How To Make Basil Infused Olive Oil

You can make basil infused olive oil right at home with just two ingredients and about five minutes of prep time.

It’s one of those kitchen staples that instantly upgrades salads, pastas, marinades, and even simple crusty bread with garlic.
 
If you’ve ever wondered how to make basil infused olive oil that tastes like it came from a fancy Italian market, the good news is that the process is incredibly straightforward.
 
In this post, we’ll walk you through the best methods for making basil infused olive oil, the safety tips you need to know, and how to store it so it stays fresh and flavorful for weeks.
 
Let’s dive right in and get that basil aroma filling your kitchen.
 

Why Make Basil Infused Olive Oil at Home

Making basil infused olive oil at home is not only easy, but it also gives you total control over the flavor and quality.
 
Store-bought versions can be pricey and sometimes taste a bit flat or artificial.
 
When you learn how to make basil infused olive oil yourself, you get that bright, peppery basil punch that just can’t be replicated with dried herbs.
 
Plus, you can adjust the intensity, so if you love a heavy basil presence or a subtle hint, it’s all up to you.
 

1. Fresh Basil Is the Star of the Show

The key to truly amazing basil infused olive oil is using fresh basil leaves, not dried ones.
 
Fresh basil has those essential oils and aromatic compounds that infuse beautifully into the olive oil.
 
Dried basil doesn’t have the same vibrant flavor, so stick with fresh leaves from your garden or the grocery store.
 
You’ll want to gently wash and thoroughly dry the leaves before you start.
 
Any water left on the basil can introduce bacteria, and that’s exactly what you want to avoid when storing oil long-term.
 

2. Choose a Good Quality Olive Oil

Since basil infused olive oil is only as good as its base, pick a mild or medium-intensity extra virgin olive oil.
 
A super robust, peppery olive oil can overpower the delicate basil flavor.
 
And while you don’t need the most expensive bottle, avoid anything that tastes overly bitter or rancid.
 
A smooth, fruity extra virgin olive oil will let the basil shine through beautifully.
 

How to Make Basil Infused Olive Oil: Two Easy Methods

Now that you’ve got your fresh basil and quality oil, let’s get into the actual steps for how to make basil infused olive oil.
 
There are two main approaches: the cold infusion method and the warm infusion method.
 
Both work well, but they give slightly different results, so let’s break them down.
 

Method 1: The Cold Infusion (No Heat)

The cold method is the safest for flavor and keeps the basil tasting super fresh, almost like you just picked it.
 
Start by bruising your basil leaves lightly with your fingers or a muddler to release their oils.
 
Place the bruised leaves into a clean glass jar and pour your olive oil over them until they’re fully submerged.
 
Seal the jar and store it in a cool, dark place for about one to two weeks.
 
Give it a gentle shake every day to help the flavors meld.
 
After a week, taste a little bit of the oil to see if the basil flavor is strong enough for you.
 
If it’s perfect, strain out the leaves and transfer the oil to a clean bottle.
 
This cold infusion method is fantastic for making basil infused olive oil that tastes bright and green.
 

Method 2: The Warm Infusion (Faster Results)

If you’re short on time, the warm method is your best bet.
 
Combine your fresh basil leaves and olive oil in a small saucepan over very low heat.
 
Warm the oil gently for about five to ten minutes, watching carefully so it doesn’t simmer or bubble.
 
The goal is just to warm the oil enough to speed up the extraction of those basil flavors.
 
Once you smell that gorgeous basil aroma, remove the pan from the heat and let it cool completely to room temperature.
 
Then, strain the leaves out with a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth.
 
This method yields a slightly more robust, cooked basil flavor, which some people actually prefer for cooking.
 
Both of these methods for how to make basil infused olive oil are effective, so pick the one that fits your schedule.
 

Safety Tips for Storing Basil Infused Olive Oil

It’s crucial to discuss food safety when you’re learning how to make basil infused olive oil at home.
 
Fresh herbs like basil carry a risk of botulism if they’re stored improperly in oil.
 
This is because the herbs can trap bacteria that thrive in the oxygen-free environment of an oil bottle.
 

1. Always Refrigerate Homemade Infused Oils

Unlike commercial oils that are treated for safety, your homemade basil infused olive oil must be kept in the refrigerator.
 
Cold temperatures dramatically slow down bacterial growth, keeping your oil safe to consume.
 
The oil will solidify and look cloudy in the fridge, but that’s totally normal.
 
Just let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before using, and it’ll return to its liquid state.
 

2. Use It Within a Week or Two

Because there are no preservatives, you should use your fresh basil infused olive oil within about one to two weeks.
 
Make small batches so you’re always using it at its peak.
 
If you notice any signs of mold, an off smell, or cloudiness that doesn’t clear, toss it out immediately.
 
Safety first, so when in doubt, throw it out.
 

3. Dry Your Basil Thoroughly

We mentioned this earlier, but it’s worth repeating because it’s that important.
 
Making basil infused olive oil with wet leaves is a recipe for disaster.
 
Any water droplets in the oil create the perfect breeding ground for bad bacteria.
 
Pat those leaves completely dry with a clean kitchen towel or salad spinner before you start.
 

So, How Do You Make Basil Infused Olive Oil?

You can make basil infused olive oil easily at home by using either the cold infusion method or the warm infusion method.
 
All you need is fresh basil leaves, a quality extra virgin olive oil, and a clean glass jar.
 
Just remember to dry your basil leaves completely, refrigerate your finished oil, and use it within two weeks for the best flavor and safety.
 
Whether you’re drizzling it over a caprese salad or finishing a bowl of pasta, homemade basil infused olive oil will take your cooking to a whole new level.
 
Now that you know how to make basil infused olive oil, there’s no excuse not to whip up a batch today.
 
Your kitchen is about to smell absolutely incredible.