Costco Basil Pesto Butter Recipe – Easy Kitchen Guide

By Lori Walker, MS, RD | Published on October 3, 2023 | Last Updated on October 17, 2023

Are you looking for a tasty, easy-to-make butter recipe? Look no further than this delicious Pesto Butter recipe. With the help of some simple ingredients from your local Costco store, you can easily whip up a batch of Pesto Butter in no time. This guide will take you through everything you need to know to make your own delicious pesto butter at home.

From how to create the perfect blend of flavors, to helpful cooking tips that will ensure your butter turns out just right every time. So get ready for some deliciousness! Let’s make some Pesto Butter!

What is Costco basil pesto butter?

Costco basil pesto butter is a popular spread that originated in Italy. It’s made from a blend of fresh basil leaves, garlic, pine nuts, extra virgin olive oil, and parmesan cheese. The combination of these ingredients creates a creamy, herbaceous spread perfect for sprucing up sandwiches or toast.

This particular recipe uses a jar of pre-made Costco basil pesto, which can be found in most local stores. This makes it easy to whip up a batch of this delicious butter without having to make the pesto from scratch.

How did I first get introduced to the Costco basil pesto butter?

I first got introduced to Costco basil pesto butter when my mom took me to the store when I was younger. We were looking for something different and unique to make for dinner that night and decided on this spread. It had all of the flavor profiles we were looking for garlic, herbs, cheese, and olive oil—all in one jar.

When we got home, my mom showed me how to prepare the butter spread. She combined the pesto with softened butter and some salt and pepper—all of which we had on hand in our kitchen. She then blended it together in a food processor until it was creamy and smooth.

I remember being so excited when I tasted the finished product! The pesto was so flavorful and the butter was so creamy and delicious. The combination of flavors was truly something special—all my mom had to do was spread it on some toast and we were in business!

Since that first experience with Costco basil pesto butter, I’ve made it dozens of times for friends, family, and myself. It’s become one of my go-to spreads for sandwiches, toast, and even as a dip for crackers.

I’m so glad I got to experience this delicious spread for the first time with my mom. It’s still one of our favorite recipes to make together, and it’s something that will always have a special place in my heart.

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Ingredients that you’ll need

• Softened unsalted butter (1 cup): This is a key ingredient that adds moisture and richness to the banana bread. It also gives the bread a tender crumb and a beautiful golden color when baked. The reason we use unsalted butter is so we can control the sodium content in our recipe.
• Packed fresh basil leaves (2 cups): While not a traditional ingredient in banana bread, basil can add a unique flavor twist. Fresh basil imparts a sweet, peppery flavor that could complement the sweetness of the bananas.
• Peeled and chopped garlic cloves (2): Garlic is not typically found in banana bread recipes, but if this is a savory version, it could provide a strong, pungent flavor to contrast with the sweetness of the bananas.
• Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): This adds a salty, nutty flavor to the bread. Cheese can also make the bread more savory, which could be a nice contrast to the sweetness of the bananas.
• Pine nuts or walnuts (1/4 cup): Nuts add texture and a subtle flavor to the banana bread. They provide a crunch that contrasts with the softness of the bread. Pine nuts have a mild, sweet flavor, while walnuts have a richer, slightly bitter taste that pairs well with bananas.
• Salt (1/4 teaspoon): A small amount of salt is used to enhance the flavors of the other ingredients. It also helps to balance the sweetness of the bananas.
• Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Black pepper can add a surprising depth of flavor to sweet dishes, including banana bread. Just a little can enhance the other flavors without making the bread spicy.

How to make Costco basil pesto butter?

Making Costco basil pesto butter is surprisingly easy. All you have to do is mix together softened unsalted butter, grated Parmesan cheese, peeled and chopped garlic cloves, packed fresh basil leaves, pine nuts or walnuts, black pepper, and salt in a food processor until it forms a spreadable paste. The result is flavorful and fragrant. Here’s a stepwise guide for you!

Step-by-step directions

Step 1

Start by taking softened butter and placing it into a food processor. The butter should be at room temperature, which will make it easier to blend. Turn the food processor on and blend the butter until it has a slightly creamy texture. This should only take a few seconds.

