If you’ve been looking for a quick way to elevate your meals with rich, fresh flavors, Creamy Basil Pesto Butter is about to become your new best friend. This velvety, herby spread combines the vibrant, aromatic taste of basil pesto with the rich, smooth texture of butter. Imagine spreading it on warm bread, melting it over pasta, or dolloping it on grilled chicken—the possibilities are endless, and every bite will make you wonder why you didn’t try this sooner. Trust me, once you’ve got this buttery goodness on hand, you’ll find every excuse to use it.

Why You’ll Love Creamy Basil Pesto Butter

This recipe isn’t just about throwing a few ingredients together—it’s about creating a moment of pure joy. Here’s why you’ll fall head over heels for this simple, yet irresistible spread:

Versatile: Use it in so many ways! Spread it on fresh bread, mix it into pasta, or serve it alongside grilled meats and vegetables. It’s the perfect ingredient to have on hand for everything from quick weeknight meals to fancy dinner parties.
Budget-Friendly: Fresh basil, garlic, and butter—these are everyday pantry staples, and yet they come together to make something that feels incredibly special. You don’t need to break the bank to enjoy this restaurant-quality butter.
Quick and Easy: Making this creamy pesto butter is as easy as tossing everything into a food processor and blending it up. Even if you’re not a seasoned chef, this recipe is foolproof and requires minimal effort for maximum flavor.
Customizable: Add a squeeze of lemon for a zesty kick, or throw in a few roasted pine nuts for extra depth. You can easily tweak the flavor to suit your taste.
Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, everyone will rave about the rich and herby flavors of this butter. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that pairs with almost anything.

Ingredients

Here’s the magic of this creamy basil pesto butter—it only takes a handful of ingredients, but it delivers big flavor. Let’s break it down:

Fresh Basil: This is the heart of the pesto. Bright, aromatic, and bursting with flavor, fresh basil gives the butter that signature pesto taste.
Garlic: A couple of cloves of fresh garlic will add a rich, savory depth to the butter, balancing out the fresh herbiness of the basil.
Parmesan Cheese: This adds a nutty, salty bite to the pesto, giving it that cheesy richness that elevates everything it touches.
Pine Nuts: These provide a subtle, buttery flavor and creamy texture. If you don’t have pine nuts, walnuts or cashews are great alternatives!
Olive Oil: A drizzle of olive oil helps to bring everything together smoothly, giving the pesto a silky, rich consistency.
Unsalted Butter: The star of the show! Butter adds richness and creaminess, turning this pesto into the perfect spreadable topping. Make sure it’s softened for easy blending.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into creating this delightful spread:

1. Blend the Pesto

In a food processor, combine the fresh basil, garlic, parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and olive oil. Pulse until everything is finely chopped and combined. This is the base of your pesto, so feel free to scrape down the sides of the processor to make sure it’s all incorporated.

2. Cream the Butter

Next, add the softened butter to the pesto mixture in the food processor. Blend again until smooth and creamy, with the pesto fully mixed in. You should have a vibrant, green spread that’s easy to scoop and spread.

3. Taste and Adjust

Give it a taste! If you want a bit more zing, add a squeeze of lemon juice or a pinch of salt. You can also toss in a little extra garlic if you’re feeling bold.

4. Serve and Store

Transfer your creamy basil pesto butter into a small dish or airtight container. It can be stored in the fridge for up to a week, but trust me, it’ll get used up fast!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 120

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes

How to Serve Creamy Basil Pesto Butter

This butter can go from simple to extraordinary with just a few creative ideas. Here are some ways to make the most of this delicious spread:

On Fresh Bread: Spread it generously on warm, crusty bread or toasted baguette slices. It’s the perfect appetizer or side dish that everyone will love.
With Pasta: Toss it through hot pasta for a quick, flavorful meal. Add a little extra parmesan on top for an extra burst of cheesy goodness.
On Grilled Vegetables: Smear it on roasted or grilled vegetables, like zucchini, asparagus, or mushrooms. It’ll add richness and fresh flavor to any veggie.
On Grilled Meats: A dollop of this creamy pesto butter on grilled chicken, steak, or fish takes the flavors to the next level.
As a Dipping Sauce: Use it as a dipping sauce for fries, roasted potatoes, or even fresh veggies. It’s an easy way to make your snacks feel more gourmet.
For Potatoes: Whether you’re having mashed potatoes or baked potatoes, a spoonful of this pesto butter makes them sing with flavor.

Additional Tips

Here are a few extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:

Prep Ahead: Make a batch of this creamy basil pesto butter ahead of time and store it in the fridge. It’s great for having on hand to add instant flavor to meals.
Freezing: You can freeze the butter for up to three months! Simply scoop it into an ice cube tray and freeze. Then, transfer the cubes to a freezer-safe bag for easy portioning.
No Pine Nuts? No Problem!: If you’re out of pine nuts, you can use any other nut like walnuts, almonds, or cashews. It will still be creamy and flavorful.
Make It Lighter: For a lighter version, you can swap out the butter for Greek yogurt or a dairy-free butter alternative. It will still have a great texture and taste, just a little less rich.
Adjust the Consistency: If you prefer a thinner spread, simply add more olive oil. For a thicker, firmer butter, add a bit more butter or reduce the oil.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make this pesto butter in advance?
A1: Absolutely! You can make this up to a week ahead of time. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge and bring it to room temperature before using.

Q2: Can I substitute the nuts with something else?
A2: Yes! If you’re allergic to nuts or simply don’t have them, you can leave them out or use seeds like sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds.

Q3: Can I use this pesto butter for baking?
A3: Yes! You can use this butter in savory baked goods, like biscuits or scones, to add a burst of flavor.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store any leftover pesto butter in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. You can also freeze it for longer storage.

Q5: Can I use this in sauces or soups?
A5: Yes! This pesto butter is great for adding depth to sauces, soups, or even in place of oil when cooking. It’s a versatile ingredient.

Q6: What can I use if I don’t have a food processor?
A6: You can finely chop the basil, garlic, and nuts by hand, then mix it with the butter and parmesan. It will take a little more elbow grease, but the result will still be delicious!

Q7: Can I make this pesto butter dairy-free?
A7: Yes! Simply substitute the parmesan with a dairy-free cheese or leave it out entirely, and use a plant-based butter in place of regular butter.

Q8: Can I adjust the level of garlic in this recipe?
A8: Definitely! If you love garlic, feel free to add more. If you’re more sensitive, just start with one clove and adjust to taste.

Q9: Can I use frozen basil instead of fresh basil?
A9: While fresh basil gives the best flavor, you can use frozen basil if that’s what you have on hand. Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess water before using it.

Q10: Can I serve this on a cheese platter?
A10: Yes! This creamy basil pesto butter is a great addition to a cheese platter. Pair it with crackers, fresh fruit, and a selection of cheeses for a sophisticated touch.

Conclusion

And there you have it—Creamy Basil Pesto Butter is here to take your meals from “good” to “amazing” in no time! With its fresh basil flavor, rich buttery texture, and endless versatility, this spread is a must-have in your kitchen. Whether you’re spreading it on bread, stirring it into pasta, or serving it with grilled meats, this pesto butter is sure to become your new favorite way to add flavor to anything you make. Happy cooking, and enjoy every creamy, herby bite!