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What to do with cinnamon basil is a fun question because this herb is so much more than a pretty garnish.
You can do plenty of things with cinnamon basil, from brewing it into tea to whipping up sweet desserts.
If you’ve been wondering what to do with cinnamon basil, you’re in the right place because this aromatic herb brings a spicy, warming kick to your kitchen.
Cinnamon basil has that classic basil look but with a distinct cinnamon-like aroma and a subtle clove undertone.
It’s not just for looks either, and what to do with cinnamon basil goes way beyond tossing it into a salad.
In this post, we’ll explore the many ways to use cinnamon basil, from drinks and meals to simple preservation tricks.
Let’s dig into the delicious possibilities.
Why You Should Cook With Cinnamon Basil
Cinnamon basil deserves a permanent spot in your herb garden because it’s incredibly versatile.
Unlike sweet basil, cinnamon basil holds up well to heat, so you can add it early in the cooking process without losing its punch.
The flavor is warm and slightly sweet, which makes it a perfect bridge between savory and sweet dishes.
When you’re thinking about what to do with cinnamon basil, just remember that it can replace regular basil in many recipes, but it shines brightest when you lean into its spicy notes.
Here are the top ways to make the most of cinnamon basil in your everyday cooking.
1. Infuse It Into Teas and Beverages
One of the simplest answers to what to do with cinnamon basil is to steep it into a comforting herbal tea.
Add a handful of fresh cinnamon basil leaves to hot water and let them sit for five minutes.
The result is a naturally caffeine-free drink with a gentle cinnamon sweetness that’s perfect for unwinding.
You can also blend cinnamon basil into lemonade or iced tea for a refreshing twist.
Muddle a few leaves at the bottom of a glass, add your favorite drink, and you’ll taste that spicy kick immediately.
Cinnamon basil works beautifully in cocktails too, so try it in a mojito or a simple gin and tonic.
The leaves release their aromatic oils quickly, so a light muddle is all you need.
2. Use It in Sweet Baked Goods
If you’re wondering what to do with cinnamon basil that feels a little more indulgent, try it in baking.
Chop the leaves finely and fold them into cookie dough, muffin batter, or even shortbread.
Cinnamon basil pairs amazingly with fruits like apples, pears, and peaches, so add it to a fruit crisp or a simple cake.
The herb also loves chocolate, so consider sprinkling chopped cinnamon basil over a dark chocolate dessert.
You can even make a cinnamon basil simple syrup by simmering sugar, water, and leaves together.
That syrup is a game-changer for drizzling over pancakes, waffles, or vanilla ice cream.
Suddenly, what to do with cinnamon basil becomes a whole lot more exciting.
3. Make a Flavored Butter or Oil
Another fantastic answer to what to do with cinnamon basil is to create a compound butter.
Soften some butter, mix in finely chopped cinnamon basil leaves, and roll it into a log.
Chill it, then slice off pieces to melt over grilled corn, roasted chicken, or fresh bread.
Similarly, you can infuse olive oil with cinnamon basil by gently warming the leaves in the oil and letting it cool.
Use that oil for salad dressings, marinades, or a final drizzle over roasted vegetables.
These infused fats capture the herb’s essence and make it easy to add cinnamon basil flavor to almost any meal.
It’s one of the easiest ways to answer what to do with cinnamon basil when you have a big harvest.
Savory Dishes That Love Cinnamon Basil
Cinnamon basil isn’t just for sweets, it’s a star in savory meals too.
The warm spice notes make it a great match for grilled meats, hearty stews, and even pasta.
When you think about what to do with cinnamon basil, don’t be afraid to get creative with dinner.
1. Add It to Curries and Stir-Fries
Because cinnamon basil holds up to heat, it’s perfect for curries and stir-fries.
Toss a handful of leaves into your pan during the last few minutes of cooking.
They’ll wilt slightly while releasing their aroma into the sauce.
Try it in a Thai-style curry, a coconut-based soup, or a simple vegetable stir-fry.
The cinnamon basil will add a layer of complexity that regular basil just can’t match.
You’ll find that what to do with cinnamon basil becomes a no-brainer on busy weeknights.
2. Chicken and Pork Pair Perfectly With Cinnamon Basil
Poultry and pork have a mild sweetness that pairs beautifully with cinnamon basil.
Stuff the leaves under the skin of a chicken before roasting, or chop them into a marinade for pork chops.
You can also make a quick salsa verde by blending cinnamon basil with garlic, olive oil, and a splash of vinegar.
That sauce is fantastic over grilled chicken or even a simple piece of fish.
So if you’re stuck on what to do with cinnamon basil for dinner, look no further than your protein.
3. Fresh Salads and Grain Bowls
Of course, cinnamon basil is delicious fresh too, and you can enjoy it raw in salads.
Tear the leaves into a green salad, or mix them into a grain bowl with quinoa, roasted veggies, and a tangy dressing.
The herb’s sweetness balances out acidic ingredients like lemon juice or balsamic vinegar.
You can even layer cinnamon basil into sandwiches or wraps for an unexpected flavor boost.
The options for what to do with cinnamon basil are truly endless.
How to Store and Preserve Cinnamon Basil
When you have a big bunch of cinnamon basil, you’ll want to know what to do with cinnamon basil so none goes to waste.
Fresh cinnamon basil stores well for a few days, but preservation extends its life for months.
Here are the best methods to keep that spicy flavor around.
1. Freeze It in Oil or Water
Freezing is one of the simplest preservation methods.
Chop the leaves and pack them into ice cube trays, then cover them with olive oil or water.
Once frozen, pop the cubes into a zip-top bag and keep them in the freezer.
You can drop a cube directly into soups, sauces, or stews whenever you need a burst of cinnamon basil.
This makes answering what to do with cinnamon basil super convenient all year round.
2. Dry Cinnamon Basil for Spice Blends
Drying cinnamon basil is another great option.
Bundle the stems together and hang them upside down in a dry, dark place.
Once the leaves are completely crisp, crumble them into a jar and store them away from light.
Dried cinnamon basil is perfect for spice rubs, herbal salts, or simply sprinkling into rice.
It won’t have the same bright flavor as fresh, but it’s still a wonderful way to answer what to do with cinnamon basil.
3. Make a Pesto or Chimichurri
You can also blend cinnamon basil into a pesto using nuts, garlic, cheese, and olive oil.
It freezes beautifully, so you can portion it out and enjoy it for months.
Spread it on sandwiches, toss it with pasta, or use it as a marinade.
Chimichurri works the same way, just skip the cheese and add more vinegar and herbs.
These sauces are delicious, practical, and a total win for what to do with cinnamon basil.
So, What To Do With Cinnamon Basil?
What to do with cinnamon basil is simple, use it everywhere.
You can brew it into tea, bake it into sweets, and stir it into curries with amazing results.
Cinnamon basil also makes fantastic infused butter, oil, and pesto for easy weeknight meals.
The best approach is to start small, maybe with a simple tea or a butter, then branch out.
Before you know it, you’ll be adding cinnamon basil to almost everything you cook.
So grab a fresh bunch, get creative, and enjoy all the wonderful things you can do with cinnamon basil.