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What to do with excess basil leaves is a delicious problem to have, and you have more options than you might think.
When your basil plant explodes with growth, those excess basil leaves can go from a simple garnish to the star of your kitchen.
You can turn excess basil leaves into pesto, infused oils, frozen cubes, and even flavorful butter, and the best part is that these methods will save you money and reduce food waste.
In this post, we’ll explore everything you can do with excess basil leaves, from the quickest fixes to the most creative culinary projects.
Let’s dive into the wonderful world of surplus basil and make sure not a single leaf goes to waste.
Why Using Excess Basil Leaves Is a Game Changer
Using excess basil leaves isn’t just about avoiding waste, it’s about unlocking a fresh burst of flavor that can last for months.
Basil is one of those herbs that tastes incredible when it’s at its peak, and excess basil leaves are perfect for capturing that peak flavor.
When you know what to do with excess basil leaves, you’ll never have to buy expensive store-bought pesto or dried herbs again.
Plus, preserving excess basil leaves means you’ll have a taste of summer even in the dead of winter, and that’s a comforting thought for any home cook.
The real beauty is that these methods are simple, beginner-friendly, and require only a few basic kitchen tools that you already own.
So, let’s look at the best ways to handle your basil bounty, starting with the most beloved option of all.
1. Make Classic Basil Pesto
The number one answer to what to do with excess basil leaves is to make a big batch of pesto.
Pesto freezes beautifully, and this is a fantastic way to use excess basil leaves before they start to wilt.
You can blend excess basil leaves with pine nuts, garlic, parmesan, and olive oil to create a vibrant sauce.
For a freezer-friendly version, skip the cheese and add it later when you’re ready to eat, as this keeps the pesto tasting fresher.
Spoon the pesto into ice cube trays, freeze it, and then pop the cubes into a zip-top bag for easy portioning.
This way, you can use excess basil leaves to elevate pasta, sandwiches, or even roasted vegetables any night of the week.
2. Infuse Olive Oil with Fresh Basil
Another clever idea for what to do with excess basil leaves is to create a fragrant basil-infused olive oil.
This is a simple process that involves gently heating olive oil with clean, dry excess basil leaves.
The heat helps the oil extract all the essential oils and aromas from the fresh basil, giving you a versatile finishing oil.
You can drizzle this oil over salads, grilled meats, or homemade bread, and it’s a fantastic way to preserve the essence of basil.
Always store homemade infused oil in the refrigerator and use it within a week or two to ensure safety.
If you have a lot of excess basil leaves, this is a great method to use alongside pesto for a variety of flavors.
3. Freeze Basil Leaves in Water or Oil
If you’re wondering what to do with excess basil leaves in the simplest way possible, just freeze them whole.
You can take whole excess basil leaves and place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually.
Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag, and they’ll be ready to toss into soups, stews, or sauces.
Another method is to chop excess basil leaves and pack them into ice cube trays filled with water or olive oil.
These basil cubes are perfect for adding a quick flavor punch to any hot dish, and they’re super convenient.
This approach to excess basil leaves is great because it takes less than ten minutes of actual prep time.
Creative Ways to Use Excess Basil Leaves in Daily Cooking
Beyond freezing and pesto, there are many creative ways to use excess basil leaves that you can enjoy right away.
Instead of letting your basil go to waste, you can incorporate it into almost every meal you cook this week.
These ideas for excess basil leaves will keep your meals exciting and your taste buds happy.
Let’s explore some everyday uses that can easily become new family favorites.
1. Whisk into Herb Butter
Herb butter is a luxurious way to use excess basil leaves and it takes only five minutes to make.
Simply chop your excess basil leaves finely and mix them into softened butter with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Roll the butter into a log using plastic wrap and chill it until firm, and then you can slice off rounds as needed.
This basil butter is incredible melted over grilled steak, corn on the cob, or flaky biscuits.
It’s a brilliant way to use excess basil leaves that you might not have considered, and it impresses dinner guests every time.
2. Blend into a Bright Vinaigrette
A basil vinaigrette is another fantastic way to use excess basil leaves and it transforms any simple salad.
Toss a generous handful of excess basil leaves into a blender with olive oil, red wine vinegar, and a bit of honey.
Blend until smooth, season with salt and pepper, and you have a vibrant dressing that works on greens and grain bowls.
This is one of the freshest things to do with excess basil leaves because the flavor is so incredibly vibrant.
You can keep this vinaigrette in the fridge for up to five days, which makes meal prep a breeze.
3. Top Your Pizza or Flatbread
Don’t forget that using excess basil leaves as a topping is a classic and delicious choice.
After you pull a pizza or flatbread from the oven, scatter fresh excess basil leaves right on top.
The residual heat will slightly wilt the basil, releasing its oils and perfuming the entire dish.
This is a simple, no-cook way to use excess basil leaves that adds a pop of green and freshness.
Whether it’s margherita pizza, a white pizza, or even hummus flatbread, basil leaves are always welcome.
Drying Excess Basil Leaves for Long-Term Storage
Drying is another classic answer to what to do with excess basil leaves, especially if you have a massive harvest.
While dried basil won’t have the same bright color as fresh, it still packs plenty of flavor for cooked dishes.
The best way to dry excess basil leaves is to use a food dehydrator or your oven on the lowest setting.
Spread the excess basil leaves on a tray in a single layer and let them dry until they crumble easily.
Once completely dry, store the dried basil in an airtight jar away from light and heat, and it’ll last for up to a year.
This is a smart approach for excess basil leaves if you have more than you can use fresh in a few weeks.
However, dried basil is best added during cooking, so always keep some fresh or frozen leaves for finishing dishes.
So, What to Do with Excess Basil Leaves?
There are many fantastic things to do with excess basil leaves, and you can start with making a big batch of pesto.
You can also use excess basil leaves to make infused oils, herb butter, or simply freeze them for later.
Drying excess basil leaves is perfect for long-term storage, while blending them into dressings gives you instant flavor.
No matter which method you choose, you’ll never have to throw away a single leaf again, and that’s a win.
So when you find yourself with a mountain of excess basil leaves, remember that you have plenty of delicious options.
Enjoy your basil harvest and get ready to fill your kitchen with that amazing fresh aroma from every method you try.