What Can You Make With A Lot Of Basil

You can make a surprising number of things with a lot of basil, from simple pesto to creative desserts and even refreshing drinks.
 
When you have a lot of basil, the possibilities go far beyond just garnishing pasta or salads.
 
If you’ve got a bumper crop of basil and you’re wondering what can you make with a lot of basil, this post will give you plenty of tasty ideas.
 
We’ll explore classic uses, preservation tricks, and some unexpected ways to use a lot of basil so nothing goes to waste.
 
Let’s dive into the best ways to turn that mountain of basil into delicious meals and treats.
 

What Can You Make With a Lot of Basil That’s Classic and Easy?

When you have a lot of basil, the first thing that comes to mind is probably pesto, and for good reason.
 
Pesto is the ultimate answer to what can you make with a lot of basil because it uses a huge amount of leaves in one go.
 
You can make a classic basil pesto with just basil, pine nuts, garlic, parmesan, and olive oil.
 
The beauty of making pesto with a lot of basil is that it freezes beautifully, so you can enjoy summer’s flavor all year long.
 
Beyond pesto, you can also make a simple basil oil that’s perfect for drizzling over pizza, soups, or grilled vegetables.
 
Let’s look at some of the best classic recipes when you’re dealing with a lot of basil.
 

1. Large Batches of Basil Pesto

Making pesto is the most efficient way to use a lot of basil because you’ll need several cups of packed leaves for just one batch.
 
You can easily double or triple the recipe to handle your entire harvest.
 
To freeze pesto, spoon it into ice cube trays, freeze until solid, and then pop the cubes into a zip-top bag.
 
Each cube is the perfect portion for a quick pasta sauce, a marinade, or a flavor boost in soups.
 
This method ensures that having a lot of basil never feels like a burden.
 

2. Basil-Infused Oil or Vinegar

If you have a lot of basil, infusing oil or vinegar is a fantastic way to preserve the herb’s essence.
 
For basil oil, you’ll blanch the leaves briefly, then blend them with a neutral oil like grapeseed or olive oil.
 
Strain it for a bright, green drizzle or keep it chunky for a more rustic texture.
 
For vinegar, simply stuff a clean bottle with fresh basil and cover it with white wine vinegar.
 
Let it sit for a few weeks, and you’ll have a fragrant base for salad dressings and marinades.
 

Creative Ideas for Using a Lot of Basil in Drinks and Desserts

When you have a lot of basil, don’t limit yourself to savory dishes because basil shines in sweet and refreshing applications too.
 
You can use a lot of basil to make syrups, cocktails, and even ice cream.
 
Basil pairs surprisingly well with berries, citrus, and melon, making it a versatile ingredient for summer entertaining.
 
If you’re hosting a party, having a lot of basil means you can whip up a signature drink that will impress your guests.
 
Here are some creative ways to use a lot of basil beyond the dinner plate.
 

1. Basil Simple Syrup for Cocktails and Lemonade

A simple syrup made with a lot of basil is a game-changer for your home bar.
 
To make it, combine equal parts sugar and water, then add a generous handful of basil leaves.
 
Simmer gently for a few minutes, then let it steep for about 30 minutes before straining.
 
This basil syrup is incredible in mojitos, gin and tonics, or a simple glass of sparkling water.
 
You can also add it to homemade lemonade for a refreshing twist that uses a lot of basil.
 

2. Basil-Infused Honey for Desserts

When you’re wondering what can you make with a lot of basil, try infusing honey with fresh basil leaves.
 
Gently warm honey in a saucepan, add your basil, and let it steep for an hour off the heat.
 
This basil honey is amazing drizzled over vanilla ice cream, yogurt, or fresh fruit.
 
You can also use it to sweeten tea or glaze roasted carrots for a sweet-savory side dish.
 

Preserving a Lot of Basil for Long-Term Storage

If you still have a lot of basil after making pesto, oil, and syrup, preservation is your best friend.
 
Freezing basil leaves whole is a quick method for keeping them on hand.
 
Simply wash and dry the leaves thoroughly, then lay them on a baking sheet and freeze.
 
Once frozen, transfer the leaves to a freezer bag, and you’ll have basil ready to toss into cooked dishes.
 
Another great way to handle a lot of basil is drying it, though the flavor is milder than fresh.
 
Let’s explore the best preservation methods to ensure your basil lasts for months.
 

1. Freezing Whole Basil Leaves

Freezing whole leaves is one of the easiest ways to deal with a lot of basil.
 
The trick is to freeze them individually first so they don’t clump together into one giant block.
 
Once frozen, you can crumble them directly into soups, sauces, or stir-fries while cooking.
 
This method works best for cooked dishes since frozen basil loses its crisp texture.
 

2. Making Basil Butter

Basil butter is a delicious way to preserve a lot of basil and add instant flavor to any meal.
 
Blend softened butter with finely chopped basil, a pinch of salt, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
 
Roll the herb butter into a log using plastic wrap and chill or freeze it.
 
You can slice off a pat to melt over steak, corn on the cob, or fresh bread.
 
It’s a simple yet luxurious way to use a lot of basil.
 

Unexpected Uses for a Lot of Basil You Might Not Have Tried

Sometimes the best answer to what can you make with a lot of basil isn’t a recipe at all.
 
Basil can be used in homemade skincare, as a natural pest repellent, or added to your compost pile.
 
You can also make a basil salt by blending fresh leaves with coarse sea salt and letting it dry.
 
This basil salt is phenomenal for seasoning meats, roasted veggies, or rimming a cocktail glass.
 
Let’s think outside the kitchen for a few more quick ideas.
 

1. Basil Pesto Swirl Bread or Focaccia

If you have a lot of basil, making a pesto swirl bread is a fun baking project.
 
Prepare your favorite pizza dough or focaccia recipe, then roll it out and spread a thick layer of pesto.
 
Roll it up, slice it, and bake for gorgeous pesto rolls that are perfect for brunch.
 
This uses a good amount of basil and results in a stunning, crowd-pleasing dish.
 

2. Basil in Homemade Salad Dressings

Adding a lot of basil to your homemade salad dressing is a simple way to use it up.
 
Blend basil leaves with olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey for a vibrant vinaigrette.
 
This dressing is fantastic on a summer tomato salad or a grilled chicken salad.
 
You can easily make a big batch since you have a lot of basil.
 

So, What Can You Make With a Lot of Basil?

You can make an endless variety of dishes and pantry staples with a lot of basil, from pesto to infused syrups and beyond.
 
The key is to start with the classics like pesto and oil, then move to creative drinks, and finally preserve any leftovers.
 
Whether you’re freezing leaves or making basil butter, having a lot of basil is truly a gift.
 
We hope this guide has answered your question about what can you make with a lot of basil and given you inspiration for your harvest.
 
Now go enjoy that beautiful, fragrant basil in every possible way.