Homemade Basil Pesto

Homemade Basil Pesto

This Homemade Basil Pesto is the same recipe I have been making for 20 years.

I would for sure call this a “tried and true” recipe because it comes out perfect each and every time.

This is a straightforward, simple, traditional pesto… which I realize is not how I usually roll.

I’m all about putting twists and spins on traditional recipes, but this one is a classic.

Now don’t think you won’t eventually get some sort of crazy wild pesto recipe in the future, because I already have a few fun ideas in mind 😉

How to Make Homemade Basil Pesto

This is fresh basil from my garden, but you can easily buy fresh basil at most grocery stores in the produce section.

Basil, pinenuts, parmesan cheese, olive oil, garlic, kosher salt, and pepper is all you need to begin.

Oh, and a food processor is a must-have as well.

ingredients for pesto

Four cups of fresh basil, packed in pretty tight is what I am using.

fresh basil in measuring cup

It barely fits in the food processor, but you can use a spoon to press it down to make room for the rest of the ingredients.

basil in food processor

A half cup parmesan cheese, two garlic cloves, a quarter cup pine nuts, kosher salt, and pepper all go in with the basil to start.

pesto ingredients in food processor before blending

Turn the food processor on and drizzle in a half cup olive oil.

You may need to stop a few times to scrape the sides of the food processor.

adding olive oil to food procesor

Let it go in the food processor for a minute or two and check the consistency.

Turn it back on and drizzle in more olive oil if needed until it’s the thickness you prefer.

Homemade Basil Pesto

You can make several batches of Homemade Basil Pesto and freeze in individual containers to have year round 🙂

Homemade Basil Pesto

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Homemade Basil Pesto

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Homemade Basil Pesto

Use Homemade Basil Pesto in these yummy recipes!

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Homemade Basil Pesto

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Homemade Basil Pesto
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Homemade Basil Pesto

Homemade Basil Pesto can be made with garden fresh basil or store bought fresh basil, it's easy to make and you can freeze to use year round

Course Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine American, Italian
Keyword Basil, Easy, Herb Cream Sauce, Homemade, Parmesan, Pesto, Recipe, Sauce
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 minute
Servings 6
Calories 264 kcal
Author Cheri Renee

Ingredients

  • 4 cups fresh basil leaves
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup pine nuts
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • kosher salt, pepper
  • 1/2 cup to 3/4 cup olive oil

Instructions

  1. Put the basil, parmesan cheese, pine nuts, garlic, kosher salt, and pepper in a food processor.

  2. Turn the food processor on and slowly pour in the olive oil until it's the consistency you prefer.

    Note: Less olive oil will be thicker and more olive oil will be a thinner pesto.

  3. Store in a covered container in the fridge for a few days, or store in the freezer for several months.

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