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Home » Course » Appetizer

Basil Pesto Bread Sticks

By: Kita · Published May 16, 2011 · Updated: Aug 12, 2016 · This post may contain affiliate links

Basil pesto is a flavorful condiment, made from fresh basil leaves. When added to a roll of plain, refrigerated bread dough, basil pesto bread sticks are born!

Basil Pesto Bread Sticks \\ Recipe on PassTheSushi.com

I've been on a bit of a basil pesto kick lately. Not sure where it came from or why, but I can't seem to get enough of the fresh green sauce.

Olive oil on the other hand - I don't know much about. Handsome and I know we need to experiment with a few brands to find one we enjoy dipping our bread into, but we really haven't been looking for a new olive oil. However, I was really excited when Carapelli asked me to sample their olive oil.

Knowing nothing about the differences between types of olive oil, I am not sure how to review this product. To me, it's like knowing the difference between types of wine. That's something else I know little about - other than that they all taste like 'wine', just different kinds of wine.

If Carapelli Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil were a wine, I would compare it to one that was very dry. It has a very pronounced olive flavor that hits your taste buds right away. Neither lacking in flavor or subtlety, it's definitely not an olive oil for the faint of heart.

Basil Pesto Bread Sticks \\ Recipe on PassTheSushi.com

Basil Pesto Bread Sticks

Pesto from The Bon Appetit Cookbook

Basil Pesto Bread Sticks \\ Recipe on PassTheSushi.comIngredients:

  • 3 cups (packed)Fresh basil, (about 6 ounces)
  • ¾ cup olive oil, divided
  • ⅓ cup pine nuts
  • 3 tbs chopped walnuts
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (about 3 ounces)
  • 1 can of refrigerated bread sticks (I used Pillsbury garlic bread sticks)

Preparation:

For the basil pesto: Blend basil, ¼ olive oil,. pine nuts, walnuts, and garlic in processor until finely chopped. Add Parmesan cheese. With machine running, gradually add remaining ½ cup oil, blending until coarse paste forms. Season persot to taste with salt and pepper.

For the bread sticks: Preheat oven as per instructions on label.

Roll out dough. With a pizza slicer, or sharp knife, slice the dough ¼-inch wide. With a brush, slather on pesto. Fold strips of dough in half with pesto on the inside, and twist.

Bake according to package directions, or until golden brown. (Mine we done at 10 minutes). Serve and enjoy.

Basil Pesto Bread Sticks \\ Recipe on PassTheSushi.com

Now the best part about this post? A Giveaway! One 17 oz bottle of Carapelli Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil.

Try this olive oil and let me know what you think of how it rates to your standby olive oil.

Leave a comment here letting me know what your favorite use of olive oil is, or tips for picking out a new one.

Earn Extra Points by (each action gives you an additional chance to win). You do not have to leave an additional comment for each, just tell me in your comment if you are doing any of the following:

  • Following Pass the Sushi on Facebook
  • Joining the Email Subscription
  • Following Pass the Sushi on Twitter
  • Tweeting about this giveaway
  • Subscribing to my RSS Feed

Entries accepted through May 22nd at Midnight EST. Winner will be announced on 5/24/11.

THIS GIVEAWAY IS OVER.

Basil Pesto Bread Sticks \\ Recipe on PassTheSushi.com

 

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Reader Interactions

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    Recipe Rating




  1. Taylor Thomson says

    May 16, 2011 at 6:37 am

    my all time favorite use for olive oil is to cook veal in it. And every time I smell olive oil warming I think about it. I follow you on twitter<3

    Reply
  2. Katrina @ In Katrina's Kitchen says

    May 16, 2011 at 7:10 am

    Kita - I love pesto in so many things! I've made these with the refrigerated dough in a pinwheel shape. So yummy! I seriously think I use olive oil every day! I like a deep rich flavor especially for dipping bread. I also follow you on Facebook, Twitter, and RSS feed. Happy Monday to you! 🙂

    Reply
  3. The Harried Cook says

    May 16, 2011 at 8:06 am

    I love pesto! pesto pizza with grilled veggies is one of my favorites... I use tons of EVOO - just today I used a LOT of it to make hummus 🙂 I also love eating good homemade bread with EVOO... 🙂 I already follow you on Facebook, Twitter and subscribe to you on Google Reader! 🙂

    Reply
  4. Tanya C. says

    May 16, 2011 at 8:12 am

    I use olive oil to cook with just about everything. But I know nothing about what makes an olive oil good. I need to make some pesto, I don't know if I have every had it before but my basil plant is in a need of some trimming : )

    Reply
  5. Michelle says

    May 16, 2011 at 9:01 am

    This is a great giveaway! I cook with olive oil a lot but I love using it as a base for salad dressing!

