Pesto and Parmesan Rolls 🧀🌿

Title: Pesto and Parmesan Rolls: The Ultimate Savory Snack for Every Occasion

Looking for a delicious and easy-to-make snack that’s perfect for any occasion? Look no further than these Pesto and Parmesan Rolls! Bursting with flavor from the fresh pesto, combined with the savory richness of Parmesan cheese, these rolls are the perfect balance of herby, cheesy goodness. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, bringing a dish to a potluck, or simply craving a tasty snack, these rolls are guaranteed to impress.

In this article, we’ll walk you through how to make these irresistible pesto and Parmesan rolls, along with some tips to ensure they turn out perfectly every time.

Why You’ll Love These Pesto and Parmesan Rolls

These rolls are not just your average bread—here’s why they stand out:

1. Bursting with Flavor: The combination of fresh pesto and Parmesan cheese adds a delightful depth of flavor that will make your taste buds dance. The pesto provides a bright, herbaceous kick, while the Parmesan adds a rich, savory note.
2. Soft and Fluffy Texture: The dough used in these rolls is incredibly soft and light, resulting in pillowy, melt-in-your-mouth bites with every pull. The rolls are airy on the inside with just the right amount of crustiness on the outside.
3. Versatile and Customizable: These rolls can be enjoyed on their own as a snack, served alongside pasta, or used to make a delicious sandwich. You can easily adapt the recipe to suit your preferences by adding extra ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or roasted garlic for extra flavor.
4. Perfect for Meal Prep: If you’re looking for something that can be prepped ahead of time and enjoyed throughout the week, these pesto and Parmesan rolls are a great option. They can be stored and reheated, still tasting fresh and delicious.

Pesto and Parmesan Rolls Recipe

Let’s dive right into the recipe! Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner, these rolls are simple and fun to make. Here’s what you need:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
• 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
• ¾ cup warm water (about 110°F)
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 3 tablespoons olive oil (plus more for greasing)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup pesto sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated for best flavor)
• 1 egg (for egg wash, optional)
• Extra grated Parmesan (for topping)

For the homemade pesto (optional):

• 1 cup fresh basil leaves
• 2 tablespoons pine nuts (or walnuts)
• 2 cloves garlic
• ½ cup olive oil
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:

• In a small bowl, combine the warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top, stirring gently to dissolve. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, until the mixture is frothy and bubbly.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture along with olive oil and mix to form a dough. You can use a stand mixer with a dough hook or mix by hand until everything comes together.
• Once the dough has formed, knead it on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
• Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.

2. Make the Pesto (if using homemade pesto):

• In a food processor, combine basil, pine nuts, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Pulse a few times until the ingredients are finely chopped.
• With the processor running, slowly stream in the olive oil until the pesto is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.

3. Assemble the Rolls:

• Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it into a rectangular shape, about 10×12 inches.
• Spread a generous layer of pesto over the dough, leaving about 1 inch from the edges.
• Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese evenly over the pesto.
• Carefully roll the dough up tightly, starting
  
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