Best 2 Grilled Pesto French Bread Recipes

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Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of Grilled Pesto French Bread, a culinary delight that combines the rustic charm of classic French bread with the vibrant zest of pesto. This delectable dish, a symphony of textures and tastes, is perfect for any occasion, whether it be a casual brunch, a sophisticated dinner party, or a simple yet satisfying snack.

The journey begins with carefully selecting the perfect French bread, its crusty exterior and airy interior providing the ideal canvas for the pesto's aromatic embrace. The pesto, a vibrant emulsion of basil, olive oil, pine nuts, and Parmesan cheese, is lovingly crafted to achieve a balance of flavors, with each ingredient contributing its unique essence to the symphony of tastes.

Once united, the bread and pesto embark on a culinary dance, grilling to perfection. The heat of the grill infuses the bread with a smoky aroma, while the pesto sizzles and bubbles, releasing its fragrant oils and intensifying its flavors. The result is a harmonious union of crispy and tender textures, punctuated by bursts of herbaceous pesto that dance upon the palate.

This delightful dish is not only a feast for the taste buds but also a visual masterpiece. The vibrant green of the pesto, contrasted against the golden-brown crust of the bread, creates an eye-catching presentation that is sure to impress your guests.

Our collection of recipes offers a delightful variety of Grilled Pesto French Bread experiences, catering to diverse tastes and preferences. From the classic pesto recipe, bursting with the freshness of basil, to the sun-dried tomato pesto, adding a tangy twist, to the roasted red pepper pesto, infusing a smoky sweetness, there's a pesto variation for every palate.

Accompany your Grilled Pesto French Bread with a selection of complementing sides to elevate the meal to new heights. A crisp and refreshing green salad, drizzled with a balsamic vinaigrette, provides a light and healthy contrast to the richness of the bread and pesto. Alternatively, roasted vegetables, caramelized to perfection, add a touch of sweetness and color to the plate.

For a decadent treat, consider serving Grilled Pesto French Bread alongside a scoop of creamy burrata cheese, allowing the milky, buttery flavors to mingle with the pesto's vibrant zest. Alternatively, a dollop of fresh ricotta cheese, its delicate texture and mild flavor, offers a delightful balance to the bread's bold flavors.

Grilled Pesto French Bread is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various settings. Whether you're hosting a casual brunch, where guests can savor the bread as is or top it with their favorite toppings, or planning an elegant dinner party, where it serves as an unforgettable appetizer, this dish is sure to leave a lasting impression.

So, gather your ingredients, fire up the grill, and embark on a culinary journey that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more. Grilled Pesto French Bread awaits, ready to captivate your senses and transport you to a realm of culinary bliss.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

GRILLED FRENCH BREAD PIZZA WITH MUSHROOM PESTO AND FONTINA CHEESE



Grilled French Bread Pizza with Mushroom Pesto and Fontina Cheese image

Provided by Bobby Flay

Categories     appetizer

Time 1h5m

Yield 2 to 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

1-ounce dried porcini mushrooms
1 pound cremini or white button mushrooms, stems removed
1/4 cup canola oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Whole head roasted garlic, pulp removed
1/4 cup toasted walnuts
1/4 cup loosely packed fresh flat-leaf parsley
2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons grated Pecorino Romano cheese
1 loaf French bread, about 24 inches long, sliced in 1/2 lengthwise
2 1/2 cups grated fontina cheese

Steps:

  • Place the porcini mushrooms in a bowl and cover with boiling water. Let sit until softened, 30 minutes.
  • Heat the grill to high.
  • Brush the cremini or white button mushroom caps with the canola oil and season with salt and pepper. Place the mushrooms on the grill, cap side down and grill until golden brown and slightly charred, 4 to 5 minutes. Turn the caps over and continue grilling until the mushrooms are cooked through, about 5 minutes longer. Remove from the grill, let cool slightly then coarsely chop.
  • Remove the porcinis from the soaking liquid and place in the bowl of a food processor with a few tablespoons of the soaking liquid. Add cremini mushrooms, garlic pulp, walnuts, parsley and thyme in a food processor and process until finely chopped. With the motor running, slowly add 1/2 cup of the olive oil and process until smooth. Add 1/4 cup of the Romano cheese and pulse a few times to incorporate. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Brush the bread on the cut side with the remaining 1/4 cup of olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Evenly spread the pesto over the cut side of each half of bread. Top the pesto with the fontina cheese, return to the grill, cheese side up, close the cover of the grill and cook until the cheese has melted, about 2 minutes. Remove from the grill and sprinkle with the remaining Romano.

GRILLED PESTO FRENCH BREAD



Grilled Pesto French Bread image

A fantastic pairing with an Italian meal, this warm loaf is ready to enjoy in 20 minutes.

Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Side Dish

Time 20m

Yield 16

Number Of Ingredients 5

1 package (3 oz) cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup refrigerated basil pesto
1/4 cup butter or margarine, softened
1 loaf (1 lb) French bread, halved crosswise, split lengthwise
Chopped tomatoes, if desired

Steps:

  • Heat gas or charcoal grill. In small microwavable bowl, microwave cream cheese on High 15 to 20 seconds; stir until creamy. Stir in pesto and butter until well mixed.
  • When grill is heated, place bread pieces, cut side down, on gas grill over medium heat or on charcoal grill over medium coals. Cook 1 to 2 minutes or until lightly browned.
  • Turn bread halves over. Spread pesto mixture evenly on cut sides of bread; cover grill. Cook 3 to 4 minutes or until thoroughly heated. Cut bread into 2-inch sections to serve. Garnish with tomatoes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 160, Carbohydrate 15 g, Cholesterol 15 mg, Fat 2, Fiber 0 g, Protein 4 g, SaturatedFat 3 1/2 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 270 mg, Sugar 0 g, TransFat 0 g

Tips:

  • For a crispier bread, brush the slices with olive oil before grilling.
  • If you don't have a grill, you can toast the bread in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 5-7 minutes per side.
  • To make your own pesto, simply combine basil, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and garlic in a food processor or blender until smooth.
  • If you don't have fresh basil, you can use 1/2 cup of dried basil.
  • You can also add other ingredients to your pesto, such as sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or artichoke hearts.
  • Serve your grilled pesto French bread with a side of soup or salad.

Conclusion:

Grilled pesto French bread is a delicious and easy appetizer or snack. It's perfect for parties or potlucks, and it can also be served as a side dish with soup or salad. With its crispy bread, flavorful pesto, and melted cheese, this dish is sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it.

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