This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to add flavor to your cooking, look no further than basil pesto butter.
This low-carb, delicious pesto butter adds flavor to many dishes, including pesto salmon, air fryer ribeye steak, pesto mashed potatoes, pesto garlic bread, and more.
If you love Pesto Recipes, such as Pesto Turkey Meatballs, Pesto Ravioli, or Pesto Zucchini Noodles, then you’ll love this recipe.
This flavorful condiment is easy to make and can be used in numerous dishes, from appetizers to main courses.
In this post, we’ll take a closer look at this delicious side dish: What pesto butter is, how to make it, and some creative ways to use it in your cooking.
Table of Contents
What is Pesto Butter?
Basil Pesto Butter is a compound butter made with a combination of pesto and butter. Pesto is a traditional Italian sauce made from fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil.
This basil butter is typically used as a sauce for pasta or as a spread on bread, but it can also be used in a variety of other dishes.
When combined with butter, pesto takes on a whole new dimension. The butter mellows out the strong flavors of the pesto and creates a creamy, rich sauce that’s perfect for spreading on bread, melting over vegetables, or using it as a topping for grilled meats.
You’ll want to use this basil pesto butter recipe on everything! It’s one of our favorite things!
Why You’ll Love It
- Simple Recipe – With only 4 ingredients, you can’t go wrong. Just mix all ingredients together and refrigerate. It doesn’t get any easier than that.
- Flavored Butter – The combination of flavors of the basil pesto and the butter comingle, so they get a whole new flavor dimension. This pesto butter will become a family favorite because it adds so much flavor to everything!
What You’ll Need
Making compound butter, like pesto butter, is incredibly easy and requires just a few simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
Equipment:
The affiliate links below will allow you to see the product on Amazon.com. If you purchase one of the items, I will receive a very small commission on the product, which does not increase the price.
- Cutting board or Butter Board
- Food Processor or Blender
- Small bowl
- Knife
- Spoon
- Aluminum foil
- Plastic Wrap
Ingredients:
Below I discuss the ingredients and possible substitutions in case you don't have a specific ingredient. However, if you are looking for the specific measurements of each ingredient, be sure to scroll down to the bottom of this article, just above the comments, for the printable recipe card, which includes all the ingredients and the specific amounts of each one.
- Butter – I used unsalted butter, but you can use salted butter if you wish. I recommend starting with softened butter to make it easier. To dress it up, you could start with garlic butter to add more garlic flavor.
- Traditional pesto sauce – I used a prepared fresh basil pesto sauce to make the pesto butter. It was a store-bought pesto. However, If you would like to make your own homemade basil pesto sauce, try this Pesto Sauce Recipe.
- Parmesan – Use high-quality parmesan cheese. It truly makes a difference in the flavor.
- Kosher salt to taste
How to Make Pesto Butter
Prep: Soften the butter by leaving it out at room temperature for about an hour.
Mix: In a mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients together and mix well
Store: Transfer the pesto butter to an airtight container or roll it into a log in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it.
Serve: Slice a quarter-inch slice from the pesto butter log and add it to garlic bread, salmon, beef, pasta, mashed potatoes, grilled cheese, and more.
Tips For Making Perfect Pesto Butter
While making pesto butter is a relatively simple process, there are a few things you can do to ensure that it turns out perfectly every time. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Use high-quality ingredients – Because pesto butter is made with just a few ingredients, it’s important to use the best quality you can find. Use homemade pesto, creamy butter, fresh herbs, and the best, affordable Parmesan cheese for the best results
- Soft Butter – Ensure the butter is soft enough to be mixed easily. If your butter is too hard, it won’t mix well with the other ingredients, and you’ll have a lumpy, uneven texture.
- Food Processor – Use a food processor or blender to mix the ingredients for a more consistent mixture.
- Adapt To Taste – Adjust the amount of pesto, Parmesan, and salt to your taste. This recipe is just a starting point; feel free to adjust the amounts of each ingredient to your liking. If you like a stronger pesto flavor, add more pesto. If you’re a fan of Parmesan cheese, add a bit more of that too.
