Homemade Creamy Basil Pesto Butter Recipe: A Zesty Spread

Butter takes on a whole new dimension with this creamy basil pesto butter that bursts with fresh, vibrant flavors.

Bright green herbs blend seamlessly into rich, smooth butter, creating a luxurious spread that elevates any dish.

Homemade pesto brings an Italian countryside charm to your kitchen.

Each dollop promises a zesty, aromatic experience that dances across your palate.

The recipe combines simple ingredients with a touch of culinary magic.

Chefs and home cooks alike will fall in love with this versatile condiment.

Prepare to transform your meals with just a single, delectable schmear.

Basil Pesto Butter For Spreading On Everything

• Quick Kitchen Magic: Transform simple biscuits and chicken into a crowd-pleasing dish that delivers big flavor with minimal effort.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Perfect for game day, potlucks, or casual gatherings where people crave bold, spicy appetizers that everyone will love.
• Customize with Ease: Adjust the heat level by changing buffalo sauce intensity or swap cheeses to match personal taste preferences and dietary needs.
• No-Fuss Preparation: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe accessible for cooks of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned chefs.

What You’ll Need To Make Basil Pesto Butter

• Butter: A rich, creamy base that provides smooth texture and delicious flavor to the pesto spread.
• Pesto: A classic Italian sauce that adds herbaceous basil and garlic notes to the butter.
• Parmesan Cheese: A sharp and salty cheese that enhances the overall savory profile of the butter.

• Salt: A key ingredient that balances and intensifies the flavors of the other components.

• Parchment Paper: A helpful tool for shaping and storing the flavored butter log.

Mixing Up Creamy Basil Pesto Butter At Home

Step 1: Soften Butter

Allow butter to reach room temperature until it becomes easily spreadable. This ensures smooth mixing and prevents lumps in the final product.

Step 2: Combine Creamy Elements

• Softened butter
• Fresh basil pesto
• Shredded Parmesan cheese
• Pinch of salt

Blend these components thoroughly using a fork, rubber spatula, or hand mixer until the mixture becomes uniform and vibrant green.

Step 3: Taste and Enhance

Sample the butter mixture and adjust flavor profile by adding extra pesto or salt according to personal preference.

Stir gently after each addition to maintain smooth consistency.

Step 4: Prepare for Storage

• Transfer butter to an airtight container
• Alternatively, spread butter on parchment paper
• Roll mixture into a compact log shape
• Seal tightly to preserve freshness

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Refrigerate the pesto butter for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and butter to firm up.

Remove from refrigerator 10 minutes before serving to soften slightly.

Step 6: Enjoy Versatile Spread

Use this flavorful butter on bread, toast, grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or pasta for an instant burst of herbal, cheesy goodness.

Key Notes To Make Basil Pesto Butter Shine

• Let butter sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes to achieve the ideal spreadable consistency without melting.
• Add more or less pesto depending on your desired flavor strength, tasting as you mix for balanced results.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for maximum flavor and smoother texture compared to pre-packaged options.
• Wrap the compound butter in parchment paper and twist ends to create a neat, uniform log for easy slicing and elegant presentation.
• Store the pesto butter in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week, or freeze for longer storage.

Add-Ins To Try In Basil Pesto Butter Mix

• Vegan Pesto Butter: Replace dairy butter with plant-based butter and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a dairy-free alternative.
• Spicy Herb Butter: Add red pepper flakes or minced jalapeños to create a zesty kick and enhance the traditional pesto flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Blend: Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes and chopped kalamata olives for a Mediterranean-inspired herbal butter spread.
• Garlic Lovers' Version: Roast fresh garlic cloves and fold them into the butter mixture for an intense, aromatic enhancement of the original recipe.

What Goes With Creamy Basil Pesto Butter

• Elevate Grilled Meats: Spread this creamy basil pesto butter on hot grilled chicken, steak, or pork chops for an instant flavor explosion that melts beautifully and adds rich herbal notes.
• Enhance Bread Experience: Slather this luxurious butter onto warm crusty bread, garlic toast, or freshly baked focaccia to transform simple carbs into a gourmet side dish with Mediterranean flair.
• Perfect Wine Companion: Pair this herb-infused butter with a crisp, light white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, which complements the basil's freshness and cuts through the butter's richness.
• Quick Pasta Upgrade: Toss warm pasta with a dollop of this pesto butter for an effortless sauce that instantly elevates your pasta dish with complex, aromatic flavors.

How To Store Basil Pesto Butter In The Fridge

• Seal the pesto butter in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 7-10 days, keeping it fresh and spreadable.
• Wrap the butter log tightly in plastic wrap, then place inside a freezer bag to preserve for 2-3 months, perfect for future use on breads, grilled meats, or vegetables.
• Remove frozen pesto butter from the freezer and let it slowly defrost in the refrigerator overnight, maintaining its creamy texture and flavor profile.
• When ready to enjoy, let the butter sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to soften slightly, making it easier to spread on warm toast or crusty bread.

FAQs

• How do I soften butter quickly?

Take the butter out of the refrigerator 30-45 minutes before preparing the recipe, or cut it into small cubes to speed up the softening process. You can also use the microwave at 50% power for 10-second intervals, checking frequently to avoid melting.

• Can I use homemade or store-bought pesto?

Both work perfectly! Homemade pesto will give a fresher flavor, while store-bought provides convenience. Just ensure the pesto is high-quality and has a good balance of basil, garlic, and olive oil.

• What are the best ways to serve this pesto butter?

Spread on warm bread, melt over grilled meats, use as a finishing butter for pasta, or dollop onto roasted vegetables. It’s incredibly versatile and adds instant flavor to many dishes.

Creamy Basil Pesto Butter Recipe

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4.5 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Homemade basil pesto butter elevates simple spreads into gourmet delights, blending Italian herbs with rich, silky butter. Chefs and home cooks can drizzle this luxurious condiment over grilled meats, breads, or roasted vegetables for an instant flavor boost.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 tablespoons (30 grams) basil pesto

Cheese and Seasoning:

• 1 tablespoon (5 grams) shredded Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon (1.5 grams) kosher salt

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Instructions

1. Gather a medium mixing bowl and combine room-temperature butter with vibrant basil pesto, allowing the flavors to meld harmoniously.
2. Incorporate finely shredded Parmesan cheese and a pinch of salt into the mixture, using a fork to create a smooth, uniform texture.
3. Gently fold the ingredients until the pesto is completely integrated, ensuring no distinct streaks remain in the creamy spread.
4. Sample the compound butter, carefully evaluating the flavor profile and adjusting with additional pesto or salt to achieve the perfect balance.
5. Prepare for storage by either transferring the mixture to an airtight container or carefully shaping it into a cylindrical log using parchment paper.
6. Wrap the butter tightly, sealing in the aromatic herbs and rich flavors for future culinary adventures.

Notes

• Choose room temperature butter for smoother, easier mixing and better flavor blending.
• Try different pesto varieties like sun-dried tomato or spinach for unique taste variations.
• Use high-quality Parmesan cheese for richer, more authentic flavor profiles.
• Freeze the pesto butter in individual portions for convenient future use on breads, grilled meats, or roasted vegetables.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 102
• Sugar: 0.03 g
• Sodium: 134 mg
• Fat: 11 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 0.1 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 0.3 g
• Cholesterol: 31 mg