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Pesto Butter (Compound Butter) Recipe

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4.2 from 12 reviews

This vibrant and flavorful Pesto Butter combines rich, creamy butter with fresh homemade basil pesto to create a versatile compound butter perfect for enhancing breads, meats, vegetables, and more. Made using fresh basil, garlic, Parmesan, and a hint of lemon, this pesto butter adds an herby, garlicky punch to any dish. It’s simple to prepare with basic kitchen tools and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week, making it a convenient and delicious addition to your culinary repertoire.

Ingredients

For the Pesto Butter

  • 1 stick unsalted butter (½ cup), softened to room temperature or slightly warmer
  • 2-3 tablespoons pesto (see ingredients below)
  • ¼ – ½ teaspoon kosher salt, optional, to taste

For the Pesto

  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves, tightly packed (from about 1 large bunch, thoroughly dried after washing)
  • 2 cloves garlic (adjust to 1 clove if less garlicky flavor desired)
  • ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • ¼ cup pine nuts (optional)
  • ¼ – ⅓ cup olive oil
  • Zest of ½ lemon (optional but recommended)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (optional)
  • ¼ – ½ teaspoon kosher salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the pesto: In a small food processor, combine the basil leaves, garlic cloves, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and pine nuts if using. Pulse several times until the basil is finely chopped, scraping down the sides of the bowl with a spatula as needed.
  2. Add remaining pesto ingredients: Pour in the olive oil (⅓ cup), lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Process until the mixture is smooth but still has some texture, adding extra olive oil if needed to reach desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning by adding more salt, lemon juice, or pepper as preferred.
  3. Make the compound butter: In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter with 2-3 tablespoons of the freshly made pesto. Use a fork to thoroughly mix until completely combined and no white chunks of butter remain. Taste and adjust seasoning by adding more salt or pesto if desired.
  4. Store or use immediately: Use the pesto butter right away, or transfer it into a clean 8 oz glass jar with a lid. Refrigerate and use within one week for best flavor and freshness.

Notes

  • For the freshest flavor, always use homemade pesto made with freshly grated Parmesan and do not omit the lemon juice as it brightens the flavor.
  • Pesto butter pairs wonderfully with garlic bread—spread it on Italian bread and toast until golden.
  • Add a spoonful of pesto butter on steak during the last minute of cooking for an herby, buttery finish.
  • Use as a flavorful spread for sandwiches in place of plain butter or mayonnaise.
  • Spread on toasted baguette slices for an easy appetizer.
  • Stir into roasted potatoes immediately after baking to add richness and fresh herb flavor.
  • Top grilled chicken with pesto butter right after cooking to enhance juiciness and taste.
  • Spread softened pesto butter on salmon fillets before baking or air frying, or pan-fry salmon in it for a delicious crust.
  • Elevate grilled cheese sandwiches by cooking with or adding pesto butter.
  • Melt pesto butter in a skillet to cook scrambled eggs, imparting a bright herbaceous flavor.
  • Spread on warm biscuits or toast for a delicious breakfast treat.

Find it online: https://flavorspath.com/pesto-butter-compound-butter-recipe/