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If you have have a lot of fresh Basil Leaves, we will show you How to Dry Basil. These quick and easy methods will help you preserve it to use on your favorite recipes.

A wooden square bowl filled with dried basil herbs is on a white surface. A wooden spoon with more basil is placed nearby, hinting at techniques for how to dry basil. A gray-striped cloth is partially visible to the right, completing the cozy scene.
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Basil is a delicious herb that adds flavor to pizza, casseroles, roasted vegetables and more. These oven drying tips and tricks will show you how to easily dry basil leaves without a food dehydrator. We love to make this Bruschetta with fresh tomatoes for a delicious appetizer recipe before making Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole.

If you love making Homemade Spaghetti Tomato Sauce Recipe add fresh basil and fresh oregano for a delicious recipe.

Why to Dry Basil?

We like to dry out basil because it allows this flavorful herb to last longer. It may be confusing on when to use the dry version or when to use the fresh version. You will find that using the dry version has a more concentrated flavor than the fresh basil.

Some may prefer the fresh flavor but what to preserve it so that it can be used for a longer period. There are three ways to keep that fresh flavor without drying it out and harvesting basil.

  • Freeze Pesto – Make Pesto and freeze. There are many Pesto dishes that would it would be amazing in. Try our Crock Pot Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe.
  • Freeze Fresh Basil Leaves – To keep basil leaves in its freshest form, freeze them.
  • Make Herb Bombs – This is a simple process of chopping fresh basil in a food processor with oil or water to make a paste. Then freeze in herb bombs in a ice tray for an easy fresh flavor basil to add to many recipes.

What Do You Need

Basil plant on a cutting board
  • Fresh Basil – You can get from the grocery store or a local farmer’s market
  • Baking Sheet – Any type of baking sheet will work

Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe in the recipe card.

How to Dry Basil Leaves

  • Step 1 – Prepare Basil and Oven – Wash the dirt from the basil and thoroughly pat dry the fresh basil plant with a clean kitchen towels to remove moisture. You can also use a salad spinner. Preheat the oven to 170 degrees F.
  • Step 2 – Place Basil on Baking Sheet – Then spread out the basil on a baking sheet in a single layer line with parchment paper. Make sure that the basil does not touch or over lap.
A baking sheet displays fresh basil leaves of varying sizes and shades of green, scattered randomly on the metallic surface—a hint for how to dry basil. A partial view of a checkered cloth peeks in from the top left corner.
  • Step 3 – Bake Basil in Oven – Then place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the basil leaves are dry and crumble easily.
  • Step 4 – Bake until Basil is Dry – Make sure to check the basil regularly while it’s cooking as you want the basil dry but not browned from baking.
  • Step 5 – Continue Baking it not Dry – If the basil is not dry after 30 minutes, continue to bake it in 5 minute intervals until the basil is dry.
Dried mint leaves, much like the carefully preserved basil from 'How to Dry Basil' guides, are elegantly scattered on a light gray surface.
  • Step 6 – Break into smaller pieces – Crumb the leaves with your fingers so that the basil is in smaller pieces
  • Step 7 – Continue process – Continue this process until all the basil leaves are crumbled.
A small pile of dried Italian seasoning mix is scattered on a light-colored surface. The finely chopped herbs, showcasing a blend of green and brownish hues, evoke the flavor one might achieve when learning how to dry basil for perfect culinary use.
  • Step 8 – Store in Airtight Container – Then transfer the dried basil to an spice jars or glass jar container with good air circulation and store in a cool, dry place.

How to Dry Fresh Basil

Fresh Basil can also be dried in the Microwave. This is an easy process and an option if you don’t want to heat in the oven.

  • Get a Microwave Safe Plate – Place basil between two paper towels on the plate.
  • Heat Basil in Spurts – You heat microwave to 45 seconds, then 30 seconds, then another 30 seconds.
  • Dry Basil – Your basil should look dry and shriveled.
  • Heating time varies – The heating time will vary. So it might take your microwave 10 mores seconds to get dried herbs.

Different Methods to Drying Basil

Here is a quick guide in drying Basil. This guide shows you the quickest way to the best way in drying basil.

  • Microwave – Microwaving Basil is the fastest way to dry basil. Dries in about 90 seconds. It has the least flavor retention but is the most convenient.
  • Food Dehydrated – Using dehydrated is a great way to dry basil on dehydrator trays at the lowest setting. It is also the best and retaining the flavor. But it does take awhile to dry them when using the herb setting. It could take a couple of hours or up to 24 hours to get dried basil.
  • Air Dry Basil – Air drying is also a great way to retain the flavor of dried basil. But it takes about 4 to 5 weeks for the basil to dry.
  • Oven – Drying basil in the oven is our best recommendation. It gives it the best flavor and it is the most convenient. You want to bake until dry and be careful not to burn it.
A wooden bowl filled with dried herbs, perfect for learning how to dry basil at home. A wooden measuring spoon labeled "½ tbsp" rests inside, set on a white surface with part of a striped cloth adding charm in the background.

