Cheesy Pesto Pull Apart Bread A CrowdPleasing Recipe

Instructions:

1. Combine warm water, yeast, and sugar in a bowl. Let bloom (foam).
2. In a separate bowl (or stand mixer bowl), combine flour and salt.
3. Add yeast mixture and olive oil to the flour. Mix/knead until a smooth dough forms.
4. Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turn to coat, and cover. Let rise in a warm place until doubled in size (about 1 hour).
5. In a bowl, combine melted butter and pesto.
6. In a separate bowl, combine mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic (if using), and red pepper flakes (if using).
7. Punch down the risen dough and roll it out into a large rectangle.
8. Spread the pesto-butter mixture evenly over the dough.
9. Sprinkle the cheese mixture evenly over the pesto-butter.
10. Use a pizza cutter or knife to cut the dough into 1-inch wide strips.
11. Stack the strips on top of each other.
12. Cut the stacked strips into 1-inch squares.
13. Place the dough squares into a greased loaf pan, standing them on their sides.
14. Cover the loaf pan loosely with plastic wrap and let rise for another 15 minutes.
15. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
16. Brush the top of the bread with melted butter and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese (optional).
17. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
18. Let cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a serving plate. Serve warm.