Basil recipes : 20+ Delicious Ways to Use Fresh Basil
Basil is one of the most rewarding herbs to grow and cook with. Whether you’ve harvested a handful of leaves from a windowsill plant or have a garden overflowing with basil, there are countless ways to use this versatile herb in everyday cooking.
The secret many home cooks don’t realise is that different basil varieties have completely different flavours.
- Classic Genovese basil is perfect for pesto and Italian recipes, whilst
- Thai basil brings a liquorice-like flavour to Asian dishes.
- Lemon basil adds a fresh citrus note to salads and fish, and
- Cinnamon basil works surprisingly well in drinks and desserts.
After growing and cooking with many different basil varieties over the years, I’ve found that choosing the right type of basil can completely transform a recipe.
In this guide you’ll find:
- The best basil recipes to try
- Which basil varieties work best for different dishes
- Ideas for using large basil harvests
- Tips for storing and preserving basil
- Links to detailed recipes and cooking guides
Quick Navigation
Popular Basil Recipe Categories
- Italian Basil Recipes
- Thai Basil Recipes
- Basil Pesto Recipes
- Soups and Sauces
- Drinks and Cocktails
- Ways to Use Lots of Basil
- Basil Storage and Preservation
The Different Types of Basil for Cooking
Not all basil tastes the same. Understanding the differences helps you choose the right variety for each recipe.
| Basil Variety | Flavour | Best Uses | Example Recipes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Genovese Basil | Sweet, classic basil flavour | Pesto, pasta, pizza, soups | Genovese basil recipes |
| Thai Basil | Aniseed and liquorice notes | Curries, stir fries, sauces | Thai Basil recipes |
| Lemon Basil | Bright citrus flavour | Fish, salads, drinks | Lemon Basil recipes |
| Cinnamon Basil | Warm spicy flavour | Teas, cocktails, desserts | Cinnamon Basil recipes |
| Holy (Tulasi) | Peppery | Thai stir‑fries | Coming soon |
| Lettuce Leaf Basil | Mild and sweet | Sandwiches, salads | Lettuce leaf basil recipes |
| Minette Basil | Compact plant with rich flavour | Pasta, pizza, tomato dishes | Minette Basil recipes |
| Red Rubin Basil | Strong basil flavour | Salads, cocktails, garnishes | Coming soon |
If you’re unsure which variety to grow, Genovese basil remains the most versatile choice for everyday cooking.
Italian Basil Recipes
Traditional sweet basil is a cornerstone of Italian cooking. Its sweet flavour pairs particularly well with tomatoes, olive oil, garlic and cheese.
Basil Pesto
Perhaps the world’s most famous basil recipe.
Fresh basil leaves blended with olive oil, cheese, garlic and nuts create a sauce that can be used on:
- Pasta
- Pizza
- Sandwiches
- Roasted vegetables
- Salads
Recommended recipes:
Tomato and Basil Soup
One of the simplest and most satisfying combinations in cooking.
Fresh basil enhances the natural sweetness of tomatoes and creates a classic soup suitable for every season. Step by step recipe
For details have a look at the tomato and basil soup recipe
Pasta Dishes
Basil works particularly well with:
- Tomato-based sauces
- Parma ham
- Meatballs
- Mozzarella
- Parmesan
Try:
Thai Basil Recipes
Thai basil has a completely different flavour profile from sweet basil.
Its distinctive liquorice and aniseed notes make it ideal for Southeast Asian cooking.
Typical example recipes are:
Easy Thai Basil Chicken
A quick weeknight favourite that showcases the unique flavour of Thai basil.
The herb holds its flavour well during cooking and creates a rich aromatic finish.
For details have a look at the Easy Thai basil chicken recipe
Thai Basil Red Curry
Thai basil adds freshness and depth to rich coconut-based curries.
