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There are so many delicious things to make with excess basil, and you don’t have to let a single leaf go to waste.
If you’ve got a thriving plant and are wondering what to make with excess basil, you’re in the right place because this fragrant herb is incredibly versatile in the kitchen.
From vibrant sauces to refreshing drinks, there are endless ways to use up that surplus, and many of these ideas take just minutes to prepare.
In this post, we will explore some of the best recipes for what to make with excess basil, so you can enjoy every last leaf.
Let’s dive in and turn that garden bounty into something truly special.
Why You’ll Love Finding Ways To Use Excess Basil
First, it’s important to know that excess basil is a wonderful problem to have.
Basil is a tender annual that grows quickly and abundantly, especially in warm summer months.
When you have excess basil, you’re holding onto a powerhouse of flavor that beats anything from the store.
Using excess basil in your cooking means you get the freshest, most aromatic experience possible.
Plus, there’s a deep satisfaction in knowing you’re making what to make with excess basil directly from your own garden.
And let’s not forget that this herb is packed with vitamins and antioxidants, so every dish you create is both tasty and healthy.
Here are some of my favorite ways to enjoy it.
1. Pesto Is The Classic Answer
When people ask what to make with excess basil, pesto is almost always the first thing that comes to mind.
This is because pesto is so simple, and it freezes beautifully for later use.
All you need is fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and good olive oil.
Blend everything in a food processor, and you’ll have a thick, fragrant sauce in about five minutes.
You can use excess basil to make a big batch of pesto that will last for months if stored right.
Simply spoon the pesto into ice cube trays and freeze it, then pop a cube into pasta, soups, or marinades whenever you need a flavor boost.
This is a perfect way to use excess basil that you can enjoy all winter long.
2. Basil-Infused Oils And Vinegars
Making basil-infused oil is another brilliant option for what to make with excess basil.
Gently warm olive oil with fresh basil leaves to draw out the herb’s essential oils.
Let it cool, then strain it into a clean bottle for a gorgeous, aromatic finishing oil.
You can drizzle this over salads, grilled vegetables, or fresh bread for an instant upgrade.
Basil vinegar is just as easy, and it works wonderfully in salad dressings.
Just pack a jar full of excess basil and cover it with white wine vinegar, then let it sit for a week or two.
The result is a tangy, herbaceous vinegar that makes you wonder why you ever bought store-bought versions.
These infused creations are lovely gifts, too, so you can share your excess basil with friends.
Fresh And Simple Ideas For Excess Basil
If you want to use excess basil right away without any cooking, there are plenty of quick dishes.
Making what to make with excess basil can be as simple as tossing a handful into your favorite salad.
The fresh, peppery flavor of basil adds depth to everything from a Caprese salad to a simple green mix.
You can also use excess basil to create a fantastic basil butter.
Mix softened butter with finely chopped basil, a bit of garlic, and some lemon zest.
Then, roll it into a log, chill it, and slice off pats of herby butter to melt over grilled steak or corn.
It’s one of the most straightforward and satisfying ways to use excess basil, and it takes less than ten minutes to put together.
1. Caprese And Beyond
Tomato and basil are a match made in heaven, especially when you have excess basil to spare.
Lay out thick slices of ripe tomato with fresh mozzarella and tuck whole basil leaves between them.
A drizzle of balsamic glaze and olive oil makes this a classic summer dish that will vanish quickly.
But don’t stop there because you can use excess basil to top homemade pizzas right before serving.
A handful of torn leaves adds a burst of freshness that balances the rich cheese and sauce.
You can also add it to sandwiches, wraps, or even your morning scrambled eggs for a surprise kick of flavor.
The key is to remember that basil is delicate, so add it at the end of cooking to preserve its aroma.
2. Refreshing Basil Drinks
Your excess basil isn’t just for food because it makes some incredible beverages, too.
What to make with excess basil includes lemonade, and the combination is seriously refreshing.
Muddle basil leaves with sugar and lemon juice, then top with cold water and ice.
The herb’s sweet, slightly minty notes turn plain lemonade into something you’ll crave all summer.
You can also blend excess basil into a simple syrup by boiling equal parts sugar and water with a big handful of leaves.
Strain out the leaves, and you’ll have a green syrup that’s perfect for cocktails, iced tea, or sparkling water.
Try a basil mojito or a basil gin fizz, and you’ll see why this herb is a bartender’s secret weapon.
It’s a creative way to use excess basil that will impress everyone at your next gathering.
Preserving Excess Basil For The Future
Beyond immediate recipes, learning what to make with excess basil includes preserving it for later.
Freezing is the easiest method because you don’t need any special equipment.
You can freeze whole leaves on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag once solid.
Or, you can puree excess basil with a little oil and freeze that puree in ice cube trays.
Drying is another timeless method, and it works well if you have a dehydrator or a cool, dark place.
Just hang small bunches upside down until the leaves are crisp, then crumble them into jars.
Keep in mind that dried basil is more concentrated, so you’ll use less in your future cooking.
These preserving techniques mean you’ll never have to wonder what to make with excess basil again.
Instead, you’ll be ready for any recipe that calls for that bright, herbal flavor.
1. Basil Salt And Sugar
For a unique twist, you can use excess basil to make flavored salts and sugars.
Blend coarse sea salt with fresh basil leaves until they’re finely ground together.
Spread the mixture out to dry, and you’ll have an aromatic basil salt that’s perfect for rimming glasses or seasoning meats.
Similarly, basil sugar is incredible in baking or for sweetening tea.
Just combine sugar with basil leaves and process until well mixed, then let it dry.
These homemade seasonings are a lovely way to use excess basil in a way that’s totally unexpected.
And since they last for months, they’re a practical solution to a surplus harvest.
So, What To Make With Excess Basil?
So, what to make with excess basil? You can make so many wonderful things.
You can make pesto, infused oils, fresh salads, herb butters, tasty drinks, and even long-lasting preserves.
The answer to what to make with excess basil is limited only by your imagination and your appetite.
Whether you prefer savory dishes or sweet treats, basil has a place in all of them.
Remember to harvest leaves regularly to encourage even more growth, and you’ll keep having excess basil all season.
Try a few of these ideas this week, and you’ll quickly see that too much basil is never a bad thing.
So get creative in the kitchen and make the most of that fragrant, vibrant herb.
Your taste buds will thank you.