Easy step by step instructions on how to dry basil in the oven. This method quickly dries basil leaves in 45 minutes.
What to do with lots of basil?
If you have a garden you’ve probably encountered basil overload before. It’s the problem when you have just a couple basil plants but suddenly it’s mid Summer and they’re producing with a unstoppable momentum! It starts with a few basil leaves and suddenly you’re picking basil by the basket!
Don’t worry though, one way to solve basil overload is by drying the basil. This way you’re preserving your basil (and all the hard work that went into it) and will be able to enjoy basil for months (or years) afterwards.
I specifically grow basil to dry it. Sure, I use it fresh on dishes (like lasagna and tomato mozzarella salad!), but I use dried basil while cooking a few times a week, and it’s always a nice feeling adding dried basil when I know it came from the garden!
From Fresh Basil to Dried is easy!
Drying herbs is easy. Once you dry herbs for the first time, you’ll want to dry all the herbs! This method is similar to drying oregano and drying mint techniques. Here’s a how to video made I to show you how easy it is to do!
Often people recommend hanging herbs to dry naturally, but we have limited space in NYC so I don’t have that luxury. Also between us, I’m extremely impatient so I love this quick drying method!
How To Dry Basil Leaves In the Oven
Make sure your basil is washed and completely dry. I wash the entire plant and dry mine overnight on a towel (another reason why I have so many flour sack towels!).
Preheat oven to 170 degrees. If your oven’s lowest temperature is 175 or 180, that’s fine.
Place basil leaves on a baking sheet, making sure the leaves don’t overlap. Depending on the amount of basil you have, you might need a few baking sheets.
Bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until basil leaves are dried and can easily crumble. Mine took 50 minutes.
Remove basil from oven and crumble in bowl. The basil should easily crumble upon touching. I like to fill the bowl up with as many basil leaves I can fit in and then crumble with my fingers. You could also use a mortar and pestle.
Store dried basil in jar for storage. I like to reuse spice jars I get from the store. If properly stored dried basil will last 1-2 years.
I hope you’ll find this method easy to dry your basil! Enjoy!
Do you wash basil before drying?
Yes, you should wash basil before drying. This will be the time to remove any dirt or critters (hey it happens) on your basil leaves before drying it. The most important part is that the basil should be completely dry before we put it in the oven. I recommend washing it and letting it dry overnight on a towel.
Pin for later:
How to Dry Basil in the Oven
PrintIngredients
- basil
Instructions
- Make sure your basil is washed and completely dry. I wash the entire plant and dry mine overnight on a towel.
- Preheat oven to 170 degrees. If your oven’s lowest temperature is 175 or 180, that’s fine.
- Place basil leaves on a baking sheet, making sure the leaves don’t overlap. Depending on the amount of basil you have, you might need a few baking sheets.
- Bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until basil leaves are dried and can easily crumble. Mine took 50 minutes.
- Remove basil from oven and crumble in bowl. The basil should easily crumble upon touching. I like to fill the bowl up with as many basil leaves I can fit in and then crumble with my fingers. You could also use a mortar and pestle.
- Store dried basil in jar for storage. I like to reuse spice jars I get from the store. If properly stored dried basil will last 1-2 years.
Richard Richardson says
I put my basil in a bag and that dries it out real good.if you can wait.
Gillian says
This recipe was so easy, thanks! I put the oven at 17 and it only took about 45 minutes. I then left it in the oven with the door open a bit longer. I was thinking I could always add to salt crystals, as I have seen more of that lately where can get salt crystals with herbs in them.
Gillian says
Make that 170- not 17 ha-ha
Ann says
Did you try this with 76°C? If so, did it work?
Bridgette says
How easy is this!!! And the best part is I grew it! I put it in pretty little jars. I hosted a luncheon and gave my dried basil as little gifts! What a hit this was!!!!
Sion says
I assume those 170 degree is in Fahrenheit?
That is equal to 76 degree Celsius.
It is very important to explain what type of units you use.
Leslie says
This worked great for me and the instructions are clear. Seeing that the name of the site is Brooklyn Farm Girl and the article states NYC, Fahrenheit was obvious.
Lori says
So simple! I’ve used your technique a couple of times now, thank you for pinning it 🙂 Can’t wait to try some of your recipes.