap in a dairy-free cheese to suit your needs.
Seasonal Changes: Fresh basil pesto is great, but in winter I like to make a sun-dried tomato pesto when basil isn’t at its peak.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheesy Pesto Pull Apart Bread Recipe

Step 1: Activate the yeast and prepare your dough

Start by warming your milk until it’s comfortably warm to the touch but not hot (about 100°F). Stir in your yeast and sugar, then let it bloom for 5–10 minutes until it gets foamy and bubbly on top. This step is key for a good rise. I usually whisk the egg yolk into the milk mixture before combining it with the flour and softened butter to ensure it’s evenly incorporated without curdling.

Step 2: Knead and let the dough rise

Once your wet and dry ingredients are combined, knead the dough for about 8 to 10 minutes until it feels smooth and elastic. I find that adding just enough flour to keep it from sticking—but not too much—makes the crumb perfect and not dense. Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour, or until doubled in size.

Step 3: Assemble the layers

Roll out your dough on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle (roughly 12 x 16 inches). Brush the surface with melted butter, then spread pesto evenly over the top. Sprinkle an even layer of shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Then, using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, slice the dough into strips and stack them one on top of another like a deck of cards. Next, cut the stacked strips into small squares and place them snugly into a greased loaf pan. This stacking trick creates those irresistible 'pull apart' layers!

Step 4: Final rise and bake

Cover the loaf pan loosely and let the dough have a second rise for about 30 minutes. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the bread for 25 minutes or until the top is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly. If you want that extra glossy crust, brush the top with a little melted butter right after baking.

Top Tip

I’ve made this bread dozens of times, and these tips have saved me from soggy layers or dense spots. Getting the right warmth for yeast and the perfect layering technique makes all the difference!

Yeast Activation: Make sure the milk is warm, not hot—test it on your wrist before mixing so you don’t kill the yeast.
Don't Over-Knead: Knead just enough for elasticity; too much can make the bread tough.
Layer Neatly: Cutting your dough into neat strips and stacking them creates clear layers and those satisfying pull-apart pieces.
Watch Your Bake Time: Oven temps vary, so check at 20 minutes—if the top browns too fast, cover it loosely with foil to prevent burning.

How to Serve Cheesy Pesto Pull Apart Bread Recipe

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle a little fresh basil on top—just for that bright contrast and herbal punch. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a pinch of flaky sea salt also bring out the flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

This bread pairs brilliantly with a crisp green salad or a bowl of tomato soup. I’ve also found it a crowd-pleaser alongside charcuterie boards or simple roasted vegetables for a fuller meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I bake this in a round loaf pan and place it in the center of the table for a beautiful “pull-apart bread wreath.” It instantly gets people chatting and reaching for the bread, making it perfect for holiday dinners or casual brunch spreads.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After it cools completely, I like to store leftover bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in an airtight container at room temperature. It usually stays soft and cheesy for up to two days this way.

Freezing

This bread freezes beautifully. Wrap individual slices or the whole loaf tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.

Reheating

To bring back that fresh-from-the-oven vibe, I pop slices into a 350°F oven for about 8-10 minutes. You can also microwave briefly, but the oven gives crust that nice slight crisp without drying the cheese.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Cheesy Pesto Pull Apart Bread Recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the bread and refrigerate it for a few hours before baking. Just let it come to room temperature and rise a bit before popping it in the oven for best results.

What types of cheese work best in this bread?

Sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack are a great combo because they balance sharpness with meltability. You can also try mozzarella for a stretchier effect or even fontina for a richer flavor.

Can I use homemade pesto in this recipe?

Yes, homemade pesto is fantastic here, especially if it’s fresh and vibrant. Just make sure it’s not too watery, as excess moisture can affect the bread’s texture.

Is this bread suitable for freezing?

Definitely! This recipe freezes well, and you can thaw and reheat slices as needed without losing too much of that fresh-baked flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Pesto Pull Apart Bread Recipe is one of those kitchen projects that feels special but is totally doable—even for a busy weeknight. The aroma alone will fill your home with a warm, inviting vibe, and the flavors? Irresistible. Making it always reminds me of cozy nights with friends, sharing laughter and stories over warm, gooey bites. I really hope you’ll give it a try and love it as much as I do!