What To Do With Surplus Basil

What to do with surplus basil comes down to a few simple, delicious strategies that keep this fragrant herb from going to waste.

If you’ve got more basil than you can possibly use in caprese salads or on top of pasta, you’ve hit the gardening jackpot, but you also have a kitchen challenge on your hands.

Surplus basil is a beautiful problem, and the good news is that this herb is incredibly forgiving when it comes to preservation and creative cooking.

In this post, we’ll explore exactly what to do with surplus basil, from freezing and drying to blending into sauces and even baking it into desserts.

Let’s dive into the best ways to handle your basil bounty so not a single leaf goes to waste.

 

Why You Shouldn’t Let Surplus Basil Go Bad

Letting surplus basil wilt in the fridge is a common tragedy, but it’s completely avoidable with a little planning.

Fresh basil has a short shelf life once picked, so taking action within a day or two is key to keeping that vibrant flavor intact.

The good news is that surplus basil actually becomes an asset when you transform it, and each preservation method locks in that peppery, sweet taste for months.

Here’s why dealing with surplus basil right away matters so much.

 

1. Basil Loses Its Punch Quickly

Surplus basil left sitting on the counter turns black and mushy surprisingly fast.

The delicate leaves contain essential oils that evaporate within hours of being cut, which means the longer you wait, the less flavor you’ll have.

Preserving surplus basil immediately traps those oils at their peak, so your future soups and sauces taste like mid-summer all year long.

 

2. It Saves You Money

When you figure out what to do with surplus basil, you stop throwing money into the compost bin.

A single basil plant can produce pounds of leaves over a season, and fresh basil at the store costs several dollars for just a small bunch.

Turning surplus basil into pesto or frozen cubes means you’ll never pay premium prices for herbs in the winter again.

 

3. You Get to Experiment in the Kitchen

Surplus basil gives you the freedom to try recipes you’d normally skip because you didn’t want to buy a whole bunch.

Instead of just sticking to Italian dishes, you can infuse oils, make basil butter, or even add it to lemonade for a refreshing twist.

The possibilities for surplus basil are endless once you stop seeing it as a garnish and start treating it as a main ingredient.

 

Best Ways to Preserve Surplus Basil for Later

If you want to know what to do with surplus basil so it lasts for months, preservation is your best friend.

The goal is to stop the enzymes that cause wilting and lock in that aromatic flavor, and there are several foolproof methods to do exactly that.

Below are the top techniques, each suited for different ways you’ll want to use the basil later.

 

1. Freeze Whole Leaves for Quick Use

Freezing is the easiest answer for what to do with surplus basil when you’re short on time.

You can freeze whole leaves by spreading them on a baking sheet in a single layer and popping them in the freezer.

Once they’re solid, transfer the leaves to a zip-top bag, and they’ll keep for up to six months.

Frozen whole basil leaves are perfect for tossing directly into simmering sauces, stews, or stir-fries where they’ll wilt right in.

 

2. Make Basil Ice Cubes for Soups and Sauces

Another brilliant method for surplus basil is chopping it finely and packing it into ice cube trays.

Fill each compartment with the chopped basil, then top it off with water, olive oil, or even chicken broth.

Freeze the trays until solid, then pop the cubes into a freezer bag for easy portioning.

These basil cubes are a godsend when you need a quick flavor boost, just drop one or two into a hot pan and watch them melt into your dish.

 

3. Dry It for Long-Term Storage

Drying surplus basil is a classic method that gives you a shelf-stable herb for your spice rack.

You can use a food dehydrator, a very low oven, or simply hang small bunches upside down in a dry, dark place.

Just make sure the leaves are completely crisp before storing them in an airtight jar, as any moisture will cause mold.

Dried basil won’t have the same vibrant green color as fresh, but it’s perfect for seasoning roasted vegetables, soups, and breads.

 

4. Blend It With Oil for a Sauce Base

Pureeing surplus basil with olive oil is a smart move that gives you a concentrated paste for cooking.

Add the basil and oil to a food processor with a pinch of salt, then pulse until you have a smooth, thick consistency.

Scrape the mixture into a jar and top with a thin layer of oil to seal out air, which helps it stay fresh in the fridge for a couple of weeks.

This basil paste is an incredible shortcut for pasta dishes, marinades, or brushing onto grilled bread.

 

Delicious Recipes to Use Up Surplus Basil Now

Preserving is great, but sometimes surplus basil is just too good to store away, and you want to eat it fresh right now.

Using surplus basil in big-batch recipes is the best way to enjoy it at its peak and share it with friends.

These dishes are designed to handle large quantities, so you can really put a dent in that basil harvest.

 

1. Classic Pesto That Freezes Beautifully

Pesto is the undisputed champion when it comes to what to do with surplus basil, and for good reason.

This sauce uses a massive amount of leaves, easily two to three cups per batch, and it freezes perfectly.

Blend the basil with pine nuts or walnuts, garlic, Parmesan, and a good olive oil, then freeze it in small jars or ice cube trays.

You’ll have a jar of summer ready to toss with pasta or spread on sandwiches any night of the week.

 

2. Basil-Infused Olive Oil for Drizzling

Making a basil-infused oil is another elegant way to handle surplus basil that relies on gentle heat.

Warm olive oil in a saucepan over low heat with a generous handful of bruised basil leaves, then let it steep for a few hours.

Strain out the leaves and bottle the oil for use in salad dressings, marinades, or as a finishing drizzle on pizza.

The gentle heat pulls the flavor out of surplus basil without burning the delicate leaves.

 

3. Compound Basil Butter for Everything

If you’re looking for what to do with surplus basil that adds instant flavor to any meal, make compound butter.

Mix softened butter with a big handful of finely chopped basil and a squeeze of lemon juice, then roll it into a log in plastic wrap.

Chill the log until firm, then slice off rounds to melt over steaks, corn on the cob, or warm crusty bread.

It’s a simple way to use a lot of surplus basil while making every meal feel special.

 

4. Basil Simple Syrup for Drinks

Surplus basil isn’t just for savory dishes, it makes an amazing simple syrup for cocktails and lemonade.

Simmer equal parts sugar and water with a large handful of basil leaves for about ten minutes, then strain and cool.

This fragrant syrup sweetens iced tea, mojitos, or even a sparkling soda with a uniquely herbal lift.

It’s a surprising and delightful answer to what to do with surplus basil that will impress your guests.

 

So, What to Do with Surplus Basil?

What to do with surplus basil is entirely up to you, but the best approach combines preservation with immediate enjoyment.

You can freeze whole leaves, blend them into pesto, dry them for spice jars, or infuse them into oils and butters.

Surplus basil doesn’t have to be stressful, it’s an opportunity to fill your freezer and pantry with incredible flavor.

So the next time your basil plant explodes with growth, know that you have all these tools at your disposal.

Grab that harvest, get creative, and enjoy your surplus basil in as many delicious ways as you can dream up.