Are you ready to elevate your culinary creations with a simple yet flavorful addition? This Costco Basil Pesto Butter recipe is your ticket to a world of vibrant flavors and gourmet dishes.
Perfect for pasta, sandwiches, or even as a spread on your favorite bread, this pesto butter is a must-have in your kitchen. Let’s dive into the details!
Why you should try Costco Basil Pesto Butter?
Costco Basil Pesto Butter is a culinary delight that brings a burst of fresh, vibrant flavors to any dish. Made with high-quality ingredients like fresh basil, garlic, and Reggiano Romano cheese, it’s incredibly versatile and can enhance pasta, sandwiches, grilled meats, and more.
Its easy preparation and long storage life make it a convenient addition to your kitchen. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a home cook, this pesto butter is a delicious way to elevate your meals effortlessly.
Ingredients for Costco Basil Pesto Butter Recipe
- 8 peeled garlic cloves
- ¾ cup nuts
- 2 cups tightly-packed fresh sweet basil leaves
- ¾ cup freshly-grated Reggiano Romano cheese
- ½ teaspoon freshly-ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups extra virgin olive oil
- Juice of one lemon
Equipment & Tools Required
- Food Processor or Blender
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Airtight Container (for storing the pesto)
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: None (No cooking required)
How to Make Costco Basil Pesto Butter Recipe
Step-01: Prepare the Ingredients: Peel 8 garlic cloves, Measure out 3/4 cup of your preferred nuts (roasted pine nuts, blanched almonds, or macadamia nuts).
Step-02: Tightly pack 2 cups of fresh sweet basil leaves. Grate 3/4 cup of Reggiano Romano cheese. Juice one lemon to get fresh lemon juice.
Step-03: Start with the Garlic: In a food processor or blender, add about 1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil. Add the peeled garlic cloves and process until nicely pureed.
Step-04: Blend the Ingredients: Add the remaining ingredients: nuts, basil leaves, grated cheese, black pepper, salt, the rest of the olive oil, and lemon juice. Blend until the mixture forms a coarse paste. The pesto should be fairly loose, not too liquid, resembling the texture demonstrated.
Step-05: Storage: Transfer the pesto to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to one week or freeze for up to 17 years (though it’s so delicious, you’ll likely use it much sooner!).
Watch the following video for better understanding
Pairing Ideas for Costco Basil Pesto Butter
Explore these suggestions for serving and pairing to add diversity to this dish. Feel free to unleash your creativity and tailor the options to match your personal taste and preferences.
1. Pasta Dishes:
Toss your favorite pasta with Costco Basil Pesto Butter for a quick and flavorful meal. Add cherry tomatoes and grated Parmesan for extra deliciousness.
2. Grilled Chicken:
Use the pesto as a marinade for grilled chicken breasts or thighs. The basil and garlic enhance the chicken’s natural flavors.
3. Capers Salad:
Drizzle pesto over a classic Capers salad made with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil for an extra burst of flavor.
4. Roasted Vegetables:
Toss roasted vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, and asparagus with pesto. It adds a fresh, herby taste that complements the roasted veggies.
5. Garlic Bread:
Spread pesto butter on a loaf of French bread, sprinkle with mozzarella, and bake until golden and bubbly. Perfect for a tasty side dish.
6. Pizza:
Use the pesto as a base sauce for homemade pizza. Top with your favorite ingredients like mozzarella, sun-dried tomatoes, and olives.
7. Sandwich Spread:
Spread pesto butter on sandwiches or paninis for a gourmet touch. It pairs wonderfully with turkey, ham, or roasted veggies.
8. Egg Dishes:
Mix pesto into scrambled eggs or drizzle over an omelet for a fresh and flavorful twist on breakfast.
9. Seafood:
Serve pesto with grilled or baked fish like salmon or tilapia. The herbaceous pesto complements the delicate flavor of the fish.
10. Stuffed Mushrooms:
Use pesto as a filling for stuffed mushrooms. Mix it with cream cheese and breadcrumbs for a delightful appetizer or side dish.
Chef Special tips on this Costco Basil Pesto Butter Recipe
Consider these suggestions when attempting this recipe, especially if it’s your first time. Following these tips will assist you in crafting a flawless dish right from the start.
1. Use Fresh Ingredients:
Always use fresh basil leaves, as they provide a more vibrant flavor compared to dried or wilted leaves.