    Reply
  6. Megan @ pipandebby says

    May 16, 2011 at 11:21 am

    Hummus or pesto is one of my favorite uses for EVOO. Great giveaway opportunity, thanks!!

    Reply
  7. Megan @ pipandebby says

    May 16, 2011 at 11:22 am

    I subscribed to your RSS feed through Google Reader (mmporta).

    Reply
  8. Regina Moolenschot says

    May 16, 2011 at 12:21 pm

    Like wine, I am a big fan of extra virgin olive oil and it's varieties. I incorporate EVOO into my daily life in so many ways; internally for it's high antioxidant value to help rid of free radicals, externally as a skin treatment for its vitamin E properties that keep my skin hair and nails soft and conditioned, and around the house for conditioning leather and wood furniture. Tip: to rid of dry elbows and rough hands rub a little EVOO on troubled areas daily and soon you will have soft supple skin. I use EVOO by the gallon!

    Reply
  9. Vicki @ Wilde in the Kitchen says

    May 16, 2011 at 12:22 pm

    In NJ there is this grocery store called Fairway. They have an olive oil/vinegar sampling station. I like to call it heaven. That's how I test mine out, by eating lots of bread in the grocery store! I mostly use my olive oil for making salad dressings.

    Reply
  10. RavieNomNoms says

    May 16, 2011 at 12:57 pm

    That looks great! I would totally be munching on those pesto sticks ALL DAY LONG! haha...I love pesto too, it is so yummy and then make it into a stick? Yes please! 🙂

    Reply
  11. Suzanne says

    May 16, 2011 at 1:58 pm

    looks lovely, feel like a bite since its lunch time!

    Reply
  12. sara says

    May 16, 2011 at 5:41 pm

    One of my favorite uses for olive oil is drizzling over heirloom tomato slices. YUM. I also follow on Facebook and I am an RSS subscriber.

    Reply
  13. Michelle Thomas says

    May 16, 2011 at 7:57 pm

    My favorite use of olive oil is just to saute vegetables. I always use olive oil instead of butter because you get more vegetable flavor. But of course, I love dipping bread in it, and drizzling some on sandwiches instead of mayo. I have no idea on brands, though. I usually just buy Fresh & Easy or Trader Joe's brand. They always seem to taste good to me without being too strong or bland.

    I'm following you on Facebook.
    Following on Twitter, and tweeted about the giveaway.
    I also joined the email subscription!

    Reply
  14. Lauren at Keep It Sweet says

    May 17, 2011 at 8:16 am

    I love using it to flavor a simple pasta dish.

    Reply
  15. Lauren at Keep It Sweet says

    May 17, 2011 at 8:16 am

    I follow you on twitter:-)

    Reply
  16. Steph says

    May 17, 2011 at 8:48 am

    I went to a vinegar and oil store last summer where they had you progress though different oils with different breads - and wow you can really taste a difference!

    I'm also an RSS subscriber and i like Pass the Sushi on fb 🙂

    Reply
  17. Allison says

    May 17, 2011 at 10:03 am

    My favorite use of olive oil? Bagna cauda with some warm, just-out-of-the-oven bread for dipping. Can't think of a better way to enjoy it before dinner!

    Reply
  18. Hindy says

    May 18, 2011 at 9:44 am

    I follow you on facebook

    Reply
  19. Hindy says

    May 18, 2011 at 9:45 am

    My favorite olive oil use is probably in pesto...love love love pesto.

    Reply
  20. Hindy says

    May 18, 2011 at 9:45 am

    I subscribe to your rss feed

    Reply
  21. Shari says

    May 18, 2011 at 11:01 am

    I love drizzling it on crusty bread with a little shaved turkey and feta crumbled on top, and then I stick it under the broiler for a minute or so. A-mazing!

    Reply
  22. Shari says

    May 18, 2011 at 11:02 am

    I follow you on Facebook -- Shari Long

    Reply
  23. Shari says

    May 18, 2011 at 11:03 am

    I'm a follower on Twitter, too! @sharinlilbit

    Reply
  24. Shari says

    May 18, 2011 at 11:03 am

    I'm subscribed to your RSS feed via Google Reader. 🙂

    Reply
  25. Kate@Diethood.com says

    May 18, 2011 at 4:34 pm

    That is one awesome idea to do with simple breadsticks! I would not put those down!

