24 Recipes on How to Use Basil in Cooking

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How can Basil be used in cooking?

Basil can be used at the end of the cooking process. It will wilt and the flavor deteriorates as it gets heated; therefore, adding it at the end will give your dish the most flavor possible.

How to Cook Basil Leaves?

It depends what you’re making. If you’re including it in a pasta dish, you can cut it into strips, then add them in at the end. When you’re making pesto and Vietnamese wraps, use the whole leaf.

how to use basil in pasta dishes

Can you eat a basil leaf raw?

Yes. Basil can be consumed raw on appetizers like crostinis and bruschetta.

24 ways to use up Basil:

  • Pesto
  • Margherita pizza
  • Pizza sauce
  • Garlic and cherry tomato pasta
  • Vietnamese wraps
  • Flatbread
  • Bruschetta
  • Crostini appetizers
  • Tomato pasta sauce
  • Lemon basil pasta salad
  • Thai basil chicken stir fry
  • Basil infused oil for dipping bread
  • Garlic basil shrimp
  • Roasted tomato basil soup
  • Strawberry basil lemonade
  • Lemon basil vinaigrette
  • Honey lemon basil chicken
  • Thai basil fried rice
  • Tomato basil salad
  • Garlic basil aioli
  • Tuscan chicken
  • Caprese salad
  • Lemon basil sugar cookies
  • Thai basil ice cream

Does basil need to be washed?

Yes. Just like all produce you bring home from the grocery store, you should wash it thoroughly and dry before using.

freshly baked margherita flatbread

What is Basil best used for?

Basil is best used for making pesto, pizza sauce, and margherita pizza.

What does Basil go with?

Basil goes best with tomatoes, olive oil, mozzarella cheese. Frequently it’s used in Italian cooking which will give you a good clue as to what it goes well with.

pesto in food processor