Easy Pesto Butter Recipe
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This easy pesto butter recipe is one of those simple staples everyone should have on hand. It can be used just like garlic butter, adding instant flavor to so many dishes with hardly any effort. I especially love spreading it on grilled cheese sandwiches—it melts into the bread and gives the sandwich a delicious basil-pesto flavor that takes it to the next level.
This delicious pesto butter is a great way to enjoy the flavor of pesto without it being overpowering. Straight pesto can sometimes be a bit too strong, especially when used on its own, but mixing it with butter softens the flavor and makes it much more balanced. The butter mellows the intensity of the basil and garlic, creating a smooth, rich spread that adds just the right amount of flavor to a wide variety of dishes.
Ways to Use Pesto Butter
Pesto butter is incredibly versatile and can be used in so many everyday meals. Spread it on grilled cheese sandwiches or toast for an easy flavor upgrade, or melt it over steamed or roasted vegetables like green beans, broccoli, or carrots. It’s also delicious tossed with hot pasta, stirred into rice, or added to mashed or baked potatoes.
You can use pesto butter as a finishing touch for grilled or baked chicken, steak, pork chops, or fish like on a salmon fillet. Try brushing it onto garlic bread or pizza crust before baking, or melting it over corn on the cob for a simple side dish. It’s even great stirred into scrambled eggs or omelets, making it an easy way to add extra flavor to breakfast.
Ingredients for Easy Basil Pesto Butter Recipe
- PREPARED PESTO
- SALTED BUTTER
Instructions for Easy Pesto Butter Recipe
Add the softened butter to a bowl and use a hand mixer to whip it until light and fluffy. Spoon in the pesto and continue mixing until everything is fully combined and smooth.
Transfer the pesto butter to a container with a lid and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use. If you plan to spread it on bread, let it sit out at room temperature for a bit so it has time to soften.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use homemade or store-bought pesto?
Yes. Both work great in this recipe. Homemade pesto will give you the freshest flavor, but store-bought pesto is a convenient and delicious option.
How long does pesto butter last in the refrigerator?
Stored in an airtight container, pesto butter will keep in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Can I freeze pesto butter?
Yes. Pesto butter freezes very well. Store it in an airtight container or roll it into a log using plastic wrap in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Does pesto butter need to be softened before using?
If you’re spreading it on bread, it’s best to let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften. For melting over hot foods, it can be used straight from the refrigerator.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes. If you use salted butter, you may want to taste the pesto butter before adding any extra salt, as pesto can already be salty.
Is pesto butter very strong in flavor?
No. Mixing pesto with butter mellows the flavor, making it much more balanced than using pesto on its own.
For more recipes like this, try:
Easy Pesto Butter Recipe
Real Mom Kitchen
Equipment
Ingredients
- ½ cup salted butter softened
- 2 Tbsp pesto
Instructions
- In a bowl, add the butter and whip with a hand mixer until light and fluffy. Add in the pesto and mix until well combined.
- Add the butter to a container with a lid. Store in the fride until ready to use. Allow time out of the fridge before to soften if you plan on spreading it on bread.
