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A close-up shot of a sliced Pesto Parmesan Sourdough loaf, highlighting the cheesy, herby interior and the crispy crust.
FL Recipes

Pesto Parmesan Sourdough: The Ultimate Savory Loaf

Bake the perfect Pesto Parmesan Sourdough with this easy-to-follow recipe. Achieve a loaf with a crispy, golden crust, a soft, chewy crumb, and a delicious savory swirl of pesto and nutty Parmesan cheese throughout.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Appetizer, Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 185

Ingredients
  

  • 100 g Active Sourdough Starter Bubbly and recently fed
  • 375 g Lukewarm Water Filtered if possible
  • 500 g Bread Flour
  • 10 g Fine Sea Salt
  • 1/4 cup Basil Pesto Good quality, store-bought or homemade
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese Freshly grated

Equipment

  • 1 Large Mixing Bowl
  • 1 Dutch Oven
  • 1 Banneton or Proofing Basket
  • 1 Kitchen Scale

Method
 

  1. In a large bowl, mix the active starter and water. Add the bread flour and salt, stirring until a shaggy dough forms. Cover and let rest for 1 hour.
  2. Perform three sets of stretch and folds, spaced 30 minutes apart. After the last set, cover the dough and let it rise for 2-3 hours, or until it has increased in volume by about 30-50%.
  3. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and stretch it into a rectangle. Spread the pesto over the dough, then sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Fold the dough into thirds, then roll it into a tight log. Shape into a boule or batard and place seam-side up in a floured banneton.
  4. Cover the banneton and refrigerate for 12-24 hours.
  5. Preheat your oven and Dutch oven to 500°F (260°C). Turn the dough out onto parchment paper, score it, and lower it into the hot Dutch oven. Bake covered for 20 minutes. Reduce heat to 450°F (230°C), remove the lid, and bake for another 20-25 minutes until deep golden brown.
  6. Remove the bread and let it cool completely on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before slicing.

Nutrition

Calories: 185kcalProtein: 7gFat: 4gFiber: 2g

Notes

For best results, use a kitchen scale to measure your ingredients.
The cooling period is essential; slicing the bread while it's still hot will result in a gummy texture.
Keyword artisan bread,Pesto Parmesan Sourdough,savory sourdough

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