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Nuts and Twigs » Recipes » Veganuary Recipes

Baked Pesto Tofu

Published: Jan 22, 2025 · Modified: Feb 9, 2025 by Regi Pearce · This post may contain affiliate links · 1 Comment

This baked pesto tofu recipe combines extra-firm tofu with a rich and creamy pistachio pesto. It’s a delicious blend of savory, nutty, and herby goodness, and it is also easy to make and ready in 30 minutes, making it a fantastic addition to your weeknight dinner rotation. 

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baked pesto tofu on a white plate.

Tofu recipes like Grilled Chimichurri Tofu and Mongolian Tofu are a year-round favorite, but this tofu recipe truly shines in the warmer months when fresh basil is at its peak.

That said, basil is always in season for me, thanks to my indoor garden setup with my little hydroponic grower — which is why you’ll find so many basil-packed recipes on my site, like White Bean Basil Dip, Pear and Pistachio Pesto Pizza, and Easy Vegan Stuffed Shells.

Jump to:
  • Why I Love This Recipe
  • Ingredients
  • Variations
  • How To Make Baked Pesto Tofu
  • Top Tips
  • Serving Suggestions
  • Recipe FAQS
  • More Tofu Recipes
  • Baked Pesto Tofu
  • Comments

Why I Love This Recipe

  • The pistachio pesto adds a rich, nutty twist that elevates tofu.
  • I can pair it with salads, pasta, pizza or enjoy it as a protein-packed main.
  • It’s easy to make and filled with fresh ingredients.

Ingredients

Pesto: You can substitute the pistachio pesto for a nut-free version with Vegan Sunflower Seed Pesto, Thai Basil Pesto or try Vegan Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto. A great store-bought vegan pesto can be found at Trader Joe's.

Tofu: Extra-firm tofu is perfect for this recipe because it holds less water and crisps up slightly when baked, as long as it’s not too heavily coated in pesto.

See recipe card for quantities.

Variations

  • Toss the tofu in pesto and cook in an air fryer at 375°F for 10 minutes for extra crispiness. Time may vary with each air-fryer.
  • Pan-fry the tofu instead of baking.
  • Add a pinch of red pepper flakes, a drizzle of chili oil, or vegan parmesan to the pesto when ready to eat.
  • Cube the tofu instead of crumbling it, marinate it in the pesto overnight, and grill for a delicious grilled flavor.

How To Make Baked Pesto Tofu

This is a simple recipe that packs a lot of flavor. See the recipe card for more information.

Showing steps 1-4 for making pesto tofu.

Step 1: Prepare the tofu and add it to a baking pan. Add a few tablespoons of pesto and gently combine.

Step 2: Bake for 20 to 25 minutes in a 350°F oven.

Step 3: Combine a few tablespoons of the remaining pesto with water to get a pourable consistency.

Step 4: Drizzle over the pesto when ready to serve.

Top Tips

When coating the tofu with pesto, use just enough to cover each piece evenly without overloading it. A thin, even layer helps the tofu crisp up slightly during baking.

Don't forget to reserve some pesto and thin it with water for a drizzle over the tofu. If you’re making the homemade pistachio pesto, you’ll likely have leftovers. But don’t worry, it's perfect for making a small batch of Pesto Roasted Vegetables, Lemon Artichoke Pesto Pasta, or Vegan Pesto Grilled Cheese With Tofu.

Serving Suggestions

  • If you’re looking for a fresh and flavorful way to enjoy pesto tofu, these Collard Green Wraps are a great way to put your pesto tofu to delicious use!
  • Pair it with crackers for the perfect snack.
  • Serve over pasta or zucchini noodles.
  • Toss with fresh arugula and use as a topping for a delicious pesto pizza.
  • Just like High Protein Tofu Scramble, you can use it as a tortilla wrap filling with lettuce and tomato.

Recipe FAQS

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover pesto tofu in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven, air fryer, or stovetop for the best texture.

Can I freeze pesto tofu?

Yes, you can freeze it. Allow the tofu to cool completely, then store it in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. The texture will change slightly.

More Tofu Recipes

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    Vegan Whipped Tofu With Sun-Dried Tomatoes
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    Everything Bagel Crispy Tofu
  • red curry tofu bowl; top view.
    Vegan Red Curry Tofu Bowl
  • side view of Spicy Vegan Caesar Tofu Wrap halves stacked on a plate with potato chips on the side.
    Vegan Caesar Tofu Wraps

Got a minute? I'd love for you to comment and rate Baked Pesto Tofu. Your feedback is invaluable—did you love it? Did you make any fun twists? Let me know how my directions worked for you so I can keep improving my recipes. Follow me on Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube for inspiration.

pesto tofu on a white plate.

Baked Pesto Tofu

Regi Pearce
This baked pesto tofu recipe combines extra-firm tofu with a rich and creamy pistachio pesto. It’s a delicious blend of savory, nutty, and herby goodness, and it is also easy to make and ready in 30 minutes, making it a fantastic addition to your weeknight dinner rotation. 
5 from 1 vote
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Cook Time 25 minutes mins
Total Time 30 minutes mins
Course main dish
Cuisine American, Vegan
Servings 4 servings
Calories 55 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 block extra-firm tofu shredded, crumbled, or cubed
  • 1 batch pistachio pesto or store-bought Trader Joe's Kale & Cashew Pesto
Get Recipe Ingredients

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Tofu: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Press the tofu to remove excess water, then shred, crumble, or cut it into bite-sized cubes.
  • Coat the Tofu: In a large bowl or baking sheet, toss the tofu with about 5 tablespoons of pesto until evenly coated. Use just enough pesto to coat the tofu lightly, allowing it to crisp up during baking.
  • Bake the Tofu: Spread the tofu on a lined baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and slightly crispy.
  • Serve: Mix 3-4 tablespoons of leftover pesto with about 2 tablespoons of water, stirring until smooth and pourable, then drizzle over the baked pesto tofu before serving. Enjoy as a main dish, over pasta, pizza, in a salad, or as a flavorful snack.

Notes

Remove the excess moisture from the tofu by wrapping it in a clean kitchen towel and placing it between two plates. Let it sit while you prepare the pesto.
The heat from baking destroys some of the flavor compounds in the pesto, so make sure to add it as a fresh sauce on top. 
Nutritional information is only an estimate.

Nutrition

Calories: 55kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 0.3g | Sodium: 65mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 1g | Calcium: 31mg | Iron: 1mg
Keywords beginner friendly, easy, quick
Tried this recipe?Please consider Leaving a Review!

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About Regi Pearce

Hello! I am Regi, the creator of Nuts & Twigs. I debunk the myths that vegan food is all nuts and twigs and offer plant-based scrumptiousness that goes far beyond that "rabbit food" stereotype. So grab your fork and put on your stretchy pants, 'cause you're gonna want seconds.

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    Recipe Rating




  1. Reg says

    January 22, 2025 at 3:47 pm

    5 stars
    Baked pesto tofu is the kind of recipe that keeps it simple but delivers big on flavor. Crispy edges, herby vibes, and so easy to make—it’s a total weeknight win.

    Reply

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Regina Pearce

I'm Regi.

Head nut, chief twig, and creator of Nuts & Twigs. My husband, Rob, and I live in Colorado. Here, you can expect delicious vegan recipes that make you realize that a life without cheese is not only possible but also worth living.

What kind of person builds a blog called Nuts & Twigs?

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