2. Toast the Nuts:
Toasting your nuts before adding them to the food processor can enhance their flavor, giving your pesto a richer, more robust taste.
3. High-Quality Olive Oil:
Opt for high-quality extra virgin olive oil. The flavor of the oil plays a significant role in the overall taste of the pesto.
4. Balance the Flavors:
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Add more lemon juice for acidity, more cheese for saltiness, or more nuts for a creamier texture.
5. Pulse, Don’t Puree:
When blending the ingredients, use the pulse function on your food processor. This helps achieve a coarse paste rather than a smooth puree, maintaining the texture of the pesto.
6. Chill the Bowl:
Chill the food processor bowl in the fridge for 10 minutes before you start. This helps keep the basil leaves from wilting during processing.
7. Ice Water Trick:
Add a small ice cube to the blender or food processor along with the basil leaves. This keeps the pesto’s vibrant green color.
8. Cheese Choice:
While Reggiano Romano is recommended, you can experiment with different cheeses like Parmesan or Pecorino to find your preferred flavor profile.
9. Storage Tips:
Store the pesto in an airtight container. To prevent it from turning brown, pour a thin layer of olive oil on top before sealing the container.
10. Versatile Use:
Be creative with your pesto! Use it as a marinade, mix it into scrambled eggs, or spread it on a sandwich. Its versatility makes it a fantastic addition to many dishes.
How to Store Costco Basil Pesto Butter?
To store Costco Basil Pesto Butter, transfer it to an airtight container. For short-term storage, refrigerate it for up to one week. If you plan to keep it longer, freeze the pesto butter. Pour a thin layer of olive oil on top before sealing the container to prevent browning.
Label the container with the date for easy reference. When ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Proper storage ensures your pesto butter remains fresh and flavorful for future culinary creations.
FAQs on Costco Basil Pesto Butter Recipe
These frequently asked questions, along with their concise answers, will enhance your comprehension of this Costco Basil Pesto Butter Recipe
1. What are the ingredients in Costco basil pesto?
The ingredients typically include fresh basil leaves, garlic, nuts (such as pine nuts, almonds, or macadamia nuts), Reggiano Romano cheese, extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.
2. What kind of butter does Costco put on their salmon?
Costco often uses a compound butter infused with herbs and spices, such as their signature basil pesto butter, to add flavor to their salmon.
3. What is pesto butter made of?
Pesto butter is made by blending traditional pesto ingredients (basil, garlic, nuts, cheese, olive oil, and lemon juice) into softened butter, creating a rich, flavorful spread.
4. Can I use different nuts in my pesto?
Yes, you can use roasted pine nuts, blanched almonds, or macadamia nuts. Feel free to experiment with your favorite nuts to find the flavor you prefer.
5. How should I store the basil pesto butter?
Store it in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to one week or freeze for longer storage, potentially up to 17 years, although it’s best used within a few months for optimal flavor.
6. Can I make this recipe without a food processor?
Yes, you can use a blender if you don’t have a food processor. Ensure you blend the garlic and olive oil first before adding the other ingredients.
7. Is it possible to make a vegan version of this pesto butter?
Absolutely! Substitute the Reggiano Romano cheese with a vegan cheese alternative or nutritional yeast to keep the recipe dairy-free.
8. What can I do if my pesto is too liquid?
If your pesto is too liquid, add more basil leaves, nuts, or cheese to thicken it up. Alternatively, you can reduce the amount of olive oil.
9. Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?
Fresh basil is recommended for the best flavor and texture. Dried basil will not provide the same vibrant taste and may alter the consistency of the pesto.
10. What dishes can I pair with basil pesto butter?
Basil pesto butter pairs well with pasta, grilled chicken, Capers salad, roasted vegetables, garlic bread, pizza, sandwiches, egg dishes, seafood, and stuffed mushrooms.
This Costco Basil Pesto Butter is versatile, bursting with fresh flavors, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen newbie, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends. Try it on pasta, as a spread, or even as a dip – the possibilities are endless!
Enjoy the delightful burst of basil and cheese with every bite, and bring a touch of gourmet to your everyday meals.
If you still have any question or confusion, please let us know in the comment section. Feel free to contact us anytime, and don’t forget to follow us on Pinterest for a variety of delightful recipes and Menu!
Feel free to contact us anytime, and don’t forget to follow us on Pinterest for a variety of delightful recipes!