This Pesto Parmesan Sourdough comes together in about 6 hours and is perfect for busy weeknights! Your family will love this flavor-packed bread that’s great as a side or a star of any meal. Switch up the herbs or cheese to suit your taste, or use it as a ‘clean out the fridge’ project to get rid of leftover ingredients. Trust me, this is a recipe you’ll go back to time and again!

Ingredients for Pesto Parmesan Sourdough

500g Bread Flour
100g Sourdough Starter (active)
350ml Water
10g Salt
1/2 Cup Basil Pesto
1/2 Cup Grated Parmesan Cheese

Let’s Get Cooking!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Mixing the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine 500g of bread flour, 350ml of water, and 100g of your active sourdough starter. Stir until just combined, don’t worry about smoothness! It’s okay if it looks a bit shaggy. Let it rest for 30 minutes. This process is called autolyse, and it helps develop the gluten, which is a game changer for your bread.
Adding Salt: After resting, sprinkle in 10g of salt and mix it into the dough. I prefer to wet my hands for this, makes it less sticky and easier to incorporate!
The Folding Game: Now, we’ll start the stretch-and-fold process. Every 30 minutes for the next 2 hours, gently stretch the dough from the edges and fold it over itself, think of it as giving your dough a little massage! You should do this for a total of 4 sets (so roughly two hours).
Adding Pesto and Cheese: Once you’ve done your last fold, it’s time to layer in those flavors. Gently spread out the dough on a lightly floured surface and smear 1/2 cup of basil pesto across the top, followed by 1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese. You’ll want to be generous here! Fold the dough over the filling and gently shape it again into a ball.
Shaping: Transfer your dough into a floured banneton or a bowl lined with a floured kitchen towel. Cover it up to keep the warmth in, and let it chill in the fridge overnight for cold fermentation (about 8–12 hours).
Preheating: When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) with a Dutch oven inside. This is where the magic happens, because that enclosed pot creates a mini steam oven, giving your bread the best crust!
Scoring and Baking: Turn your dough out onto a piece of parchment paper. Here’s where you can get artistic (or just practical) score the top with a sharp knife. I like to make an ‘X’ or a simple triangle pattern. Carefully transfer it into the hot Dutch oven, cover it, and bake for 20 minutes.
Golden Brown Finish: After 20 minutes, take off the lid and bake for another 25 minutes or so until golden brown and crusty. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s nicely brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Cooling: Once baked, allow it to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. I know, the wait is painful, but trust me, it’s worth it!

Why I Love This Recipe

This Pesto Parmesan Sourdough is my go-to recipe when I want to impress friends or family without breaking a sweat. And let me tell you, there’s something so comforting about the smell of freshly baked bread wafting through your home! I’m a real sucker for comfort food that’s also versatile seriously, you can use whatever you’ve got on hand. This bread is perfect for sandwiches, served alongside soup, or just toasted with a pat of butter. And the best part is? It’s not just delicious; it’s also incredibly satisfying to make!

If you loved this Pesto Parmesan Sourdough, be sure to check out my Blueberry Lemon Cream Cheese Sourdough Loaf, my Pickle Sourdough Bread, or my Ham and Cheese Sourdough Croissant Loaf!

Why This Recipe Works

Comfort Food

This is comfort food at its best! Loaded with tons of flavor from the pesto and parmesan, this sourdough is the ultimate cozy bread.

Customizable

The beauty of this recipe is that you can easily customize it! Swap in herbs like thyme or rosemary, or try different cheeses. You can even switch out the pesto for roasted red pepper spread or any fresh herbs you have on hand.

Make-Ahead Friendly

This recipe is perfect for meal prep! The overnight fermentation means less hassle in the morning, plus the flavors deepen beautifully. You can even shape the dough and freeze it just defrost, let it rise, and bake when ready to eat.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving Suggestions

You can’t go wrong serving this Pesto Parmesan Sourdough with a warm bowl of soup, a fresh salad, or alongside a hearty dinner. It’s also delightful with some olive oil for dipping a real crowd-pleaser!

Storage

Store this bread at room temperature in a paper bag for up to 3 days. It will lose some of its crustiness, but that’s to be expected.

Reheating Instructions

To reheat, simply pop your slices in the toaster or warm them up in the oven for a few minutes to regain that crunchy crust.

Freezer Friendly

Yes, this bread is freezer friendly! Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and it will keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw it at room temperature whenever the cravings hit!

So, next time you’re feeling a bit adventurous but want something easy, give this Pesto Parmesan Sourdough a shot. It’s a recipe that celebrates flavors, has a touch of whimsy, and, of course, is all about bringing the family together. Happy baking, friends! Follow us on Pinterest for daily baking inspiration that brings warmth to your table!