Easy Pesto Butter Recipe (Perfect for Bread & Pasta)

Creamy, herb-packed pesto butter combines the rich smoothness of butter with the bright, garlicky flavors of fresh basil pesto in just 10 minutes.

No complicated techniques, no special equipment – just mix softened butter with your favorite pesto for instant flavor magic.

The secret lies in using quality ingredients and proper butter temperature for smooth, even blending.

For busy weeknight dinners when you want restaurant flair, special occasion entertaining, or thoughtful homemade gifts.

This pesto butter recipe turns basic ingredients into an all-purpose condiment that elevates ordinary meals to fine dining experiences, leaving you wanting more.

Pro tip: Room temperature butter should yield slightly to pressure but not be melty – this creates the perfect consistency for smooth mixing without separation.

Let’s Create This Flavorful Butter – Step by Step!

This pesto butter comes together with simple mixing techniques that create smooth, even results. The key is proper butter temperature and gradual ingredient incorporation.

1. Make the Pesto (if using homemade)

Add basil, garlic, nuts, Parmesan, and lemon zest to a food processor and pulse until finely chopped. Drizzle in olive oil while processing until a smooth and spoonable consistency forms.

Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting flavors as needed for balanced results.

Pro Tip: Taste your pesto before adding to the butter – it should be well-seasoned since it will be diluted by the butter.

2. Prepare the Butter Base

Place softened butter in a medium bowl and let it come to room temperature if needed. Add the optional salt and Parmesan cheese if using for extra flavor depth.

The butter should be soft enough to mix easily but not so warm that it becomes oily or separated.

Pro Tip: Leave butter on the counter for 30-60 minutes before starting, or cut into small pieces to soften faster.

3. Combine Pesto and Butter

Add 2 tablespoons of pesto to the softened butter and mix with a fork or spatula until well combined. Check the flavor and color distribution throughout the mixture.

Add the remaining tablespoon of pesto if you want a stronger flavor, mixing until no streaks remain and the color is even.

Pro Tip: Start with less pesto and add more to taste – you can always add more, but can’t take it away.

4. Adjust Seasoning

Taste the pesto butter and adjust salt, additional pesto, or Parmesan as needed for your preferred flavor strength. The mixture should taste slightly more intense than you want in the final dish.

Mix thoroughly after any additions to ensure even distribution of flavors throughout the butter.

Pro Tip: Remember that cold butter tastes less intense than room temperature butter, so season slightly more than seems necessary.

5. Shape and Chill

Transfer the pesto butter to parchment paper or plastic wrap and shape into a log, twisting the ends to seal. Alternatively, transfer to a small bowl or ramekin for immediate use.

Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour until firm, or use immediately while soft for spreading.

Pro Tip: Make the log shape uniform by rolling gently on the counter after wrapping for professional-looking slices.

Recipe Notes

Note: This pesto butter can be made up to 1 week ahead and stored in the refrigerator. The flavors actually improve after resting overnight.

Serving Options for Your Pesto Butter

Complete your meals with these delicious ways to use pesto butter that showcase its multi-functional and flavor-improving abilities:

1. Hot Applications

Melting pesto butter over hot pasta, ravioli, or gnocchi creates instant sauce that coats every piece with herb-infused richness.

The butter melts into a silky coating that clings beautifully to pasta shapes. It’s also perfect for finishing grilled steak, chicken, or salmon, where the butter melts and bastes the meat.

Steamed or roasted vegetables turn into special side dishes with just a dollop of this flavored butter.

2. Bread and Spreads

Spreading pesto butter on warm, toasted bread or garlic bread creates an appetizer that rivals restaurant offerings.

The butter melts slightly into the bread while maintaining its herb flavors and creamy texture. It also works wonderfully on dinner rolls, focaccia, or crusty baguette slices for easy entertaining.

Fresh bread with pesto butter makes an excellent starter for Italian-themed meals or casual gatherings.

3. Creative Applications

Stirring pesto butter into mashed potatoes or risotto adds unexpected herb flavors and a restaurant-style finish to simple sides.

The butter melts completely into hot dishes, distributing flavor evenly throughout. It can also be used to finish soups, providing richness and fresh herb notes in the final moments.

Even simple scrambled eggs become special with a small pat of pesto butter folded in during cooking.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

This pesto butter stores beautifully and makes an excellent make-ahead condiment for busy schedules:

• Storage: Wrap tightly and refrigerate for up to 1 week – the flavors actually develop and improve over time.
• Freezing: Freeze wrapped logs for up to 3 months, slicing off portions as needed without thawing the whole log.
• Make Ahead: Prepare up to 1 week before serving for parties or meal prep, allowing flavors to meld together.
• Portioning: Freeze in ice cube trays for individual portions that thaw quickly when needed.
• Gift Giving: Make attractive logs wrapped in parchment paper, tied with kitchen twine, for homemade gifts.

Pro Tip: Label with the date and pesto type when storing multiple variations to avoid confusion.

Nutrition Facts

This flavorful pesto butter provides a rich taste in small portions, perfect for finishing dishes!

Note: Values are approximate and based on 12 tablespoons total. This condiment is meant to be used in small amounts for maximum flavor impact.

Flavor Variations for Every Taste

The beauty of pesto butter lies in its adaptability to different pestos and flavor combinations while keeping the same simple preparation method:

1. Arugula Pesto Butter

Substitute some or all basil with arugula for a peppery, more assertive flavor that pairs beautifully with grilled meats and strong cheeses.

Arugula adds a sophisticated bite that works especially well with steak and lamb. The peppery notes complement rich, savory dishes without overwhelming delicate preparations.

This variation is perfect for those who enjoy bold, adult flavors in their cooking.

2. Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Butter

Use sun-dried tomato pesto instead of basil for a sweet, umami-rich red butter that brings Mediterranean sunshine to your meals.

The concentrated tomato flavors add depth and slight sweetness that work wonderfully with chicken and fish dishes.

This variation also provides a beautiful color contrast on the plate for visual appeal. It’s particularly good for summer entertaining and Italian-inspired menus that need extra flair.

3. Citrus-Herb Pesto Butter

Add fresh lemon, lime, or orange zest along with mixed soft herbs like parsley and tarragon for bright, aromatic complexity.

The citrus brightens the rich butter while additional herbs create more nuanced flavor layers throughout.

This version works especially well with seafood and spring vegetables that benefit from fresh flavors. The clean, bright taste makes it perfect for lighter, seasonal cooking applications.

4. Garlic Confit Pesto Butter

Mash in a clove of soft, roasted garlic for sweeter, mellow garlic flavor that’s less sharp than raw garlic in traditional pesto.

Roasted garlic becomes creamy and almost buttery itself, creating incredible richness and depth.

This variation is perfect for garlic lovers who want deep flavor without a harsh bite or overpowering heat. It’s exceptional melted over warm bread or stirred into mashed potatoes for extra luxury.

Make Every Meal Feel Special!

This pesto butter proves that simple ingredients can create gourmet results when combined thoughtfully.

The compound butter technique takes minutes to master but adds restaurant-quality finishing touches to countless dishes throughout your cooking routine.

For spreading on warm bread, melting over grilled meats, or stirring into pasta dishes, pesto butter delivers consistent flavor that makes ordinary meals feel intentional and special.

The make-ahead friendly nature means you can always have a gourmet flavor ready in your refrigerator.

Add a comment below sharing which variation became your favorite and how this pesto butter recipe changed your approach to simple flavor improvements!