Your Cool Home is supported by its readers. Please assume all links are affiliate links. If you purchase something from one of our links, we make a small commission from Amazon. Thank you!
There are so many brilliant things to do with extra basil from the garden that you’ll never let a single leaf go to waste again.
If you’re staring at a massive bush of basil and wondering what to do with extra basil from the garden, you’ve come to the right place.
The good news is that extra basil from the garden is a gift that keeps on giving, and it’s incredibly easy to preserve its fresh, peppery flavor for months.
In this post, we’ll explore the best ways to use up that surplus, from simple freezing techniques to making show-stopping pesto and even infusing your own oils.
Let’s dive into the wonderful world of basil preservation so you can enjoy that summer taste all year long.
Why Extra Basil From The Garden Is A Gift
The reason you have extra basil from the garden is that basil plants are incredibly productive when they’re happy.
Once the weather warms up, your basil will grow faster than you can possibly use it in salads and on pasta.
This abundance is actually a great problem to have, because basil is packed with antioxidants and adds incredible flavor to countless dishes.
The key is to harvest it regularly, which encourages even more growth, and then you’ll always have extra basil from the garden to play with.
Here are some of my favorite ways to handle a bumper crop.
1. Make Classic Pesto To Use Extra Basil From The Garden
The very first thing you should do with extra basil from the garden is make a big batch of classic pesto.
You only need a few simple ingredients: fresh basil leaves, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and good olive oil.
Pesto is the most famous use for extra basil from the garden because it’s so versatile and freezes beautifully.
Blend everything together in a food processor, and you’ll have a bright, fragrant sauce that tastes like summer in a jar.
I love to freeze pesto in ice cube trays so I can pop out a single cube whenever I need a quick flavor boost.
You can also spread it on sandwiches, dollop it on grilled chicken, or toss it with roasted vegetables.
2. Freeze Whole Leaves For Easy Use
If you want to know what to do with extra basil from the garden without a lot of fuss, freezing whole leaves is the simplest method.
Just wash the leaves, pat them dry completely, and lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet.
Pop the sheet in the freezer for a couple of hours until the leaves are frozen solid.
Then transfer the frozen leaves to a zip-top bag and keep them in the freezer for up to six months.
Frozen basil leaves are perfect for cooking, and you can crumble them directly into soups, stews, and sauces while they’re still frozen.
While they won’t have the same crisp texture for fresh salads, the flavor will still be amazing.
You’ll always be grateful for this stash when fresh basil is out of season.
3. Blend Basil Into Flavored Butter
Another delightful way to use extra basil from the garden is by making compound butter.
Simply chop a large handful of fresh basil and mix it into softened, unsalted butter with a pinch of salt and a squeeze of lemon juice.
Roll the butter into a log using plastic wrap and chill it until firm.
You can then slice off pats of this herby butter to melt over steaks, corn on the cob, or crusty bread.
This is such a simple yet gourmet way to use extra basil from the garden that feels really special.
The butter freezes well for a few months too, so you can make a couple of logs at once.
Creative Ways To Preserve Extra Basil From The Garden
Beyond pesto, there are many creative preservation methods that will help you use extra basil from the garden in unexpected and delicious ways.
These techniques lock in the flavor and color of your harvest so you can enjoy it long after the plant stops producing.
1. Infuse Olive Oil With Basil
Basil-infused olive oil is a luxurious way to use extra basil from the garden that takes just minutes to prepare.
Gently warm olive oil in a saucepan, but don’t let it boil, and then add a big handful of clean, dry basil leaves.
Turn off the heat and let the leaves steep in the oil for about an hour.
Strain the oil and store it in a clean glass bottle in the fridge for up to two weeks.
Drizzle this fragrant oil over salads, pizza, or grilled vegetables for an instant flavor upgrade.
Just remember to keep it refrigerated and use it quickly, since homemade garlic-infused oils can carry a botulism risk if not stored properly.
2. Dry Basil For A Shelf-Stable Spice
If you have a huge surplus, drying extra basil from the garden is a wonderful way to create a pantry staple.
You can air-dry small bunches by hanging them upside down in a dry, dark, and well-ventilated area.
Alternatively, a food dehydrator or your oven on the lowest setting will work much faster.
Once the leaves are completely brittle, crumble them into an airtight jar and store them in a cool, dark cabinet.
Dried basil loses some of its fresh punch, but it’s still great for adding to tomato sauces and slow-cooked dishes.
It’s an excellent way to make sure none of your extra basil from the garden ends up in the compost bin.
3. Make Basil Simple Syrup For Drinks
Here’s a fun one: basil simple syrup is a trending cocktail and lemonade ingredient that’s perfect for using extra basil from the garden.
Combine equal parts sugar and water in a saucepan over medium heat, and stir until the sugar dissolves.
Add a big handful of basil leaves and let them steep off the heat for about 30 minutes.
Strain out the leaves and pour the syrup into a jar.
Use this basil syrup to sweeten iced tea, lemonade, or a refreshing vodka spritz.
It adds an unexpected herbal note that makes any drink taste like it came from a fancy bar.
More Everyday Uses For Extra Basil From The Garden
You don’t always need to preserve your harvest for months, sometimes you just need fresh ideas for what to do with extra basil from the garden right now.
There are countless ways to incorporate this fragrant herb into your daily meals.
1. Toss It Into Salads And Sandwiches
Whole basil leaves are a fantastic addition to green salads, and they pair beautifully with tomatoes and mozzarella.
You can also stack big leaves onto sandwiches and burgers for a burst of fresh flavor.
Try swapping lettuce for basil on a turkey or grilled chicken sandwich, and you won’t regret it.
This is the easiest way to use extra basil from the garden while it’s at its peak.
2. Add It To Stir-Fries And Curries
Basil isn’t just for Italian food, it’s a star in many Asian dishes as well.
Thai basil is more common in those recipes, but sweet Italian basil also works wonderfully.
Stir a handful of fresh basil leaves into a hot pan of vegetables or a chicken stir-fry right at the end of cooking.
The heat will wilt the leaves and release their aromatic oils into the sauce.
You can also mix it into coconut curry for a fresh, herbaceous finish.
So, What To Do With Extra Basil From The Garden?
There are so many things to do with extra basil from the garden that you’ll never let a single leaf go to waste again.
The best answer to what to do with extra basil from the garden depends on how much you have and how you like to cook.
If you’re short on time, freeze whole leaves or make a quick batch of pesto.
If you want to be creative, try infusing oil or making a basil simple syrup.
And if you’re just looking for dinner inspiration, toss fresh leaves into your salads, sandwiches, and stir-fries.
No matter which method you choose, you’ll be able to savor the taste of your garden for many months to come.
So next time you’re facing a mountain of extra basil from the garden, pull out this guide and enjoy every last leaf.
Happy cooking, and enjoy that incredible homegrown flavor.