- Try Different Pestos – Experiment with different types of pesto. While traditional basil pesto is the most common type, there are many other variations to choose from, including sun-dried tomato, arugula, and even kale pesto. Feel free to experiment with different types to find your favorite.
How to Store Leftover Pesto Butter
To store pesto butter, spoon it into an airtight container and store it in the fridge or spoon it onto saran wrap and roll it into a log. Pesto butter will keep well in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. For longer storage, you’ll want to store it in the freezer.
It’s important to note that you should never store pesto butter at room temperature, as this can lead to the growth of harmful bacteria. Always store pesto butter in the refrigerator or freezer to ensure it stays fresh.
How to Freeze
If you don’t plan on using all of the pesto butter immediately, you can freeze it for later use. To freeze, spoon it into a freezer-safe container and keep it in the freezer until ready to use.
Alternately, wrap tightly in a log shape wrapped in saran wrap, then slice just how much you’ll use. Pesto butter will keep well in the freezer for up to six months.
When you’re ready to use the frozen pesto butter, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, you can use it as you would fresh pesto butter. Remember that the texture may differ slightly after freezing and thawing, but the flavor should remain intact.
Creative ways to use pesto butter
Now that you know how to make pesto butter, it’s time to get creative with how you use it in your cooking. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Spread it on toast or crostini for a delicious and easy appetizer, or make Pesto Garlic Butter Bread by spreading pesto butter onto a baguette and baking until toasted. Top with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of olive oil for an extra special touch.
Use it to flavor roasted or grilled vegetables. Melt some of the pesto butter over roasted or grilled vegetables for a simple yet flavorful side dish. It’s especially delicious on grilled asparagus, corn on the cob, or roasted potatoes.
- Add it to pasta dishes. Pesto butter is a great addition to pasta dishes. Toss it with your favorite pasta, along with some fresh vegetables and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, for an easy and flavorful meal.
- Use it as a marinade for meats. Pesto butter makes a great marinade for meats, such as chicken or pork. Simply spread a layer of the pesto butter over the meat, and let it marinate for a few hours before grilling or baking.
- Use it as a topping for grilled meats. Melt some pesto butter over grilled steaks or chicken breasts for a simple yet delicious topping. It’s a great way to add some flavor to your grilled meats without a lot of extra effort.
- Spread it on sandwiches. Use pesto butter as a spread on sandwiches, along with some fresh greens and sliced tomatoes. It’s a great way to add some flavor to your lunchtime routine.
- Use it as a dip. Pesto butter makes a great dip for bread or crackers. Simply melt it in a small saucepan, and serve it alongside your favorite dipping foods.
In conclusion, pesto butter is a delicious and versatile condiment that can be used in a variety of dishes.
Whether you’re spreading it on toast or using it as a marinade for meats, pesto butter is a simple yet flavorful addition to any meal.
With just a few simple ingredients and some creativity, you can enjoy the delicious taste of pesto butter in all your favorite dishes. So why not give it a try today? Your taste buds will thank you!
More Pesto Recipes
- Sun Dried Tomato Pesto Pasta
- Green Been Potato Salad with Sun Dried Tomato Pesto
- Spicy Shrimp Pesto Primavera
If you like this recipe or make this recipe, be sure to leave a comment, rate the recipe, and follow us on:
Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram
Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1/4 cup traditional pesto sauce
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Kosher salt to taste
Instructions
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine softened butter, pesto sauce, and grated Parmesan cheese. Use a spoon or spatula to mix the ingredients until they are well combined.1/2 cup unsalted butter, 1/4 cup traditional pesto sauce, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Taste the mixture and add kosher salt as desired. Keep in mind that the Parmesan cheese may already add some saltiness to the butter.Kosher salt
- Once the ingredients are thoroughly mixed and salted to taste, transfer the pesto butter to a container with a lid or roll into a log using plastic wrap.
- Store the pesto butter in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow it to firm up and the flavors to meld together.
- Once the pesto butter has firmed up, it is ready to serve. Spread it on toast, use it to sauté vegetables, or use it to baste grilled meats. Enjoy!
Comments
No Comments