Our basil plant is growing well at the moment and we have an abundance of extra leaves. As we are now in mid autumn, we want to preserve some basil so we have some on hand during the winter months. We love the flavour of basil and it is especially good when added to pasta, salads, fish or lamb dishes. One way to preserve basil is to make basil butter. Quick and delicious!
Basil butter, and other herb butters are great when added to freshly baked bread, or added to steamed vegetables or fish to create an instant sauce. The flavour of the basil is contained in the butter and it is great way to preserve excess fresh herbs.
Basil butter will keep stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 months, or in the freezer for up to 6 months. If you are storing it in the freezer, pop the rolled log of butter wrapped in baking paper into a freezer bag and get rid of the excess air.
- 125 g salt reduced butter (1 stick), softened
- 2 tablespoons of finely chopped basil
- In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter with the chopped basil until well combined.
- Place half the basil butter onto a piece of baking paper (baking parchment) and shape into a log. Wrap well in the baking paper and tie ends with twine.
- Store in fridge or freezer until needed.
Other methods of preserving basil include: making pesto sauce or freezing fresh basil.
If you are interested in preserving other herbs, check out how to freeze mint and chives.
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Oh yum! We have an excess of basil too so I think I’ll make some of this! Thanks!
It is so quick and easy Bek. Great to have on hand when you want to add some instant flavour to fish or vege.
Genius idea! Looking at that basil butter makes me wanna grab some basil pasta. So delicious!
Basil is one of our favourite herbs too Nicole! Our plant is going crazy.
Sounds great. We have lots of basil as well. Thanks
We used it on some herb bread last night and it was delicious!
Thanks a lot for this recipe.I made your basil butter yesterday with fresh baked bread.Yummy.
Greetings from Germany
Hi Stepanie – Glad you enjoyed the butter on your freshly baked bread. Love the flavour of basil.