With this tip for How to Dry Fresh Basil, you’ll never need to buy dried basil in the spice section of your grocery store again!
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!
If you use this tip with homegrown herbs, you’ll even end up with Organic dried herbs… which can be a huge money-saver!
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! {SO much prettier than store bought herbs!} The flavor is just fabulous, too! Are you ready to dry some Basil??
Just follow these easy step by step instructions below…
How to Dry Fresh Basil
Related: 101+ Genius Kitchen Tips and Tricks!
What You’ll Need to Dry Basil:
- Fresh Basil Leaves
- Glass or Ceramic Microwaveable Plate
- Microwave-Safe Paper Towels
How to Dry Fresh Basil Leaves:
- 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.
- Store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place {like with your other spices}. Mini Mason Jars work great, or you could even use your old spice containers!
What Your Frugal Friends Are Saying About This Trick…
Erin writes: “Super easy and fast!”
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.”
What You’ll Need for Dried Basil:
Empty Spice Jars
Delicious Basil Recipe Inspiration:
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 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!
How to Keep Basil Fresh
Here’s an easy tip for How to keep Basil Fresh!
On the hunt for more DIY kitchen hacks? Become your own homemade seasonings genius with the help of these fun ideas below…
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 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!
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!
15+ DIY Seasoning Recipes
Cut your grocery bill and save BIG with these DIY Seasoning Recipes. You’ll love these easy spices and seasonings you can make at home!
20+ 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!
8 Chicken Marinade Recipes {+1 Amazing Steak Marinade}
Jazz up your chicken dinner with one of these Best Chicken Marinade Recipes!
101+ Genius Kitchen Tips and Tricks
Stock up on loads and loads of helpful ideas for making everything in your kitchen… EASIER!!
DIY Mason Jar Herb Garden
Enjoy fresh herbs year round with this easy DIY Mason Jar Herb Garden!
215+ 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.
Canning and Preserving for Beginners
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!
Homesteading 101! {Ultimate Guide for Homesteaders Today}
Savor every moment of the simpler life and take your homesteader skills to the next level with this ultimate guide for Homesteading 101!
Grocery Money Saving Tips:
How To Cut Your Grocery Bill In Half {25+ Brilliant Tips}
Want to know how to cut your grocery bill in half? Keep more cash in your wallet with these easy money saving tricks!
So don’t miss out on anything!! Follow along with The Frugal Girls here for more fun Frugal Tips, Recipes + more…
So have you tried this method for How to Dry Fresh Basil?
Leave a comment & share!
Mary says
Can you hang dry basil and can the florets be left on swell ?
Carman says
How long is the bbail good for use after it ha dried?
Laura says
Found this on Pinterest while looking up ways to preserve basil for the first time.
Just completed drying my basil…took about 20 minutes! and that’s because I was multi-tasking with other
kitchen duties! This was so easy and convenient!
Thanks!
Heidi says
Haha… your multi-tasking sounds like something I would do too, Laura. 🙂 So glad you liked the tip… I love having this fresh dried basil on hand for recipes.
Leslie says
I just dried them in the microwave as you suggested, very quick and easy! Have you experienced any flavor difference between the microwave method versus other methods as far as flavor? Just curious since this is my first time drying basil.
Heidi says
Hi Leslie ~ I honestly haven’t experienced any flavor difference at all. I use it in all my recipes now, and love it! 😉
Joan says
Do you wash and dry the basil first or can it be wet?
Heidi says
Hi Joan ~ it works best if it is dry to start with, so after washing… just allow to completely dry first. Hope that helps!