Go Back
An overhead shot of a freshly baked loaf of artisan pesto bread, with a golden-brown Parmesan crust on a dark surface.

Pesto Parmesan Sourdough: The Ultimate Artisan Loaf

This Pesto Parmesan Sourdough recipe creates a flavorful artisan loaf with a beautiful pesto swirl and a crispy, cheesy crust. Follow our step-by-step guide for the perfect savory sourdough bread to enjoy any time of day.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 180

Ingredients
  

  • 100 g Active Sourdough Starter Bubbly and at its peak
  • 500 g Bread Flour
  • 375 g Water Lukewarm
  • 10 g Fine Sea Salt
  • 1/2 cup Pesto Thick, high-quality
  • 1 cup Shredded Parmesan Cheese Divided

Equipment

  • 1 Large Mixing Bowl
  • 1 Dutch Oven
  • 1 Banneton Basket Or a bowl lined with a kitchen towel
  • 1 Kitchen Scale

Instructions
 

  1. In a large bowl, mix bread flour and water until combined. Cover and rest for 30-60 minutes. Add active sourdough starter and salt, mixing with your hands until fully incorporated.
  2. Cover and let the dough rest in a warm place for 4-6 hours. Perform 3-4 sets of stretch and folds every 30 minutes during the first 2 hours. The dough is ready when it has risen by about 30-50%.
  3. Gently stretch the dough into a large rectangle on a lightly floured surface. Spread the pesto evenly, leaving a small border. Sprinkle with half of the Parmesan cheese. Fold the dough like a letter, then roll it into a tight log.
  4. Shape the dough into a boule or batard and place it seam-side up in a floured banneton. Cover and refrigerate for 12-24 hours.
  5. Preheat oven and Dutch oven to 500°F (260°C). Place dough on parchment paper, score the top, and sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan. Bake in the Dutch oven, covered, for 20 minutes. Remove the lid, reduce heat to 450°F (230°C), and bake for another 20-25 minutes until deeply golden.
  6. Remove the bread from the Dutch oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before slicing.

Notes

For best results, use a kitchen scale to measure your ingredients.
Ensure your pesto is not too oily to prevent the dough from becoming too wet.
Letting the loaf cool completely is crucial for the internal crumb to set properly.
QR Code linking back to recipe