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+ servings
Pesto Swirl Bread

Irresistible Pesto Swirl Bread: Your New Favorite Bake

Pesto Swirl Bread is a delightful blend of crispy crust and tender interior infused with basil pesto.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Rising Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 40 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Snacks
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 200

Ingredients
  

For the Dough
  • 4 cups Bread Flour Can substitute with all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons Active Dry Yeast Make sure it's fresh
  • 1.5 cups Warm Water Should be between 100-110°F
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Can replace with melted butter
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Do not omit
  • 1 tablespoon Sugar Helps activate the yeast
For the Pesto
  • 2 cups Fresh Basil Leaves Fresh basil is crucial
  • 2 cloves Garlic Cloves Use fresh garlic
  • 1/4 cup Pine Nuts Can substitute with walnuts or sunflower seeds
  • 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese Substitute with Pecorino Romano if desired

Equipment

  • mixing bowl
  • wooden spoon
  • Food processor
  • baking sheet
  • Wire rack

Method
 

Dough Preparation
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water with sugar to activate the yeast. Stir gently and let sit for about 5 minutes until foamy.
  2. Once frothy, add bread flour, salt, and olive oil. Mix until a soft dough forms.
  3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  4. Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1 hour until doubled in size.
Pesto Preparation
  1. While the dough rises, prepare the pesto. Blend basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan, and a pinch of salt in a food processor. Gradually add olive oil until smooth.
Final Steps
  1. Punch down the risen dough and roll it out into a 12x16 inch rectangle. Spread pesto over it, leaving a 1-inch border.
  2. Roll the dough tightly from one long edge and secure the seam.
  3. Let the rolled dough rise covered for 45 minutes. Preheat the oven to 375°F during the last 15 minutes.
  4. Score the top of the dough, place in the oven, and bake for 30-35 minutes until golden.
  5. Allow the bread to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 200kcalCarbohydrates: 34gProtein: 6gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 3mgSodium: 200mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 100mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing to prevent a gummy texture.

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