Get ready to level up your butter game! This vibrant, flavor-packed Pesto Butter (Compound Butter) is truly a fridge staple I reach for all summer long. Creamy unsalted butter gets whipped together with zippy homemade basil pesto, creating a spread that’s at once rich, herbaceous, and impossible to stop tasting right off the spoon. Whether you’re slathering it over toast, finishing a steak, or making simple veggies taste restaurant-worthy, every bite bursts with sunshiney flavor. Let’s dive in and make your meals unforgettable with this easy but unforgettable recipe.

Pesto Butter (Compound Butter) Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I love about this recipe is how few ingredients it calls for, yet each one is essential to achieving the perfect Pesto Butter (Compound Butter). The beauty is in the balance—herbs, nuts, cheese and olive oil blend together to create a pesto that transforms plain butter into something magical.

Unsalted Butter: Start with high-quality butter, softened, so it easily combines with your pesto and delivers the creaminess you crave.
Basil Leaves: The fresh, sweet, and peppery punch of basil is what makes this compound butter sing with summer flavor.
Garlic: Just two cloves infuse that classic pesto aroma you know and love—feel free to use more if you want an extra kick!
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated makes all the difference, adding umami and a touch of saltiness to the butter blend.
Pine Nuts (optional): They provide a background nuttiness and richer texture, but if you skip them, your Pesto Butter (Compound Butter) will still be wonderfully smooth.
Olive Oil: Silky olive oil binds the pesto ingredients together and rounds out the butter, helping everything blend beautifully.
Lemon Zest & Juice (optional but recommended): Just a bit of zest and juice brighten all the flavors and bring out the freshness.
Kosher Salt: Don’t skimp! Salt is key for making the flavors pop, so taste as you go and adjust to your liking.
Freshly Ground Black Pepper: A crack or two brings a gentle heat and complexity to the whole spread.

How to Make Pesto Butter (Compound Butter)

Step 1: Make the Pesto

In your food processor, add those aromatic basil leaves, garlic cloves, Parmesan cheese, and optional pine nuts. Pulse several times, pausing to scrape down the sides as needed, until the basil is chopped super fine. You want everything well integrated while keeping just a hint of texture—think of it as the polished, green-packed foundation of your Pesto Butter (Compound Butter).

Step 2: Finish the Pesto

Now, pour in your olive oil along with the lemon zest, lemon juice, a sprinkle of salt, and a few grinds of black pepper. Process the mixture until it reaches a gorgeous, creamy consistency just the way you like it—silky smooth or ever-so-slightly coarse. Taste and fiddle! Add a little more olive oil if it looks too thick, or punch it up with another dash of lemon or salt to perfect the balance.

Step 3: Make the Compound Butter

In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter and a generous 2-3 tablespoons of your fresh pesto. With a fork (or a handheld mixer if you’re feeling fancy), mash and blend until the pesto is fully incorporated and no streaks of butter remain. It will take on this stunning green marbled glow! Taste for seasoning—add another pinch of salt or an extra spoonful of pesto if you want even bolder flavor.

Step 4: Serve or Store

You can use your Pesto Butter (Compound Butter) right away, or scoop it into a jar or wrap it in parchment to stash in the fridge. It firms up as it chills, perfect for slicing over grilled veggies, steak, or spreading on warm bread throughout the week.

How to Serve Pesto Butter (Compound Butter)

Garnishes

Dress it up! Sprinkle a little extra freshly grated Parmesan, a dusting of lemon zest, or a scatter of chopped basil right over your Pesto Butter (Compound Butter) for a pop of color and an irresistibly inviting look. For a fancier presentation, dot with a couple of toasted pine nuts or a drizzle of golden olive oil—these little touches make the experience feel extra special.

Side Dishes

This herby spread is at its show-stopping best when it melts luxuriously over a hot grilled steak, roasted chicken, or a simple baked potato. Try tossing it with hot pasta, dolloping onto steamed veggies, or even blending into mash potatoes for unforgettable flavor. No one will guess how simple Pesto Butter (Compound Butter) is to make!

Creative Ways to Present

Why not go big and shape your Pesto Butter (Compound Butter) into a log using parchment paper, then slice into gorgeous rounds right before serving? Or pipe it onto crostini for easy entertaining. Even better—serve a trio with different pestos (classic basil, sun-dried tomato, or arugula) for a playful, colorful spread at your next picnic or dinner party.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Pesto Butter (Compound Butter) is a gift that keeps on giving! Just store it in a tightly sealed jar or wrap it well in parchment and keep it in the refrigerator. It’ll stay fresh, fragrant, and ready to use for up to a week—if it lasts that long!

Freezing

Freezing is ideal for making big batches or when basil is in season. Simply roll your Pesto Butter (Compound Butter) into a log, wrap it up tightly in plastic wrap and a layer of foil, then pop in the freezer. It’ll keep beautifully for up to 3 months! Slice off what you need, straight from the freezer.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat, but if you want that melty magic, just let your Pesto Butter (Compound Butter) sit out at room temperature for a few minutes. To use on hot foods, place a pat on top and let the heat do the work—watch as it melts into a glossy, flavor-packed sauce right before your eyes.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pesto to make Pesto Butter (Compound Butter)?

Absolutely! While fresh pesto gives a wonderful punch and texture, you can save time with high-quality store-bought pesto. Just keep in mind store-bought tends to be saltier, so taste before adding extra salt to your compound butter.

What other herbs can I use besides basil?

Get creative! Try arugula for an extra-peppery bite, or swap in fresh parsley, cilantro, or even a bit of mint for an unexpected twist. Mixing in a blend of tender herbs keeps your Pesto Butter (Compound Butter) exciting every time.

Is Pesto Butter (Compound Butter) safe for people with nut allergies?

Simply omit the pine nuts or swap in sunflower seeds for a nut-free version. The flavor stays robust, and the texture remains silky and rich—completely allergy-friendly!

How do I use Pesto Butter (Compound Butter) for appetizers?

Spread it over warm baguette slices, dollop onto roasted tomatoes, or spoon into little ramekins for guests to spread as they wish. It’s a simple but memorable way to kick off any meal.

Can I make Pesto Butter (Compound Butter) vegan?

Yes! Substitute vegan butter and use dairy-free parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast in your pesto, and you’ll end up with an equally luscious, plant-based version that everyone will love.

Final Thoughts

Homemade Pesto Butter (Compound Butter) is one of those kitchen secrets that adds instant flair to everything you cook, with almost no effort. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself reaching for it again and again—so don’t be surprised when it disappears quickly! Give it a try, and get ready to savor every green, garlicky bite.

Pesto Butter (Compound Butter) Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 21 reviews

Author: lina
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 1 cup of compound butter 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Learn how to make a flavorful Pesto Butter, a delightful compound butter that adds a burst of herbaceous and cheesy goodness to your dishes. This recipe combines the freshness of basil pesto with the richness of butter for a versatile spread.

Instructions

Make the pesto: In a food processor, pulse basil, garlic, Parmesan, and pine nuts. Add olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Process until smooth.
Make compound butter: Combine butter and pesto in a bowl. Mix until well combined. Adjust seasoning if needed.

Notes

You can adjust the consistency of the pesto by adding more or less olive oil.
Feel free to customize the pesto butter by adding more lemon juice or salt according to your taste.
For a smoother texture, you can omit the pine nuts.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Condiment
Method: Mixing
Cuisine: Italian