    Reply
  26. Mengda Zhang says

    May 20, 2011 at 10:15 am

    I don't know much about olive oil, but we have a big jug from costco...so i've been stir-frying with it!

    Reply
  27. Barbara says

    May 20, 2011 at 10:33 am

    Olive oil is a staple in my home so I would be hard pressed to list one favorite use. We are in pollen season here so I am making a lot of garlic noodles -- saute garlic in olive oil and toss your favorite pasta in it. Add pepper -- black or red to taste -- and it will keep you breathing until the trees stop assaulting you.

    Reply
  28. Carrie says

    May 20, 2011 at 11:28 am

    I love to roast vegetables with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkling of sea salt.

    Reply
  29. Mary Squires says

    May 20, 2011 at 12:50 pm

    I've been using pesto as a sandwich spread for several months now. I needed an alternative to mayo and I'm very satisfied.

    Reply
  30. nicole says

    May 20, 2011 at 6:50 pm

    I love to get a loaf of fresh bread, warm it up in the oven. On a plate mix together olive oil, parm cheese, red pepper flake, and S&P. That's all. so simple.

    Reply
  31. DessertForTwo says

    May 21, 2011 at 9:35 am

    What a fun giveaway!
    My favorite way to use olive oil is as a garnish for soup, especially a thick ribollita.
    Have you ever been olive oil tasting? It's so fun!

    Reply
  32. DessertForTwo says

    May 21, 2011 at 9:36 am

    I follow you on Twitter too 🙂

    Reply
  33. LittleMo says

    May 21, 2011 at 10:24 am

    I've only recently gotten into trying olive oil, but I like its subtle nuances when sautéeing things - be they meats or mushrooms. I haven't tried it as a base for any sort of sauce - dip or otherwise - yet, but it's something in which I definitely have interest.

    Reply
  34. Wendy (The Weekend Gourmet) says

    May 22, 2011 at 9:40 am

    I love to use olive oil to make pasta aglio e olio...garlic, olive oil, and a bit of fresh basil with spaghetti. Lets the flavor of the oil shine!

    Reply
  35. Wendy (The Weekend Gourmet) says

    May 22, 2011 at 9:41 am

    i follow on twitter ...

    Reply
  36. Wendy (The Weekend Gourmet) says

    May 22, 2011 at 9:41 am

    ...and I just liked you on FB!!

    Reply
  37. Wendy (The Weekend Gourmet) says

    May 22, 2011 at 9:42 am

    Re-tweeted your post about the giveaway!

    Reply
  38. Kneady Sweetie says

    May 22, 2011 at 5:32 pm

    These look really good! What a great recipe!

    Reply
  39. Vicky says

    May 22, 2011 at 8:49 pm

    I use EVOO just about in anything I can. I think making dressings is one of my favourite things to make with EVOO (and easiest). I loved reading everyone else's comments for new ideas though!

    Reply
  40. Vicky says

    May 22, 2011 at 8:49 pm

    I follow you on Facebook

    Reply
  41. Vicky says

    May 22, 2011 at 8:49 pm

    I'm subscribed to your email!

    Reply
  42. Vicky says

    May 22, 2011 at 8:50 pm

    I follow you on my Google reader!

    Reply
  43. Ren says

    May 22, 2011 at 9:37 pm

    I follow you on FB! I love Basil infused EVOO. Buy it or stuff a few basil leaves down the gullet of your bottle. Diping really does take EVOO to a whole new enjoyable level.

    Reply
  44. Erin says

    May 22, 2011 at 10:41 pm

    These look so good! I love pesto. I have some in the freezer right now, and these are a great use for it. Olive oil - oh how perfect it is. I use it EVERYday! I have a bottle by the stove to put in pans, I have a bottle in the pantry for use in recipes!

    Reply
  45. Michelle says

    May 16, 2012 at 8:07 am

    My 3 favorite ways of using olive oil are:
    1- Pesto!!
    2- Hummus (yum!)
    3- Mixed with Parmesan for dipping toasted bread.

    I follow you on facebook, I'm subscribed to your emails and I'm signed up for RSS feeds.

    Reply
  46. crystal says

    May 20, 2012 at 5:02 pm

    I like to use olive oil to dip bread in! I follow you on twitter!!

    Reply

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Hi, I'm Kita! The mountain biking, travel junkie, professional freelance photographer, and creator behind the scenes.

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