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There are so many brilliant things to do with surplus basil when your garden gives you far more than you can sprinkle on a single pasta dish.
If you’ve ever stared at a giant bushel of basil and wondered what to do with surplus basil before it wilts, you’re in the right place.
The good news is that surplus basil isn’t a problem at all, it’s an opportunity to stock your kitchen with flavor for months.
In this post, we’ll share the best ways to handle surplus basil, from quick fridge fixes to long-term freezer strategies.
Let’s dig into all the tasty solutions for your basil bounty.
Why You Need A Plan For Surplus Basil
Basil is one of those herbs that grows like crazy once summer heat hits, and surplus basil can appear almost overnight.
If you don’t act fast, those beautiful green leaves turn black and slimy within days.
Having a clear plan for surplus basil means you’ll never waste a single leaf again.
When you know what to do with surplus basil, you can harvest aggressively and encourage even more growth from your plants.
So let’s start with the simplest ways to handle that big pile of basil sitting on your counter.
1. Make Pesto In Bulk For Surplus Basil
Pesto is the classic answer for what to do with surplus basil because it freezes beautifully.
Blend your surplus basil with garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan, olive oil, and a pinch of salt for a fresh sauce.
The trick with surplus basil pesto is to skip the cheese if you plan to freeze it for later.
Cheese can turn grainy when thawed, so add Parmesan fresh when you’re ready to eat.
Portion your surplus basil pesto into ice cube trays, freeze solid, and pop the cubes into a zip-top bag.
Each cube is roughly one tablespoon, perfect for tossing into soups or pasta sauces.
2. Blend Surplus Basil Into Herb Butter
Another fantastic idea for surplus basil is compound butter, which transforms any meal into something special.
Soften a stick of unsalted butter and mix in finely chopped surplus basil, a squeeze of lemon, and a little garlic.
Roll the basil butter into a log using plastic wrap and chill it until firm.
You can slice off rounds to melt over grilled steak, corn on the cob, or fresh bread.
Surplus basil butter also freezes well for up to three months, so you’ll have instant flavor on hand.
Freezing Surplus Basil The Right Way
Freezing is arguably the best long-term method for surplus basil because it locks in that fresh aroma.
But you can’t just toss whole leaves into a freezer bag and expect good results.
Here’s how to freeze surplus basil properly so it stays vibrant and tasty.
1. Blanch Surplus Basil Before Freezing
Blanching your surplus basil for two seconds in boiling water stops the enzymes that cause browning.
Drop the leaves in boiling water for just a second or two, then plunge them straight into ice water.
Pat the basil dry thoroughly before packing it into freezer bags.
This quick blanch keeps surplus basil green and flavorful for up to six months in the freezer.
2. Freeze Surplus Basil In Olive Oil
For a no-blanch option, chop your surplus basil and pack it into ice cube trays.
Cover the chopped basil with good quality olive oil, filling each cube almost to the top.
Freeze the trays overnight, then transfer the basil oil cubes to a freezer bag.
These cubes are perfect for sautéing or adding to sauces, and the oil protects the basil from freezer burn.
3. Make Basil Puree For Easy Use
Pureeing surplus basil with a little water or oil is another simple freezing trick.
Blend the basil leaves with just enough liquid to make a smooth paste.
Spoon the puree into small jars or freezer bags, flatten them, and stack them flat in the freezer.
This method takes up little space and lets you break off exactly what you need.
Drying Surplus Basil For Shelf-Stable Storage
If freezer space is tight, drying surplus basil is a classic preservation technique that works well.
Dried basil won’t have the same bright punch as fresh, but it’s still perfect for slow-cooked dishes.
Here’s how to dry surplus basil without losing all its character.
1. Air Dry Surplus Basil In Small Bundles
Tie your surplus basil stems together with twine and hang them upside down in a dry, dark spot.
It takes about two weeks for the leaves to become completely crisp.
Once dried, strip the leaves from the stems and crumble them into an airtight jar.
Store the dried surplus basil in a cool, dark cupboard and use it within a year.
2. Use A Dehydrator Or Oven For Faster Drying
A food dehydrator set to the lowest temperature will dry surplus basil in just a few hours.
If you don’t have a dehydrator, spread basil leaves on a baking sheet and place them in an oven at the lowest setting.
Keep the oven door slightly ajar so moisture can escape.
Check every 30 minutes until the leaves snap easily, and that’s your dried surplus basil ready for jars.
Creative Ways To Cook With Surplus Basil Right Now
Sometimes you just want to eat your surplus basil fresh rather than storing it all.
There are countless recipes that absolutely shine with a massive handful of basil.
Here are some delicious ideas for using surplus basil quickly in your kitchen.
1. Infuse Surplus Basil Into Simple Syrups
Make a basil simple syrup by simmering one cup of sugar and one cup of water, then steeping surplus basil leaves for 20 minutes.
Strain the syrup and use it to sweeten iced tea, lemonade, or cocktails.
Surplus basil syrup also makes a stunning drizzle over fresh fruit or vanilla ice cream.
2. Add Surplus Basil To Salads And Sandwiches
Don’t just use basil as a garnish, make it the star of your salad.
Tear large handfuls of surplus basil into a salad with tomatoes, mozzarella, and balsamic glaze.
Layer whole basil leaves into sandwiches, wraps, or burgers for an instant flavor boost.
The more surplus basil you pile on, the more aromatic and delicious your meal becomes.
3. Stir Surplus Basil Into Sauces And Soups
Add chopped surplus basil at the very end of cooking to keep its bright flavor intact.
Stir a big handful into tomato sauce, minestrone, or curry just before serving.
You can also blend surplus basil into salad dressings or mayonnaise for a green, herby kick.
So, What To Do With Surplus Basil?
What to do with surplus basil comes down to choosing the method that fits your space and cooking style.
Surplus basil can be turned into pesto, herb butter, frozen cubes, dried flakes, or fresh additions to your favorite meals.
Whether you freeze it, dry it, or eat it all within a week, surplus basil never needs to go to waste.
Pick one or two of these ideas today and you’ll be amazed at how far your basil harvest can go.
Now go grab that big bunch of surplus basil and give it the delicious second life it deserves.