How to Dry Fresh Basil Leaves in 90 Seconds (It Works!)

With this tip for How to Dry Fresh Basil, you’ll never need to buy dried basil at the grocery store again!

Be sure to also try these easy methods for How To Dry Fresh Rosemary and How to Dry Oregano!

How to Dry Fresh Basil

So… have you ever wondered How to Dry Fresh Basil?  I’ve got a secret for you.  It’s ridiculously easy to make your own dried herbs.

Crazy, right?

In addition to making DIY Seasoning Recipes, I love drying my own herbs at home!

Cath writes: “This worked great!  Easy peasy!"

If you use this tip with homegrown herbs, you’ll even end up with Organic dried herbs.  This can be a huge money-saver!

Plus, you’ll notice the flavor of your own DIY dried herbs is far better than what you can get at the grocery store.

There are a few different ways to dry herbs, but the microwave drying method for herbs is my favorite.  It’s quick, simple, and the herbs retain their gorgeous, vibrant color!

This dried basil is also so much prettier than store bought herbs. The flavor is just fabulous, too!

So are you ready to dry some Basil??

Just follow these easy step by step instructions below to start drying your own fresh basil at home…

Related: Genius Kitchen Tips and Tricks

How Do You Dry Basil?

It’s actually really easy!

There are two simple methods to dry your Basil at home and save it for later use.

You can either use your microwave to dry up the leaves quickly.

Or just let your leaves dry out naturally over the course of a few weeks.

How to Dry Basil – Supplies Needed

You’ll just need a few basic supplies to dry your basil.

You likely already have all of these items laying around your home somewhere…

• Fresh Basil Leaves
• Glass or Ceramic Microwaveable Plate + Microwave-Safe Paper Towels
• OR Rubber Band + Twine

That’s it.  Super simple.

If you don’t have any of these items, you can easily pick them up next time you are out and about.

How to Dry Fresh Basil in the Microwave

It takes just a few simple steps and literally a few seconds of your time to dry your fresh basil in the microwave.

Place 1 paper towel flat on your plate

Lay out Basil Leaves in a single layer on the paper towel.

Place another paper towel on top.

Microwave 30 seconds, then in 15 second increments until leaves are dry.

(time will vary depending on the size of leaves – smaller leaves will dry much faster, and require less time – my larger leaves are usually dried out and ready after 90 seconds or so.)

After dry, simply crumble and crush the basil leaves with your fingers.

When you finished, store it in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.  Like with your other spices.

Mini Mason Jars also work great.

Or you could even use your old spice containers!

Drying Basil Reviews

What Your Frugal Friends Are Saying About The Microwave Method…

Trish writes: “It worked amazing in the microwave”

Phyllis writes: “A great way to dry Basil! Beautiful green when done.”

Erin writes: “Super easy and fast!”

Patsy writes: “Loved this!!! Feel like I’ve accomplished something by “making” my own herb/spice. It was so easy, and the aroma while drying was delightful. Thank you for sharing. (Cheaper than buying in the store).”

Cindy writes: “Aromatic and amazing”

Becky writes: “Used your method which worked out great. Tried it on chicken and was delicious.”

Kelly writes: “Worked out beautifully!!! One minute 45 seconds was perfect!!!

Will do this from now on with my garden herbs before Winter hits so I have plenty on hand…until I plant again in Spring.”

Sue writes: “Worked great… have used the dried basil in sauce and it’s very good.

Will never have to buy this again. And never throw away those gorgeous leaves again or let them die off!!”

Cath writes: “This worked great! I have tons of basil to dry. I did several rounds through the microwave, then I reused the same paper towels and same plate.

No problems. Easy peasy! Used it for drying oregano too. Only needed about 1 min 30 sec to dry the oregano.”

Joe writes: “We’ve used the microwave method for basil, rosemary, and oregano.”

How to Air Dry Basil

No Microwave?  No problem!

You can also dry your basil using a dehydrator.

Or here’s an old-fashioned method that works just as well…

1. Take a bundle of basil leaves from your garden (or leftovers from the grocery store), fasten the ends with a rubber band, then leave as is, or tie some twine around them for easier hanging.
2. Hang them upside, and allow to dry completely inside your home.
3. Leaves should be dry within 1 – 2 weeks, depending on how humid your home is.  If you’re in a humid climate, it may take a bit longer.
4. After the leaves are dry, remove them from the stem.
5. Discard the stems, then gently crumble and crush the basil leaves with your fingers.

Then store it in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.  Like your pantry or spice cabinet.

I like to use mini mason jars.

Or even old glass spice containers to store mine.

Dried Basil Uses

Now that you have delicious dried basil, there are so many amazing ways to put this tasty herb to use in your dishes!

