My husband likes putting pesto on his breakfast eggs, baking them into his bread instead of using garlic, and putting it on his pasta. He basically likes adding pesto to most of his meals. I make the pesto myself, and I make a lot of them at once because I do not have that much free time. I would like to know a way for me to store it longer. I know that freezing it is a good way, but should I add the cheese on the pesto first before freezing or should I add them after?
There are so much recipes that you can do with pesto, and it is very delicious and easy to make.
Frozen pesto may not be as good as the freshly made ones, but it is definitely better than those store-bought jars of pesto. Like you said, freezing pesto is a good way of storing it for long-term. If you wish to add some cheese to your pesto, be sure to put them once it has defrosted, not
Can You Freeze Pesto?
Freezing pesto is really simple, it is just like making some ice cubes. It is highly recommended to freeze pesto without the cheese. Doing so would help it last longer in the freezer since some cheeses do not freeze very well.
Homemade pesto can last for 5 days to a week in the fridge, and it can be kept for 3 to 4 months in the freezer.
You can tell if your pesto has gone bad if it turns brown. Once the olive oil or the basil changes into a brownish color, it is advisable to throw them away.
It is suggested to drizzle some olive oil on the pesto before freezing them to prevent them from getting dark and to keep the basil fresh a bit longer.
Most people use ice cube trays when freezing pesto, but other people suggest using a small baking sheet topped with wax paper for freezing. This method is more convenient if a whole cube is too much for you. All you have to do is break enough amount from the frozen pesto sheet.
You can thaw pesto in the fridge overnight. After thawing, mix the pesto and then add your choice of cheese.
How to Freeze Pesto?
The most common way to freeze pesto is by using cube trays. Here’s how you do it:
- Grab a spoon and use it to scoop some pesto. Fill the cube compartments with the pesto.
- Add some olive oil on top of each pesto mixture in the compartments to keep them from turning brown.
- Get some plastic wrap and cover the tray with it. Be sure to try and tap each compartment gently with the plastic wrap to keep out as much air as possible.
- Put the tray in the freezer overnight or until they freeze completely.
- Once they have frozen, take them out of the tray and transfer them into air tight freezer bags. Seal well.
- Don’t forget to label the bags with the date you made the pesto, then toss them back into the freezer.
- You could also freeze the pesto in jars or trays, just do the same process indicated above. Note that for jars, you do not have to transfer them in freezer bags.
How To Use Up Extra/Leftover Pesto?
Pesto is a flavorful and versatile sauce that can be used in a variety of dishes. But what do you do when you have extra pesto? Here are five delicious ways to use up your leftover pesto:
- Spread it on bread – Pesto makes a great spread for bread. Just spread it on your favorite bread, and you’ve got a delicious snack or light meal.
- Use it as a dipping sauce – Pesto can also be used as a dipping sauce for breadsticks or vegetables. Simply add some water to thin it out, and you’ve got a tasty dip that everyone will love.
- Add it to pasta – Pesto is a great way to flavor pasta. Just add it to your favorite pasta dish, and you’ll have a delicious and healthy meal.
- Make a pesto pizza – If you’re feeling adventurous, try using pesto as a pizza topping. Simply spread it on your favorite pizza crust, and you’ve got a tasty and unique pizza that everyone will love.
- Use it as a sandwich spread – Pesto can also be used as a sandwich spread. Just add it to your favorite sandwich ingredients, and you’ve got a delicious and easy lunch or dinner.
So there you have it – five delicious ways to use up your leftover pesto. Next time you find yourself with extra sauce, try one of these recipes and enjoy!
Pesto Recipes
Are pesto and chicken two of your favorites? Combine them to create this pesto baked chicken recipe! Check it out here:
This pesto panini recipe is a perfect to-go snack made specially for all the pesto lovers out there. Here’s the recipe:
What better way to use pesto than to add it to your pasta? This classic recipe will leave you wanting for more. Find it here:
Wrap Up
Yes, you can freeze pesto. It is easy to store homemade or store-bought pesto in the freezer for up to 6 months. Place your pesto in freezer bags or containers and make sure to use an air-tight container for maximum freshness. You can also use ice trays to make smaller ice cubes. If using ice cubes, transfer the cubes into a Ziploc bag and label well so you don’t forget when was the time you froze them!
Now that you know how to freeze pesto, please share your experience with me in the comment section below!