Introduction: Pesto Bread

About: An Italian living in China with a passion for cooking. I grew up in a picturesque town called Lecce nestled on the “heel of the boot”, Italy’s southern tip, between the Adriatic and Ionian se…
This bread recipe is going to knock your socks off. It’s pesto-parmesan flavor will make your house smell divine!

Ingredients (for one loaf of bread):
2-1/2 cups bread flour1/2 packet of instant yeast
1/2 cup warm water1 tbsp olive oil
1/4 cup milk powder1 tsp salt
1 tbsp sugar2-3 tbsp pesto (check my recipe for homemade pesto)
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

Step 1: Make the Dough

Dissolve yeast into lukewarm water, let it rest for about 10 min. In a large bowl combine milk powder, olive oil, sugar and salt. Pour in the water/yeast mixture. Stir till well blended. Add in 1 cup of flour mix well with a wooden spoon then add another 1 cup. Pour the dough onto a floured surface and knead the dough adding the remaining 1/2 cup. Knead till you get a soft and smooth dough. Add a little olive oil in a bowl, place the knead dough into the bowl. Cover with plastic wrap, place in a warm and dry place and et raise for about 1 hour or until doubled in size

Step 2: Pesto It Up!

Roll out the dough in a rectangular shape on a slightly floured surface. Spread a few tbsp on pesto on top. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese and bring in the side by 1 cm.  Roll up the dough sealing well borders, With a sharp knife cut the dough down the center length wise. Take the two cut pieces and braid them together. Place the bread into a slightly greased loaf pan. Cover with plastic wrap and let raise for an other hour.

Step 3: Bake It - Eat It!

Bake at 180 C for about 30-35 mins.
Remove from the oven and allow to cool, then cut into slices and enjoy with your choice of dips.


For more recipes check out my cooking blog: www.expatcucina.com