Can you Dry Basil without a Microwave or a Oven?

Yes, if you prefer to not use a microwave or a oven to dry your basil you can hang dry the basil.

  • Wash and Dry Basil with a towel.
  • Tie a bunch of Basil together with their stems.
  • Then hang them in a dry, cool place high in your kitchen.
  • This process takes about 4 – 5 weeks to fully dry out basil.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Dried Basil to Fresh Basil

When trying to figure out how much dried basil to add when your recipe calls for fresh basil is simple to figure out. One tablespoon of fresh herbs is one teaspoon of dried basil. For example, if a soup recipe calls for a cup of fresh basil, you can substitute with 2 to 3 tablespoons of dried basil.

What is the Best Way to Maximize Flavor?

To maximize the flavor of basil, store as whole basil. When the basil is crushed it releases the flavor and oils. We recommend crushing the basil close to the time you are using it in your dish. Make sure to store your basil in an air tight container.

How Long Does Dried Basil Last?

If stored in the pantry, your dried basil will last about a year. Make sure store dried basil in an airtight container to preserve your basil.
You can have two different containers, one for dried basil leaves and one for crushed basil. Then refill the crushed basil when you need. This keeps the basil fresh.

A bowl of dried basil with ½ teaspoon

Recipes with Dried Basil

Try Dry Basil in these delicious recipes. Using fresh herbs adds so much flavor.

1. Chicken Parmesan

A plate of spaghetti topped with a slice of chicken parmesan, covered in melted cheese and garnished with herbs. A fork holds a portion of the delicious Chicken Parmesan recipe, and the dish is served on a white plate.
Chicken Parmesan
This Chicken Parmesan Recipe is so easy but tastes like restaurant quality. Enjoy classic chicken parmigiana with marinara sauce and cheese.
Chicken Parmesan

3. Skillet Bruschetta Chicken

Skillet Bruschetta Chicken
Your family will go crazy over this easy Bruschetta Chicken Recipe! It’s simple and so delicious.Try this Bruschetta Chicken Pasta Recipe. You will love it.
Skillet Bruschetta Chicken

4. Homemade Marinara Sauce

Homemade marinara sauce
Homemade marinara sauce recipe is so flavorful and very simple to make. Enjoy with any pasta dish or for dipping your favorite breadsticks.
Homemade marinara sauce

More Kitchen Hacks

If you try these tips and tricks on How to Dry Basil, please let us know by leaving us a comment.

How to Dry Basil

5 from 3 votes
If you have fresh Basil Leaves, we will show you How to Dry Basil Leaves. These easy methods will help you preserve it to use in your recipes.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 1
Cuisine American
Course Mixes and Seasonings
Calories 6

Ingredients

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Instructions

  • Wash and thoroughly dry the fresh basil. Preheat the oven to 170 degrees F.
  • Then spread out the basil on a baking sheet. Make sure that the basil does not touch or over lap.
  • Then place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the basil leaves are dry and crumble easily. Make sure to check the basil regularly while it’s cooking as you want the basil dry but not browned from baking. If the basil is not dry after 30 minutes, continue to bake it in 5 minute intervals until the basil is dry.
  • Crumb the leaves with your fingers so that the basil is in smaller pieces Continue this process until all the basil leaves are crumbled.
  • Then transfer the dried basil to an airtight container and store in a cool, dry place.

Recipe Video

Nutrition Facts

Calories 6kcal, Carbohydrates 1g, Protein 1g, Fat 0.1g, Saturated Fat 0.01g, Polyunsaturated Fat 0.1g, Monounsaturated Fat 0.02g, Sodium 1mg, Potassium 71mg, Fiber 0.4g, Sugar 0.1g, Vitamin A 1266IU, Vitamin C 4mg, Calcium 42mg, Iron 1mg

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About the Author

Hi, I’m Carrie. Welcome to Eating on a Dime!

I’m on a mission to help you cook delicious meals without busting your budget. Together we are going to cook real food… for real families!

5 from 3 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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Comments

  1. Tara says:

    5 stars
    I use Cilantro so often and was wondering if I could dry it in the same way?
    Thank you for all your wonderful and tasty recipes! ?

    1. Carrie Barnard says:

      Yes you can. I find it often looses some of the flavor when dried like most seasonings, so you will just need to use more.