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 downright irresistible about tearing into warm, cheesy bread with a fresh basil kick, which is exactly why I’m excited to share this Cheesy Pesto Pull Apart Bread Recipe with you. It’s the perfect crowd-pleaser loaded with melty cheese and vibrant pesto flavors that you just can’t get enough of.

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 recipe checks all the boxes for comfort food done right. What I love most is how it brings everyone together—literally pulling apart pieces of soft, cheesy, pesto-packed bread feels like pure joy. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make, letting you focus on savoring those mouthwatering layers instead of stressing over complicated steps.

Flavor Explosion: The sharp cheddar blends beautifully with Monterey Jack and fresh pesto, giving you rich, bold bites every time.
Fun and Interactive: Pull-apart breads are great for sharing and bring a fun, casual vibe to any meal or gathering.
Simple Ingredients: You don’t need fancy pantry staples, just good basics you probably already have around.
Versatile Occasion: Perfect for game nights, tailgating, or just cozy nights in when you want to impress without fuss.

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

One of the reasons this Cheesy Pesto Pull Apart Bread Recipe hits such a home run is because each ingredient plays a key role: the dough has the perfect soft but sturdy texture, the cheeses offer the right balance of sharpness and creaminess, and the pesto brings that herbaceous freshness. Here’s a rundown that’ll help when you’re picking up supplies.

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: Provides the right structure for a bread that’s soft yet pulls apart easily; stay away from bread flour here to keep it tender.
Active dry yeast: Ensures your bread rises beautifully; make sure it’s fresh and proof it if needed to guarantee rise.
Granulated sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds a touch of sweetness that complements the savory cheese perfectly.
Salt: Balances flavor and strengthens dough structure, a small but mighty ingredient.
Whole milk (warm): Adds tenderness and richness; warming it just right (about 105°F) helps activate your yeast without killing it.
Egg yolk: Gives a lovely golden color and richness to your dough.
Unsalted butter (softened and melted): Softened butter enriches the dough, while melted butter brushed on top keeps the crust tender and flavorful.
Shredded Cabot Seriously Sharp Cheddar Cheese: The sharpness cuts through the richness and adds bold flavor.
Shredded Cabot Monterey Jack Cheese: Provides creamy, mellow melting that balances the cheddar.
Prepared pesto: Brings the signature herbal and garlicky notes—make your own or grab a good quality jar to keep it easy.

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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 that this Cheesy Pesto Pull Apart Bread Recipe is super flexible. You can easily swap cheeses or even add in extras like sun-dried tomatoes or pine nuts to switch things up. I usually keep it classic, but feel free to experiment—it’s your bread after all!

Variation: I once made it with a mix of mozzarella and parmesan instead of cheddar and Monterey Jack, which gave it a lighter texture and a slightly nuttier flavor that my family adored.
Dietary modification: For a dairy-free twist, try vegan cheeses and a plant-based pesto—you can still achieve that pull-apart goodness without dairy.
Seasonal changes: In late summer, adding chopped sun-dried tomatoes or olives to the layers adds a fantastic burst of flavor.

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

Step 1: Mix and proof your dough

Start by stirring together your warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes nice and foamy—that’s your cue the yeast is alive and kicking. Meanwhile, in a big bowl, combine flour and salt. Once the yeast mixture is bubbling, add in the softened butter, egg yolk, and mix well. Slowly add your dry ingredients and stir till a shaggy dough forms.

Step 2: Knead until smooth

Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until it’s soft, smooth, and elastic. If you’ve got a mixer with a dough hook, this is a great time to put it to work! Once done, shape the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl, covering it with a damp towel. Let it rise in a warm place until it doubles—usually about an hour.

Step 3: Roll, layer, and cut

Once your dough has risen, gently punch it down and roll it out into a large rectangle. Spread a layer of melted butter, then a generous layer of pesto, followed by an even sprinkle of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Roll the dough up tightly and slice it into about 1 ½ inch thick strips.

Step 4: Arrange and bake

Place the strips upright side-by-side in a greased loaf pan, so when it bakes and cools, you can pull them apart easily. Brush the top with more melted butter to get a golden crust. Pop it into a preheated oven and bake at 350°F for 25 minutes, or until golden and bubbly.

Top Tip

From my experience making this Cheesy Pesto Pull Apart Bread Recipe, mastering the dough rise and slicing are key to success. Here are a few pointers that saved me time and heartache:

Ideal Proofing: Make sure your liquid is warm but not hot—about 105°F—to avoid killing the yeast and get that perfect rise.
Don’t Overfill: I used to load on way too much cheese and pesto, which sometimes made the bread dense or soggy. Keeping the layers balanced helps it bake through nicely.
Slicing Technique: Use a sharp serrated knife and saw gently to keep the layers intact; no one wants crushed rolls!
Baking Time Check: Ovens vary, so keep an eye after 20 minutes—you want a golden crust but melty, gooey insides.

How to Serve Cheesy Pesto Pull Apart Bread Recipe

Garnishes

I like to finish with a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh basil or a light dusting of parmesan on top right after baking—it amps up the presentation and adds a fresh, savory pop. A drizzle of olive oil or a pinch of flaky sea salt also elevates the flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

This bread pairs amazingly well with a crisp green salad or a bowl of tomato basil soup. For game night spreads, I usually add some marinated olives, roasted nuts, and a few cold cuts for a full-on sharing feast.

Creative Ways to Present

I once arranged the pull-apart strips in a circular bundt pan to create a festive wreath shape, perfect for holiday parties. It looked stunning on the table, and guests loved pulling their pieces from around the circle—it’s both eye-catching and tasty!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover bread tightly in foil or plastic wrap and keep it at room temperature for up to two days. I’ve found that storing it this way keeps it nice and soft without drying out too fast.

Freezing

To freeze, slice the bread after baking but before serving, then separate the pieces with parchment paper in an airtight bag. When you want some, pop a few slices in the oven or toaster oven straight from the freezer—it bakes up almost as fresh as day one!

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, loosely covered with foil to warm through without drying out. If you want that crispy top, remove the foil for the last couple of minutes—delicious!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use store-bought pesto for this Cheesy Pesto Pull Apart Bread Recipe?

Absolutely! Store-bought pesto works perfectly and saves time. Just pick a good-quality brand or make sure it’s fresh and flavorful for the best results.

What’s the best way to make sure the bread pulls apart easily?

The key is rolling the dough tightly but not squishing it, and slicing evenly so each piece bakes properly. Also, let the bread cool for 10-15 minutes after baking—it helps set the layers but keeps it soft enough to pull apart.

Can I make this bread ahead of time and bake it later?

Yes! You can assemble the bread and keep it covered in the fridge for up to 12 hours. Just let it come to room temperature before baking; this also gives the dough a gentle rise and won’t affect the final texture.

What cheeses work best besides cheddar and Monterey Jack?

Mozzarella offers a great meltiness and mild flavor, while parmesan brings nuttiness and a hint of sharpness. Gruyère or fontina also work beautifully if you want a richer taste.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Pesto Pull Apart Bread Recipe is one of my all-time favorites because it’s the kind of recipe that invites everyone to get cozy together,’s easily adaptable, and always delivers big on flavor. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become your go-to for gatherings and comforting nights alike. So roll up your sleeves, grab some pesto and cheese, and enjoy the simple pleasure of pulling apart warm bread with friends and family.