Heart-Healthy Pesto Bread

Elevate your bread game with this *Heart-Healthy Pesto Bread*, a wholesome fusion of flavor and nutrition that's perfect for any meal. Crafted with a combination of whole wheat and all-purpose flour, this bread delivers a hearty, fiber-rich base, while its vibrant homemade basil pesto—featuring fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, and a hint of Parmesan—creates a swirl of aromatic delight in every slice. The recipe uses olive oil, a heart-friendly fat, and skips any heavy ingredients, making it both delicious and guilt-free. Perfect for serving alongside soups, salads, or as a gourmet sandwich base, this golden-brown loaf is as versatile as it is nourishing. With an easy-to-follow process and just 25 minutes of active prep time, it's a must-try for anyone looking to bake their way to better health!

Nutriscore Rating: 75/100

Prep Time:25 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 10

Ingredients

• 2 cups Whole wheat flour
• 1 cup All-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons Instant yeast
• 1 cup Warm water (about 110°F/45°C)
• 1 teaspoon Granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 cup Fresh basil leaves
• 2 tablespoons Pine nuts
• 2 cloves Garlic cloves
• 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tablespoons Extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Water for smoothing dough, if needed

Directions

Step 1

Begin by activating the yeast. In a large mixing bowl, combine the instant yeast, warm water (1 cup), and granulated sugar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, until frothy.

Step 2

While the yeast is activating, prepare the pesto. In a food processor, combine basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic cloves, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and extra virgin olive oil. Process until smooth and set aside.

Step 3

Once the yeast mixture is ready, add olive oil (2 tablespoons), whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, and salt to the bowl. Stir until a dough begins to form.

Step 4

Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic. If the dough is too dry, add water, one tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is achieved.

Step 5

Flatten the dough gently and spread the prepared pesto evenly over the surface, leaving a small border around the edges.

Step 6

Roll the dough carefully into a log shape, starting with the long side. Pinch the seams to seal them tightly.

Step 7

Place the rolled dough into a greased bread loaf pan. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let rise in a warm place for about 45 minutes or until doubled in size.

Step 8

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 9

Bake the bread for 25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.

Step 10

Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	748.4 grams (748.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1931

Total Fat 75.10g	96%
Saturated Fat 11.20g	56%
Polyunsaturated Fat 8.50g
Cholesterol 5mg	2%
Sodium 2463mg	107%
Total Carbohydrate 278.30g	101%
Dietary Fiber 35.80g	128%
Total Sugars 6.60g
Protein 52.50g	105%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 196mg	15%
Iron 17mg	94%
Potassium 1376mg	29%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 33.8%

Protein: 10.5%

Carbs: 55.7%