{"id":5551,"date":"2020-10-20T17:05:50","date_gmt":"2020-10-20T17:05:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.howtocook.recipes\/?p=5551"},"modified":"2026-01-16T16:51:32","modified_gmt":"2026-01-16T16:51:32","slug":"homemade-pesto-recipe","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.howtocook.recipes\/homemade-pesto-recipe\/","title":{"rendered":"Homemade Pesto Recipe"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Are you still buying that pesto from the supermarket shelves? It\u2019s time to stop and make your own pesto recipe<\/strong> with fresh ingredients. It tastes so much better, you\u2019ll wonder why you ever settled! My family loves it on pasta, sandwiches, and pizza. Best of all, it takes minutes to prepare and yields the kind of flavor that whisks you to Italy!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Best<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best Pesto Recipe<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

What makes a pesto recipe the best pesto recipe? It\u2019s the fresh ingredients. If you\u2019ve ordered pesto at a proper Italian restaurant, surely you\u2019ve noticed the difference between what they serve and that jarred stuff. Now you can make it yourself and have that heavenly flavor every time!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is pesto?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Pesto comes to use from Genoa in Italy. The original dish is called Pesto alla Genovese. The authentic way to make it is with basil leaves, pine nuts, crushed garlic, coarse salt, olive oil, and Parmigiano-Reggiano.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Ingredients<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pesto Ingredients
<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
    \n
  • Fresh basil<\/strong> \u2013 it\u2019s the signature pesto ingredient that provides that bright green color.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Garlic<\/strong> \u2013 adds that pungent taste.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Pine nuts<\/strong> \u2013 gives pesto that unmistakable texture.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Parmesan cheese<\/strong> \u2013 because pesto needs cheese.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Extra virgin olive oil<\/strong> \u2013 it brings the consistency together.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    How Do You Make Pesto from Scratch?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    This pesto sauce recipe requires just 6 ingredients and your food processor. You\u2019ll pulse fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, parmesan cheese, and salt together while adding in olive oil until it gets the right consistency. Then it\u2019s ready!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"Easy<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Easy Pesto Recipe<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    This easy pesto recipe only requires 6 ingredients and 10 minutes of your time. You can handle that! Get your pasta or pizza dough ready and pair it with this fresh pesto!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    You’re the pesto to my pasta.
    Megan<\/cite><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    What is pesto made of?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Basil is the key ingredient in pesto sauce. It is what gives pesto it’s signature color and flavor as well. Basil pesto recipes have a slightly sweet yet savory and pungent taste and chunky texture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"How<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Expert Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Pesto Sauce Every Time<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
      \n
    • Use cold water<\/strong> – Wash your basil in cold water. It\u2019s a very delicate herb that will wilt if you use warm water.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Nut substitutes<\/strong> – Walnuts and pecans can be substituted for pine nuts if you can\u2019t find them, though I think pine nuts are the best.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Don’t skimp on oil quality<\/strong> – Don\u2019t forget to make sure you use a quality olive oil for your pesto. You want something that has the kind of taste you enjoy drizzled over things, not something you cook with.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Food processor<\/strong> – Also, use a food processor and not a blender. Blenders can over-combined and change the texture. Some people love to use a mortar and pestle but a food processor will be much faster and turn out great!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
      \"What<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

      <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Why is my basil pesto sauce bitter?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      If your basil pesto sauce tastes bitter, you can add in more cheese, pine nuts, or garlic to balance it out. It\u2019s best to taste-test a little of your basil first to make sure it\u2019s not bitter to avoid the problem altogether.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      What can I add to pesto to make it better?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      Pesto only contains 6 ingredients. If you find yours is lacking in flavor, add more garlic, more cheese, or more salt to taste. Additionally, be sure the basil you choose is fresh so you get a truly authentic flavor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      What can I use instead of parmesan cheese in pesto?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      If you don\u2019t have parmesan cheese for your pesto, you can use asiago or pecorino Romano. For a dairy-free replacement, simply omit the cheese and use extra pine nuts. You can also replace pine nuts with cashews, almonds, walnuts, or Brazil nuts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \"How<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

      <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Can I just put pesto on pasta?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      Pesto is good for so many things beyond pasta. Try it on a burger or sandwich. Dip fries into it. Replace red sauce on pizza. Dunk breadsticks into it. Pesto is meant to be enjoyed creatively!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \"Is<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

      <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      What goes well with pesto?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      Pesto pairs perfectly with bowl of pasta or pizza. But that\u2019s not the only thing you can do with your new batch of homemade pesto. You can spread it on sandwiches (blend with mayo to make a creamy spread) or toss it into a chicken salad with tomatoes, almonds and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Caprese salad is also great way to use pesto.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \"Best<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

      <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      How to Store Pesto Sauce
      <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      You can keep your homemade pesto in an airtight container in your fridge for as long as a week. Make sure to cover with a lid or plastic wrap so it is airtight. It probably won\u2019t be around that long though since it\u2019s so delicious!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      How long does homemade pesto last?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      Pesto will keep for a week in a jar in your fridge. If you have any leftover after that, you should freeze it so you can enjoy it at a later date.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Can you freeze pesto?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      Pesto freezes really well. I like to portion it out into ice cube trays. When they freeze, I dump them into plastic freezer bags. They\u2019ll be good for 6 months. You can also freeze it in airtight containers which will keep for 12 months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      How to Thaw Frozen Pesto<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      If you let your pesto sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, that should do it. You can microwave it in 10-second increments if it still feels frozen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n\n\n\n

      Watch How To Make Pesto (Video)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n