Basil pesto butter is a unique twist on traditional pesto and flavored butter. I first sampled some on a Costco run and I knew I had to make it myself! This recipe tastes incredible over fresh pasta, on grilled chicken or fish, or as a spread for crusty baguette slices.
It’s hard to go wrong with this pesto butter recipe, but here are a few quick tips to make it turn out perfect every time:
Fresh Basil
Fresh basil is the key that makes this pesto butter shine. You can use dried basil in a pinch, but I highly recommend getting your hands on some fresh basil. It gives this pesto butter that rich, aromatic flavor that only fresh herbs provide.
Pine Nut Substitutes
Pine nuts give this basil butter the flavor of traditional pesto. If you don’t have pine nuts on hand, try almonds or cashews for a different spin.
Go Crazy with the Garlic (or Not)
I added a moderate amount of garlic in this pesto butter recipe. If you’re a huge garlic fan, feel free to double or triple the amount of garlic you use. If you’re not such a garlic lover, you can cut back to half or even omit it entirely.
Here are answers to some common questions about this basil pesto butter:
What are some different ways to use basil pesto butter?
Once you’ve tasted this delicious pesto butter, you’ll want to use it on everything! Here are some ideas to inspire you:
Do I keep this pesto butter on the counter or in the fridge?
To keep this flavored butter fresh, store it in a jar in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Set it out on the counter for 10 minutes before using to make it more spreadable.
Can you freeze this basil pesto butter?
Yes! Wrap your basil pesto butter tightly and store in the freezer in an airtight container. It will keep for up to 6 months in the freezer. To thaw, put your pesto butter in the refrigerator for 24 hours.
Did you make this basil pesto butter recipe? I’d love to see your creations on Instagram! Make sure to tag your post with #azbrecipes or #azestybiterecipes so I’ll be sure to see them. Enjoy!
In a food processor add all of the ingredients. Mix until well blended and then add to a jar.
Remove from refrigerator at least 10 minutes prior to use.
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Basil and butter is a great idea! Your story reminds me of the movie Christmas with the Kranks where the mom is trying to get the last honey ham at the grocery store, haha.
I love seasoned butters, I’ll add this one to my recipe box.
Seriously, it’s like every SINGLE thing you post sounds amazing to me. I’ll be bringing this to Christmas dinner!
This would be so good on an artisan bread toast YUM!
i can think of so many things to do with this
What a delicious butter with flavors that are so versatile and that will brighten up so many dishes. Definitely making this…thanks for sharing and the inspiration. 😉
oh my mouth is watering!!!!
such a great recipe. basil would add such a kick
Sounds delicious, I want to put it on everything!
No one needs to know you didn’t churn it. This basil pesto butter combo sounds freakin awesome!
Love having flavored butters on hand to amp up simple dishes!! This would also be the perfect hostess gift for the holidays!
I’ve never craved butter before until now 😉
ohhhh YES!!
sounds great going to make it now. others I have tried are to strong
fresh basil or dried?
I used fresh basil.
Too funny….my husband and I just had the Costco salmon with butter basil pesto tonight….our second time having it. After reading the ingredients I decided to google a recipe and happened to find yours!!! Can’t wait to try your recipe😊
I started making this after a commercially availible product was no longer stocked at local stores. I’m very pleased with it
Ditto on Esther’s comments ~ We had the Costco Salmon with Pesto Butter for the first time last night, both thoroughly enjoying it. This morning I was trying to recreate the recipe and thought I’d see what I could find on line. Voila! Thanks for the recipe and the additional ideas for its use.
This is awesome served over salmon and asparagus. Cook it all in one baking dish in the oven at 400*. It’s like dining in a fine restaurant.
I make my own basil pesto which is made with an extra virgin olive oil and lemon juice for preserving color. Can I use that to make basil butter and if I can how much of it would I use to one cup of butter?