15 Useful Ways to Cook with Pesto

Pesto contributes herbs, oil, and often cheese and nuts. Use it as a seasoning, tasting before adding more salt or fat.

Fifteen applications

1. Mix a little into breadcrumbs for a coating on chicken or pork; cook the meat to its safe endpoint.
2. Toss bread cubes lightly with pesto before baking into croutons; watch for scorching.
3. Stir into hot rice or mashed potatoes just before serving.
4. Add a small amount to meatball, meatloaf, or burger mixtures.
5. Fold into scrambled eggs near the end of cooking.
6. Loosen with a little water and vinegar for a dressing, adjusting to taste.
7. Blend with cream cheese for a bagel spread.
8. Spread a thin layer in lasagna or mix into its ricotta filling.
9. Add modestly to a suitable bread, biscuit, or muffin recipe, accounting for its oil and salt.
10. Dollop on crostini and add tomato.
11. Mix with a little vinegar to dress cheese and vegetables for an antipasto plate.
12. Add a small amount to savory crêpe batter, then fill with goat cheese.
13. Use to dress potato or pasta salad; it will differ from a mayonnaise dressing.
14. Spread thinly on bread, top with cheese, and broil while watching closely.
15. Stir into vegetable or tomato soup after reducing the heat.

Storage and allergy notes

Check the pesto’s ingredients for nuts, milk, and other allergens. Keep homemade or opened pesto refrigerated according to a tested recipe or package instructions; oil does not make a fresh herb mixture shelf-stable. Make small portions and freeze extra if the recipe permits.