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Recipes » Recipe Round-Up: Basil!

Recipe Round-Up: Basil!

By Kate Morgan Jackson

Cheery, sweet-smelling fresh basil is a favorite summertime herb, and it’s not just for pesto! Here are ten recipes that work basil into appetizers, suppers and even a refreshing cocktail. Bring on the basil!

basil bouquet

Right about now, my kitchen herb barrels are brimming with parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme…and oregano and lavender and two different kinds of mint.

But the winner by a mile is the basil…I swear that it grows another 6 inches every night while I am asleep.

And while I am definitely happily guilty of snipping it off and popping it in vases all over the house, I am also working it into all kinds of recipes that are perfect for its sweet, aromatic leaves. Below are ten of our very faves (hello, my dearest strawberry basil margarita!) along with a few tips about this wonderful summertime herb.

So the next time you find yourself with an armload of basil (and after you whirl up that pesto we all love and still have leftovers!), give one of these a try. Or all ten!

And if you have any favorite basil recipes that we need to know about, leave them in the comments! Yay, basil!

Tips for cooking with basil!

What is basil, anyway?

Basil is a leafy green annual herb that loves to grow (and grow, and grow!) in sunny gardens, and here in the US it can be found in abundance from about June through August. Basil comes in over 60 varieties that range in flavor (cinnamon basil, anyone?) but the most common kind is sweet basil, which has a lovely sweet aroma and a very slightly peppery taste.

Where can I find fresh basil?

It’s hard to hide from it during the summer! You can find it at your local farmer’s market, and increasingly in the produce section of the supermarket all year long, sometimes with the roots still attached. Basil is a happy container plant, so you can even keep a pot of it on a sunny windowsill all year long.

What’s the best way to store basil?

Basil very much likes to be used within a day or so after it is picked. Snip off the ends of the stems and pop them in a jar of water, and if you are wanting to keep it around for a few days, place a plastic bag loosely around the leaves. I find that basil is much happier at room temperature – the cold fridge can tend to make the leaves turn dark brown. If you feel strongly about keeping it in the fridge, you can try picking off the leaves and laying them in between damp paper towels, again in a plastic bag.
basil plants

How do I prep basil for cooking?

Most recipes call for either picking off the smallest leaves and using them whole, or stacking the larger leaves up together, rolling them up and then cutting the leaves into thin strips – this is called chiffonading the basil, which is a fancy word for, well, slicing it into strips. One way or the other, you want to prepare your basil right before you are going to use it so it is nice and fresh, and toss out the stems – they are pretty bitter. Leaves only, please. :)

Now here come ten of our favorite ways to cook up some basil deliciousness!

TEN BASIL RECIPES WE LOVE!

Risotto with Tomato, Basil and Mozzarella
Creamy rice, sweet tomatoes and basil and fresh mozzarella are a match made in heaven with this easy recipe for risotto with tomato, basil and mozzarella!
Risotto with Tomato, Basil and Mozzarella
Creamy rice, sweet tomatoes and basil and fresh mozzarella are a match made in heaven with this easy recipe for risotto with tomato, basil and mozzarella!
Basil Ricotta Macaroni and Cheese
Move over cheddar cheese…the light and creamy ricotta is in town, and is just perfect for a summertime version of this favorite supper.
Basil Ricotta Macaroni and Cheese
Move over cheddar cheese…the light and creamy ricotta is in town, and is just perfect for a summertime version of this favorite supper.
Basil and Goat Cheese Skillet Souffle
This easy basil and goat cheese skillet souffle is easy, dependable, and totally delectable. It’s the perfect recipe to conquer your souffle fears!
Basil and Goat Cheese Skillet Souffle
This easy basil and goat cheese skillet souffle is easy, dependable, and totally delectable. It’s the perfect recipe to conquer your souffle fears!
One Pot Tomato Basil Pasta
What makes a one pot pasta supper even better? Basil, that’s what!
One Pot Tomato Basil Pasta
What makes a one pot pasta supper even better? Basil, that’s what!
Tomato Basil Cheese Towers
This recipe for tomato basil cheese towers is just as easy as it is dramatic. It’s the perfect summer appetizer or small dinner.
Tomato Basil Cheese Towers
This recipe for tomato basil cheese towers is just as easy as it is dramatic. It’s the perfect summer appetizer or small dinner.
Tortellini with Basil Cream Sauce
Tortellini meets alfredo sauce meets basil in this simple, elegant, creamy recipe for tortellini with basil cream sauce.
Tortellini with Basil Cream Sauce
Tortellini meets alfredo sauce meets basil in this simple, elegant, creamy recipe for tortellini with basil cream sauce.
Tomato Basil Chicken Milanese
This simple recipe for tomato basil Milanese swaps out the traditional veal for tender chicken and uses fresh summer cherry tomatoes and basil for a flavorful topping.
Tomato Basil Chicken Milanese
This simple recipe for tomato basil Milanese swaps out the traditional veal for tender chicken and uses fresh summer cherry tomatoes and basil for a flavorful topping.
Strawberry Basil Margarita
This easy recipe for a strawberry basil margarita puts some fun summer flavors into your favorite cocktail. Grab your cocktail shaker and say cheers!
Strawberry Basil Margarita
This easy recipe for a strawberry basil margarita puts some fun summer flavors into your favorite cocktail. Grab your cocktail shaker and say cheers!
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Kate Morgan Jackson

Hi there!  I’m Kate, and I’m a recipe writer, food photographer and devoted bacon lover.  I started Framed Cooks in 2009, and my mission is to create and share family-friendly recipes that make cooking both easy and fun…yes, I said FUN!  My kitchen is my happy place, and I want yours to be that place too.  And if you make this recipe, I would love you to tag @FramedCooks on Instagram so I can see the deliciousness!as seen in logos

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Published on July 14, 2021

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Hi, I’m Kate! I’m a recipe writer, food photographer and devoted bacon lover. I’m so glad you’re here!

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