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 just something irresistibly fun about tearing into warm, cheesy bread layered with fragrant pesto. This Cheesy Pesto Pull Apart Bread Recipe not only satisfies those cravings but turns snack time into a shared celebration with every gooey, flavorful bite.

The image shows a white plate holding a round pull-apart bread with about 12 unevenly shaped cheese-topped pieces, golden brown and bubbly on top with green herb seasoning mixed throughout the bread dough. One piece is pulled out slightly from the rest on the right, showing a soft, fluffy inside with herbs. Behind the plate, two blocks of cheese with colorful wrappers—one mainly red and the other green and white—are leaning against each other on a white marbled surface. Fresh green basil leaves lay on the plate near the bread and also on the white marbled surface nearby. The 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

Honestly, this Cheesy Pesto Pull Apart Bread Recipe has become one of my go-tos whenever I want something impressive yet simple. It’s the perfect blend of rustic bread and ooey-gooey cheese that brings everyone together around the table.

Pull-apart Fun: Tearing the bread apart makes eating feel interactive and cozy – kids and adults alike can’t resist.
Bold Cheese Duo: Sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack create creamy gooeyness balanced with a little tang and richness.
Bright Basil Pesto: Adds fresh herby notes and a touch of garlicky punch that lifts all the flavors.
Impressively Easy: You don’t have to be a bread expert to pull this off – I’ll guide you through every step.

The image shows a round pull-apart bread with about twelve golden-brown pieces arranged in a circle, each piece topped with melted cheese that is bubbly and slightly browned. The bread has a rough texture with green herbs mixed into the dough, giving it a speckled look. One piece is being lifted by a woman's hand, showing melted cheese stretching between the pieces. The bread sits on a white plate against a white marbled background, with two blocks of cheese in the blurred background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient plays a role in creating that perfect combination of tender bread, melty cheese, and fragrant pesto. Here’s why I love these choices and a few tips for picking the best versions.

Flat lay of a small mound of all-purpose flour on a simple white ceramic plate, a small white bowl of active dry yeast granules, a small white bowl of granulated sugar, a small white bowl of salt crystals, a small white bowl of warm whole milk, one large whole uncracked brown egg, a small white bowl with soft unsalted butter, a small white bowl with melted unsalted butter, a small white bowl filled with shredded sharp cheddar cheese, a small white bowl filled with shredded Monterey Jack cheese, a small white bowl of vibrant green prepared basil pesto, all arranged symmetrically and proportionally 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: This staple gives the bread structure and a tender crumb when you proof properly.
Active dry yeast: It’s what makes the bread rise beautifully – make sure your yeast is fresh for the best puff.
Granulated sugar: Just enough to feed the yeast and add a kiss of sweetness.
Salt: Balances flavor and tightens gluten for a nice bite.
Whole milk (warm): Warmth activates the yeast and milk enriches the dough, making it soft and tender.
Egg yolk: Adds richness and helps with that golden crust.
Unsalted butter (softened + melted): Butter in the dough and brushed on final bread creates moist, tender texture and a lovely shiny finish.
Cabot Seriously Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Sharpness packs a flavorful punch that stands up beautifully here.
Cabot Monterey Jack Cheese: Smooth and melts perfectly without overpowering.
Prepared pesto: Ready-made pesto saves time but fragrance and flavor make all the difference—go for a fresh, vibrant brand or homemade if you can.

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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 to switch things up depending on the season or who’s coming over. The beauty of this Cheesy Pesto Pull Apart Bread Recipe is just how flexible it is—you can make it your own easily!

Variation: I once added sun-dried tomatoes inside the layers along with the pesto and cheese—it gave the bread a lovely tangy sweetness that was a total crowd-pleaser.
Dietary tweaks: If you want a vegetarian but dairy-free option, try vegan cheeses and a dairy-free butter alternative with a nut-based pesto.
Extra herby: Mix a bit of fresh chopped basil or oregano into the pesto spread for an herbal pop.

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

Step 1: Wake Up the Yeast

Start by stirring the active dry yeast and sugar into warm milk – between 100-110°F works best. Let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes until it’s frothy and smells alive. This step is crucial because it confirms your yeast is active and ready to work its magic.