Its flavour cuts through spicy and creamy ingredients beautifully. Step by step cooking advice at the Thai basil red curry recipe
Thai Basil Coconut Chicken Curry
A comforting recipe that balances aromatic herbs with coconut milk and warming spices.
Full Thai basil coconut chicken curry recipe
Thai Basil Sauce
A versatile sauce that can be used for:
- Stir fries
- Noodles
- Rice dishes
- Dipping sauces
Basil Drinks and Cocktails
Many gardeners focus solely on savoury dishes, but basil works surprisingly well in drinks.
Thai Basil Tea
A refreshing herbal tea that is easy to prepare and ideal for using surplus leaves. Details at Thai basil tea recipe
Cinnamon Basil Iced Tea
Cinnamon basil brings warm, spicy notes that work beautifully in cold drinks. Details at Cinnamon Basil Iced tea recipe
Strawberry and Basil Drinks
Popular combinations include:
The sweetness of strawberries balances the herbal flavour perfectly.
What to Do With Lots of Basil
One of the most common questions gardeners ask is:
“What can I do with all this basil?”
If your plants are producing faster than you can cook with them, here are some practical solutions.
1. Make Pesto
Pesto is one of the most efficient ways to use large quantities of leaves. Advice on the Basil pesto recipe
2. Freeze Basil
Freezing preserves flavour far better than drying for many recipes.
3. Make Basil Cubes
Basil cubes can be dropped straight into soups, sauces and pasta dishes. How to make basil cubes
4. Prepare Herb Butter
Mix chopped basil into softened butter and freeze for later use.
5. Blend Into Dressings
Basil makes an excellent addition to homemade salad dressings.
6. Add to Soups
Fresh basil lifts tomato and vegetable soups.
7. Infuse Oils
Basil-infused oils can add flavour to many dishes.
8. Make Herbal Teas
Thai basil and cinnamon basil both work particularly well.
9. Use in Cocktails
Fresh basil pairs well with citrus fruits and berries.
10. Share Plants and Cuttings
Basil is easy to propagate and makes a great gift for fellow gardeners.
How to Store Fresh Basil
To get the maximum flavour from basil:
Short-Term Storage
- Keep stems in a glass of water.
- Store at room temperature.
- Avoid refrigeration when possible.
Freezing Basil
Freezing is often the best preservation method.
Frozen basil works particularly well in:
- Sauces
- Soups
- Curries
- Pesto
Drying Basil
Drying is convenient but produces a milder flavour than fresh or frozen basil.
Growing Basil for Cooking
One of the biggest advantages of growing basil yourself is the ability to experiment with different flavours that are rarely available in supermarkets.
For cooking, consider growing:
- Genovese basil for Italian dishes
- Thai basil for Asian recipes
- Lemon basil for fish, salads and drinks
- Cinnamon basil for teas and cocktails
Most basil varieties grow easily in pots, raised beds and greenhouse environments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best basil for pesto?
Genovese basil is generally considered the best choice for traditional pesto because of its sweet flavour and tender leaves.
Can Thai basil be used instead of sweet basil?
Yes, but the flavour will be noticeably different. Thai basil has stronger liquorice and aniseed notes.
What can I do with too much basil?
Pesto, basil cubes, freezing, herbal teas and infused oils are all excellent ways to use surplus basil.
Should basil be cooked or eaten fresh?
Both methods work. Sweet basil is often added fresh, whilst Thai basil is commonly cooked in curries and stir fries.
Can basil be frozen?
Yes. Freezing is one of the most effective ways to preserve basil while retaining flavour.
More Basil Guides
If you’d like to learn more about growing and cooking with basil, explore:
- Types of Basil and How to Grow Them
- Best Basil Varieties for Cooking
- What to Do With Lots of Basil
- Basil Recipe Questions and Answers
- Complete Guide to Growing Basil
Quick links
- Basil recipe questions & answers for home cooks
- 10 ideas of what to do with lots of basil
- The best basil types to grow for cooking
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