You’ll never need to buy dried basil at the grocery store again once you know How to Dry Fresh Basil! It tastes so much better, and saves SO much money!
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.
Related: Easy Gardening Tips and Tricks (How to Grow Your Own Food)
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.
Here’s what you’ll do…
1. Place 1 paper towel flat on your plate.
2. Lay out Basil Leaves in a single layer on the paper towel.
3. Place another paper towel on top.
4. 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.)
5. After dry, simply crumble and crush the basil leaves with your fingers.
6. When you finished, store it in an airtight container in a cool, dark place… like your spice cabinet.
Mini Mason Jars work great for storage, or you could even use an old cleaned out spice container.
Drying Basil Reviews
Here’s 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.
How Long Does Dried Basil Last?
When stored properly, dried basil is best used within 1 – 3 years.
Beyond that, the intensity of the flavor will gradually fade over time.
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!
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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
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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!
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Easy Homemade Seasoning Recipes
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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!
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No need to buy expensive store-bought Fajita Seasoning ever again!
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So have you tried this method for How to Dry Fresh Basil?
Leave a comment & share!
Can you hang dry basil and can the florets be left on swell ?
Yes… you can hang dry basil. 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. After the leaves have dried, you can remove from the stem. Hope that helps!
How long is the bbail good for use after it ha dried?
After your basil has dried, store it in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. I like to use it within 1 – 3 years. Beyond that, the intensity of the flavor will gradually fade over time.
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!
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.
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.
Hi Leslie ~ I honestly haven’t experienced any flavor difference at all. I use it in all my recipes now, and love it! 😉
Do you wash and dry the basil first or can it be wet?
Hi Joan ~ it works best if it is dry to start with, so after washing… just allow to completely dry first. Hope that helps!