Name: Cheesy Pesto Pull Apart Bread Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 1 h 50 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

Nothing quite beats the scent of warm melted cheese mixed with fragrant basil pesto wafting through your kitchen. That’s exactly why this Cheesy Pesto Pull Apart Bread Recipe is such a keeper—it's crispy on the outside, pillowy soft inside, and bursting with cheesy, herby goodness that gets everyone reaching for another piece.

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 honestly can’t get enough of this Cheesy Pesto Pull Apart Bread Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that’s fun to make and even better to share, whether it’s for a casual hangout or just a cozy night at home. What’s special for me is how every pull brings a perfect mix of ooey-gooey cheese and bright pesto flavor, wrapped up in soft bread that almost melts in your mouth.

Ultimate Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone at my family gatherings asks for seconds—and thirds! It’s that good.
Super Easy Assembly: Once your dough is ready, layering cheese and pesto is a breeze.
Perfect for Sharing: The pull-apart style makes it ideal for snacking with friends without any fuss.
Versatile Flavor Profile: Sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack pair beautifully with fresh basil pesto for a savory bold combo.

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 Cheesy Pesto Pull Apart Bread Recipe combines simple pantry staples with flavorful stars like Cabot cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese plus a vibrant prepared pesto. I find that using quality cheese really makes a difference in the final ooze and depth of flavor.

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: Provides the perfect structure for soft but sturdy bread that holds all that cheesy goodness.
Active dry yeast: Essential for helping the bread rise beautifully and get that light texture.
Granulated sugar: Feeds the yeast, aiding the rise while adding just a touch of sweetness to balance flavors.
Salt: Enhances flavor and balances the richness of cheese and butter.
Whole milk: Using warm milk helps activate the yeast and adds tenderness to the dough.
Large egg yolk: Adds richness and improves dough elasticity for a tender crumb.
Unsalted butter (softened and melted): Softened butter gets mixed into the dough for flavor and moisture, while melted butter brushed on top makes the crust golden and enticing.
Cabot Seriously Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar brings a tangy punch that melts perfectly, adding depth.
Cabot Monterey Jack Cheese: Mild and creamy, it blends wonderfully with cheddar for a balanced melt.
Prepared pesto: Basil pesto infuses each layer with aromatic, herby notes that tie everything together.

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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 making this recipe my own by tweaking the cheese combo or adding extras. You can easily customize the bread to suit your taste—or what’s in your fridge—which makes this every bit as fun to experiment with as it is delicious.

Variation: I sometimes swap half the cheddar for mozzarella for a stretchier texture—that gooey pull apart is irresistible!
Dietary tweak: Use a dairy-free pesto and vegan cheese for a plant-based version that still packs flavor.
Extra flavor kick: Add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes between layers if you like a little heat.

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

Step 1: Activate Your Yeast and Mix the Dough

Start by warming your milk to about 110°F—warm enough to wake your yeast but not so hot it kills it. Dissolve the yeast and sugar in the milk, then let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy. This little bubbling reminds me I’m on the right track! Next, combine flour, salt, egg yolk, and softened butter; add the yeast mixture and knead until smooth and elastic. It takes about 8-10 minutes, but I usually use my stand mixer to save time and my hands.

Step 2: Let the Dough Rise

Transfer your dough to a greased bowl and cover it with a damp kitchen towel. I like to place mine somewhere warm—like inside an off oven with the light on—to encourage a good rise. After about 1 to 1½ hours, your dough should be doubled in size. Don’t rush this step; patience really pays off in fluffy bread.

Step 3: Assemble Your Pull Apart Layers

Punch down the dough gently and turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll it into a rectangle roughly 9x15 inches. Spread half of the melted butter evenly across the dough, then layer with shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, and dollops of pesto. Once that’s done, cut the dough into strips about 3 inches wide, stacking those strips on top of each other. This layering is what makes the bread pull apart so satisfyingly cheesy and flavorful.

Step 4: Final Rise and Bake

Place the stacked strips into a greased loaf pan, cover, and allow the bread to rise again for about 30 minutes while your oven preheats to 350°F (175°C). Just before baking, brush the top with remaining melted butter to get that golden crust. Bake for 25 minutes, or until the top is beautifully golden and cheese peeks out invitingly. Let it cool slightly before the fun part—pulling it apart!

Top Tip

From baking this Cheesy Pesto Pull Apart Bread Recipe dozens of times, a few tips made all the difference for me—especially when I wanted fuss-free success with that gorgeous pull-apart effect.

Perfect Dough Temperature: Make sure your milk is warm but not hot when activating the yeast; overheating can kill it and ruin the rise.
Don’t Skip the Second Rise: Giving the assembled bread time to proof again ensures soft, fluffy layers and prevents a dense loaf.
Sharp Cheese Is Your Friend: Using Cabot Seriously Sharp Cheddar adds fantastic flavor and holds up well when baked—don’t settle for mild!
Butter Brushing Magic: Brushing with melted butter before baking locks in moisture and creates a crackly, golden crust everyone will admire.

How to Serve Cheesy Pesto Pull Apart Bread Recipe

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle freshly chopped basil or a tiny drizzle of extra pesto on top just before serving—it adds that fresh, vibrant pop that complements the rich cheese beautifully. A light dusting of Parmesan works wonders, too.

Side Dishes

This bread pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad dressed lightly in lemon vinaigrette or alongside a bowl of homemade tomato soup. For game night, a charcuterie board with olives and roasted nuts makes everything feel a bit more festive.

Creative Ways to Present

Once, for a birthday gathering, I served the bread in a rustic wooden basket lined with parchment paper, making it easy to grab pieces. Wrapping the loaf with a festive ribbon after cooling turned it into a charming gift, too—people loved that surprise.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover bread keeps well wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. I usually refrigerate it if I want it to last an extra day, but be sure to warm it up slightly before serving.

Freezing

This Cheesy Pesto Pull Apart Bread freezes beautifully. Just wrap the cooled loaf tightly in foil and place it in a freezer bag. It can stay frozen for up to a month. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop slices in a preheated 350°F oven for about 5-7 minutes to bring back that crisp crust and melt the cheese again—microwaving works in a pinch but can make the bread soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use homemade pesto for this recipe?

Absolutely! Homemade pesto adds a fresh, personal touch and can enhance the bread’s flavor even more. Just make sure it’s not too watery to avoid soggy layers.

What type of cheese melts best for pull apart bread?

A combination works best—sharp cheddar offers bold flavor, while Monterey Jack or mozzarella creates that stretchy melt that’s perfect for pull apart breads.

Can I make this bread ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough and assemble the bread the day before, then cover it tightly and refrigerate overnight. Let it come to room temperature and rise before baking.

Is this recipe suitable for beginners?

Definitely! The steps are straightforward and forgiving. Just give your dough plenty of time to rise and handle it gently when layering to get the best results.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Pesto Pull Apart Bread Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen and heart because it brings people together over delicious, simple pleasures. I encourage you to try it out—it’s one of those recipes that makes everyday moments feel a little more joyful and special. Trust me, once you’ve pulled apart that first cheesy, pesto-filled piece, you’ll want to make it again and again.