Step 2

Next, add the grated Parmesan cheese, peeled garlic cloves, fresh basil leaves, your choice of nuts (pine nuts or walnuts work well), along with some pepper and salt to taste. These ingredients will give your basil pesto butter a rich and savory flavor profile.

Step 3

Now, blend these ingredients for about two minutes on medium speed or until everything is combined nicely. You’re looking for a smooth, spreadable paste as your end result. The time it takes can vary depending on the power of your food processor.

Step 4

After blending, stop the food processor and use a spatula to scrape down the sides of the bowl. This ensures that all the ingredients are evenly combined and there are no large chunks left.

Step 5

Finally, place your homemade Costco-style basil pesto butter in an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days. Keep in mind that the flavors will continue to meld and enhance over time, so you might find the pesto butter even tastier after a day or two!

What does it taste like?

Costco basil pesto butter has a creamy texture and packs a punch of garlic, herb, and nutty flavor. The sweetness from the basil leaves balances out the saltiness from the cheese and garlic, while the nuts add an extra layer of crunch. This flavorful butter can be spread on toast or used to top any savory dish for added flavor.

Notes and Tips

• If you don’t have a food processor, you can easily mix the ingredients together in a bowl using a spoon or spatula.
• Make sure to use softened butter for your pesto butter to ensure all the ingredients are blended together evenly.
• If you want a spicier kick, feel free to add extra black pepper or a pinch of red chili flakes.
• If you find the pesto butter is too garlicky for your taste, add extra basil leaves to balance out the flavor.
• To make it easier to spread on toast, make sure to store your Costco basil pesto butter in an airtight container in the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature until it softens.
• You can also use the pesto butter in other dishes like grain bowls, sandwiches, or omelets to add flavor and texture.
• This recipe makes about one cup of Costco basil pesto butter, but you can easily double it for extra batches! That way, you won’t have to make a new batch every time you want to use it.

Nutrition Information

What Ingredients Can I Replace or Substitute While Making It?

If you don’t have all the ingredients listed above, there are plenty of ingredients that can be used as substitutes for Costco basil pesto butter. For example-

• If fresh basil leaves are not available, dried basil or other herbs such as oregano, parsley, or thyme can be used as substitutes.
• Parmesan cheese can be replaced with other hard cheeses like cheddar or Pecorino Romano.
• Instead of pine nuts or walnuts, other types of nuts like almonds, pecans, or macadamia nuts can be used.

What to serve with Costco basil pesto butter?

Costco basil pesto butter is a great ingredient to have on hand for adding flavor and texture to any dish. It can be spread on toast or added to savory dishes such as sandwiches, omelets, grain bowls, and more. You can also use it as a dip for vegetables or crackers. If you have leftovers, try tossing them into pasta for a quick and flavorful meal.

How to store leftover Costco basil pesto butter?

Store leftover Costco basil pesto butter in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. Let it sit at room temperature before using it as a spread, as this will make it easier to spread on toast or other dishes. The butter can also be frozen in an airtight container and thawed when needed.

How to Use Leftover Basil Pesto Butter?

Leftover Costco basil pesto butter can be used in a variety of ways. Try adding it to your eggs or omelets for an extra flavor boost, or use it as a spread on toast or crackers. It can also be added to grain bowls and sandwiches for a savory kick. If you have leftover ingredients such as Parmesan cheese, garlic, or nuts, they can be used as toppings for pasta or salads.

How to reheat Costco basil pesto butter?

Reheating Costco basil pesto butter is easy. Simply place the container in a pre-heated oven set to 350°F for about 10 minutes or until it reaches the desired temperature. Alternatively, you can also heat it up in the microwave on medium power for 30 seconds at a time, stirring occasionally, until it’s hot all the way through.

FAQs 

Wrapping Up

Costco Basil Pesto Butter is a delicious and easy-to-make spread. Made with simple ingredients like butter, Parmesan cheese, garlic, basil leaves, pine nuts, or walnuts, this flavorful butter can be used in a variety of ways. Whether you’re spreading it on toast or adding it to savory dishes such as grain bowls, sandwiches, or omelets, this butter is sure to give you a flavor boost. With Costco Basil Pesto Butter on hand, you can enjoy flavorful meals at home without spending too much time or effort!

Please share your experience with this recipe and your favorite way to use it in the comments section below!

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