Step 2: Mix and Knead Your Dough

In a large bowl, combine your flour and salt, then add the frothy yeast mixture, egg yolk, and softened butter. Mix everything until it forms a dough. I usually knead by hand for 8-10 minutes—this helps develop that perfect bread texture. If you have a stand mixer, use the dough hook on medium speed for about 6-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Step 3: Let the Dough Rise

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it loosely with a damp towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for around 1 to 1.5 hours, until doubled in size. I like to preheat my oven to its lowest setting for 2 minutes, turn it off, and then place the dough inside for a perfectly cozy rising environment.

Step 4: Shape and Layer the Cheesy Pesto Goodness

Once risen, punch down the dough to release air, then roll it out into a rectangle about 12x18 inches. Brush generously with melted butter, then spread pesto evenly over the surface. Sprinkle the cheeses evenly on top. Next, slice the dough crosswise into 6 strips about 3 inches wide. Stack the strips, then cut into 6 pieces. Arrange these pieces into a greased loaf pan, stacking them like a layered tower. This is the magic step that creates the pull-apart effect!

Step 5: Second Rise and Bake

Cover your pan with a light towel again and let it rise for another 30 minutes until puffed up. Then pop it into a 375°F oven for about 25 minutes until golden, bubbly, and the cheese is perfectly melted. Let it cool for a bit before serving so the layers set but are still warm and pullable.

Top Tip

From my experience making this Cheesy Pesto Pull Apart Bread Recipe multiple times, a few little tricks made all the difference between good and great results. You’ll love how these tips boost your confidence in the kitchen.

Warm Ingredients: Always ensure your milk is warm but not hot when activating yeast; too much heat kills the yeast and your dough won’t rise.
Even Layering: Spread pesto and cheese evenly over the dough strips to make sure every bite is flavorful and melty.
Proofing Spot: Find the warmest, draft-free spot in your kitchen for rising—my oven trick works like a charm!
Don’t Skip the Second Rise: Letting the shaped dough rise again ensures that soft, fluffy texture you’re aiming for.

How to Serve Cheesy Pesto Pull Apart Bread Recipe

Garnishes

I often sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan and a few torn basil leaves over the top right before serving — it brightens up the look and adds a fresh herbal lift that pairs perfectly with the rich cheese and pesto.

Side Dishes

This bread shines alongside a simple mixed greens salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or a bowl of tomato soup for a comforting combo. I’ve also paired it with antipasti plates featuring olives and marinated veggies for fun gatherings.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like serving the pull-apart bread in a rustic wooden board surrounded by small bowls of different pestos and dipping oils, letting guests customize each bite. It instantly turns snack time into an event!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I wrap any leftovers tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. Stored at room temperature, it lasts about 2 days with that fresh-baked softness mostly intact.

Freezing

This pull apart bread freezes beautifully! I slice it before freezing so I can just grab a few pieces as needed. Wrap tightly in foil and then place in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop slices into a 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes wrapped in foil to keep them moist, then unwrap for a few minutes to get crispy edges. This way, the cheese is melty again and the bread almost tastes fresh out of the oven.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of cheese for this Cheesy Pesto Pull Apart Bread Recipe?

Absolutely! While sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack melt perfectly and offer a nice flavor balance, feel free to experiment with mozzarella for extra stretchiness or fontina for a creamy texture. Just keep in mind the melting properties for best results.

Is there a shortcut to make this recipe faster?

Since this bread relies on yeast rising, it does take some time. However, you can use instant yeast to shorten the rising times slightly. Another tip is to prepare the dough the night before and let it rise slowly in the fridge overnight. Then bake fresh the next day for excellent flavor with less active prep time.

Can I make my own pesto for this recipe?

Definitely! Homemade pesto made with fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan, and olive oil adds an unbeatable flavor. If you have the time, I highly recommend making your own – it really shines in this recipe.

What’s the best way to serve Cheesy Pesto Pull Apart Bread?

Serving this bread warm is key—either fresh out of the oven or reheated slightly. It’s perfect as a party snack, alongside soups and salads, or even for casual dinners. Don’t forget fresh basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan for a little extra flair!

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Pesto Pull Apart Bread Recipe feels like a warm hug from the inside out. It’s one of those comforting dishes that’s as fun to share as it is to eat. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do, and it becomes a beloved addition to your recipe box for game nights, casual dinners, or anytime you want to wow friends with minimal fuss.