Here are a few of my favorites…

• Chili Seasoning – Mix up some homemade chili seasoning to create your own 5-star chili at home!  Trust me… this seasoning is a game changer!
• Garlic Parmesan Pull-Apart Bread Bites – grab your slow cooker and get ready for this outrageously delicious Italian dinner side!
• Marinara Sauce – Add it to your pasta sauce to amp up the flavor.
• Pizza Sauce – Add it to your pizza sauce for a magnificent flavor upgrade.
• Tomato Basil Chicken – Cook up some Crockpot chicken Italian style for one of the EASIEST dinners you’ll make this week.
• Homemade Pizza Dough – take your homemade pizza to the next level when you add some delicious dried basil to your dough!

Delicious Basil Recipes

There is one thing about basil that is always true.

You can never have enough of it!

So treat yourself and your whole family this week when you try some of these tempting basil inspired recipes…

Easy Basil Pesto Recipe

Nothing beats fresh homemade, and this Easy Basil Pesto Recipe will have your tastebuds doing the happy dance!

How to Freeze Homemade Basil Pesto

Never run out of Pesto again! You’ll love this easy little tip for How to Freeze Pesto!

Crock Pot Tomato Basil Chicken Recipe

Make amazing things happen in the kitchen when you make this yummy Crock Pot Tomato Basil Chicken Recipe!

More Basil Tips and Tricks

How to Grow Basil From Cuttings

Expand your basil garden this year with this simple trick for How to Grow Basil From Cuttings!

How to Keep Basil Fresh

Here’s an easy tip for How to keep Basil Fresh!

More Ways To Preserve Herbs

On the hunt for more DIY kitchen hacks?

Become your own homemade seasonings genius with the help of these fun ideas below.

It’s time to add cheaper, better quality seasonings to your spice cabinet…

How to Dry Oregano

This is seriously so easy… you’ll never want to pay for Oregano on the spice aisle again!!  It takes only a couple of minutes, and is such a fabulous way to save a little extra money!

Drying Fresh Rosemary in 60 Seconds

Save money on herbs with this easy trick for Drying Fresh Rosemary in 60 seconds!

How to Dry Thyme Leaves in 2 Minutes!

Making your garden fresh Thyme last all year long is easy with this tip for how to Dry Thyme Leaves.

How to Dry Dill

Once you know How to Dry Dill, you’ll be able to easily preserve your fresh dill from the garden or leftover dill from the grocery store! It’s so easy!

How to Dry Sage Leaves Fast

Try my simple tips for how to Dry Sage Leaves so you can save money and always have a plentiful supply of sage on hand!

How to Dry Cilantro Leaves

Let me show you how to Dry Cilantro Leaves, so you can enjoy the yummy citrus like flavor of cilantro anytime you want!

How to Dry Parsley Leaves Fast (Dried Herb Trick)

When you grow parsley in your garden like I do, you really need to know how to Dry Parsley and keep it green for later!

DIY Mason Jar Herb Garden

Enjoy fresh herbs year round with this easy DIY Mason Jar Herb Garden!

55 Easy Gardening Tips and Tricks for Beginners!

You don’t have to spend a lot of money to create a fabulous garden.  So go grab your shovel, and get inspired with these helpful Gardening Tips and Tricks you’ll wish you tried sooner.

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There’s just something so satisfying about the entire process of preserving your own food.  As an added bonus, it tastes so much better, too!

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Savor every moment of the simpler life and take your homesteader skills to the next level with this ultimate guide for Homesteading 101!

Easy Homemade Seasoning Recipes

Buttermilk Ranch Dressing Mix Recipe

This Ranch tastes absolutely amazing!!  Ever wonder what makes Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing Mix so amazingly delicious??  It’s the Buttermilk!!

Chicken Dry Rub Recipe

So easy, so versatile, so easy to tweak to your families liking!!  If you need a versatile Chicken Dry Rub Recipe, you just found it!

Easy Homemade Fajita Seasoning Recipe

No need to buy expensive store-bought Fajita Seasoning ever again!

21 DIY Seasoning Recipes

Cut your grocery bill and score big flavors with these DIY Seasoning Recipes. You’ll love these easy spices and seasonings you can make at home!

31 Sauce Recipes for Chicken (Easy Homemade Sauces)

If you love sauce, then you’ll love making your own at home with these easy homemade sauce recipes for chicken!

Grocery Money Saving Tips

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Make your next trip to Walmart extra thrifty when you use my favorite money saving tips for scoring the best Walmart Grocery Deals!

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Start scoring yourself some fabulous Sam’s Club Deals and Steals when you are prepped with these little-known shopping hacks!

How To Save BIG on Groceries This Week (35 Best Ways)

Want to know how to cut your grocery bill in half?  Keep more cash in your wallet with these easy money saving tricks!

So have you tried this method for How to Dry Fresh Basil?

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