Ham, Mozzarella & Pesto Garlic Bread
Warm, melty and utterly irresistible, this garlic bread turns simple lunch fare into a flavour‑packed treat.
Sharp basil pesto and creamy mozzarella weave through ribbons of smoky ham, infusing each tear‑off piece with herbaceous brightness and gooey richness.
Toasted until the edges crisp and the cheese bubbles into golden goodness, every bite delivers a satisfying balance of savoury depth, fragrant garlic warmth and indulgent cheesy pull. This is perfect for sharing straight from the oven or pairing with a crisp salad for a casual feast.
Ingredients
-
1 loaf (about 30cm long) sourdough bread
-
75g softened butter
-
3 garlic cloves, crushed
-
â…“ cup store-bought basil pesto, plus extra to serve
-
2 cups grated mozzarella cheese
-
12 thin slices of Otway Ham
-
1 tablespoon olive oil, plus extra for brushing
-
Basil leaves, to serve
Method
Preheat oven to 180°C/160°C fan-forced.
Slice bread at 2cm intervals (12 times), slicing three-quarters of the way through the loaf (ensure you do not slice all the way through). Set aside.
Combine butter, garlic and 2 tablespoons basil pesto in a bowl. Season well with salt and pepper. Mix to combine. Spread butter mixture on each side of sliced bread. Insert the grated mozzarella into each incision, then insert a slice of ham into each.
Place loaf onto a baking tray lined with baking paper. Brush bread with oil. Bake for 15 minutes or until cheese melts and the bread is hot and golden.
Combine remaining 2 tablespoons basil pesto with 1 tablespoon oil in a small bowl. Serve bread with a drizzle of the pesto mixture. Scatter with basil leaves and serve.
